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SINGAPORE – The second batch of $ 150 grocery vouchers to help less well-off Singaporeans living in one- and two-bedroom apartments from the Housing Board will be delivered over the next four Saturdays, starting December 12, this time directly to beneficiaries’ homes.
This comes after approximately 229 sets from the previous batch of coupons were stolen from mailboxes, some damaged or unlocked.
The Ministry of Finance (MOF) said the modified delivery method should “better balance safety, security and convenience for recipients.”
For those not home after SingPost agents attempt to deliver it twice, recipients will be notified to pick up their coupons at a specific post office within 10 business days.
The grocery vouchers were announced by Deputy Prime Minister Heng Swee Keat earlier in the year during the budget presentation.
Approximately 150,000 eligible beneficiaries, Singaporeans 21 and older living in one- and two-bedroom apartments, and who own no more than one property, will receive $ 300 each this year and another $ 100 in October next year.
The first $ 150 was already delivered in a fiscal year in October.
Heng said some beneficiaries have shared how the vouchers have made a difference for them and he hopes this second set of vouchers will similarly help households meet their expenses.
“During this challenging period, we know that household expenses may be weighing on the minds of the less well-off families among us,” said Heng, who is also the Coordinating Minister for Economic Policy and Minister of Finance.
“We had previously disbursed the first tranche of the grocery coupons in October, which helped defray the household expenses of the beneficiaries. I hope the second round of coupons will provide additional assistance.”
As of October 28, 55 people had been arrested for stealing the shopping vouchers.
Second Finance Minister Indranee Rajah said in Parliament that digital coupons had been ruled out as recipients may not own a smartphone, have a mobile data plan or have the digital knowledge.
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