Labour Movement Revises Income Criteria For Voucher Programmes To Reach Out To More Low-Income Members

11,000 more beneficiaries stand to benefit from U Stretch and Back to School vouchers.

At the launch of the first run of Family Recreation & Fun (FRF) Carnival 2015 on 31 May 2015, the Labour Movement reaffirms its commitment to the welfare of its low-income union members as it revises the income criteria for the voucher programmes under NTUC-U Care Fund – U Stretch and U Care Back to School, to benefit more low-income members and their children. 

The income criteria for the U Stretch and Back to School voucher programmes will be increased to $3,000 from $2,800 in gross household income (or $750 from $725 per capita income) for members with dependents in the same household. For members without dependants staying in same household in Singapore, the income ceiling for U Stretch voucher programme is adjusted upwards to $1450 from $1,400 in gross personal income.

Mr Zainal Bin Sapari, Assistant Secretary-General and Director, Care and Share Department, NTUC, said, “It is important that the assistance provided by the Labour Movement towards its low-income members remain relevant and that we are able to reach out to as many of them as possible. As a Labour Movement that cares for our members in aspects of work, live and play, the U Care Fund assistance programmes are amongst some of the many ways we support those who might need a little extra help. With the higher income criteria for the voucher programmes, it would allow us to extend help to more families so that they can all cope a little better with the help of the vouchers.”

With the revision in the income criteria, some 11,000 more beneficiaries are expected to benefit from the two voucher programmes as compared to a total of 50,000 last year. Joint application for both programmes will open on 15 June 2015. More details will be shared closer to the date.

$10.5 Million Target for NTUC-U Care Fund

The launch of the FRF Carnival 2015 also signifies the start of the Labour Movement’s fundraising efforts to provide assistance to its low-income members.This year, the Labour Movement targets to raise $10.5 million for U Care Fund.

There will be a total of five runs of FRF Carnivals which amount to a $1.5 million sponsorship value. Organised by NTUC Club, the FRF Carnival provides a good head start towards this year’s fundraising target.

Contributions to U Care Fund will be used to provide relief for low-income union members and their families through assistance programmes like U Stretch vouchers, Back to School vouchers and the U Care Education Co-Funding scheme. Donations will also be made to the Eldercare Trust and Bright Horizons Fund to support needy seniors and children respectively.

FRF Carnivals to Benefit 40,000 Lower-Income Union Members and Families

The first run of the FRF Carnival is launched by Special Guest Chan Chun Sing, Secretary-General, NTUC, with some 9,000 low-income union members and their families at Downtown East. At the launch, Mr Chan and union members and their families will participate in a mass family activity where they will design special blocks signifying “families as the building blocks of our nation”. The blocks will be put together to form a Singapore map in celebration of SG50. 

“Every year, NTUC Club opens our doors and puts together exciting programmes and games at the five Family Recreation & Fun Carnivals. This is our way to show support for our lower-income members and their families and to the NTUC-U Care Fund, by providing a day for our members to spend time with their families, to play and relax, while promoting a greater work-life balance and better well-being. As we celebrate Singapore’s 50th birthday this year, we hope that the carnivals also remind our members of the importance of having families as foundation,” said Mr Yeo Khee Leng, Chief Executive Officer, NTUC Club.

Four other runs of the FRF Carnivals will be held on 14 June, 5 July, 22 November and 20 December. The five funs of the FRF Carnivals would benefit about 40,000 low-income union members and their families in total. Each family of four will receive a recreation package worth $150 comprising free admission tickets to the Wild Wild Wet water park, food & beverage vouchers, free playtime at eXplorerkid, free bowling games, unlimited play of carnival games and activities and lucky draw at Downtown East. 

Mdm Neo, a union member for eight years said, “My family has been attending the FRF carnivals for the last six years. Every year, my children will ask when they will get to go Downtown East again. Both my husband and I have to work, so it is seldom that our whole family gets to enjoy a full day together. I’m really grateful to U Care Fund for this opportunity every year.”