How much help is enough? A hypothetical example

The Government is sometimes accused of not helping enough. Is that true? 

By way of illustration, let's take the hypothetical example of Mr Sng, a senior citizen in our midst who is 66, unable to work and lives alone in a one-room rental flat with little or no financial support. 

Given his circumstances, Mr Sng would be on the public assistance scheme receiving $500 monthly allowance. He would also receive in total $3000 a year in Silver support. 

In addition he would also receive GST Voucher (cash, U-save and Medisave). He also receives free medical treatment in all public hospitals and polyclinics. 

Taken together, these schemes provide Mr Sng with an annual financial assistance of at least $10k. 

That's $10k to help one person. 

So how much help is enough help? There is a limit to how much the Government can give to help every needy person. 

How much help needy people can receive also depend on the generosity of Singaporeans, how much tax Singaporeans are willing to pay to fund social welfare. 

So while it is easy to criticize or call for more help, let's also put our money where our mouth is. 

The community can also do their part to COMPLEMENT what the Government is doing by chipping in to help in whatever way we can. 

Sadly though, there are some who will help and at the same time, make use of the circumstances of the needy to throw stones at government agencies for 'not helping'. 

If the common interest and primary goal is the well-being of the needy elderly, then it is possible to work with social welfare agencies to improve the quality of life of the elderly instead of throwing stones.