What Does Community Support Mean in Singapore?

In Singapore, community means more than just living in the same place. It's about people coming together, sharing experiences, and supporting each other. This can be emotional, offering encouragement and a sense of belonging, or practical, like providing financial assistance when it's needed most. This is when the NTUC-U Care Fund steps in. They offer vital help to vulnerable members of our community, especially lower-income workers and their families, who are facing hardship. By working together, we can build a stronger, more inclusive and supportive Singapore for everyone. 

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Challenges Faced by Families in Singapore

Some families, especially lower-income families, continue to face challenges such as the rising cost of living and affording daily necessities. 

According to the Household Expenditure Survey 2023, average monthly household expenditure increased by 2.8% per annum between 2017/18 and 2023, from $5,163 to $5,931. This means households are spending more on everyday expenses. Many families continue to struggle with:

• Education expenses, including school fees and tuition.
• Daily expenses like groceries, transportation, and healthcare.

As highlighted in a study by the 2023 Institute of Policy Studies, working families also struggle to handle unexpected events like job loss or medical emergencies, which can easily push them into crisis. These families need social support and welfare assistance to weather difficult times.

How NTUC-U Care Fund Supports the Community

The NTUC-U Care Fund is a pillar of support for lower-income union members and their families facing hardship. Through various programmes, the Fund provides crucial assistance. One such assistance is the Hardship Grant, which offers financial relief to union members experiencing unexpected setbacks like illness or disability. It helps them cover essential expenses such as:

• Daily necessities: Groceries, transport, and utilities.
• Medical expenses: Treatment and medication costs.
• Children's education: School fees and related expenses.

To be eligible for the Hardship Grant, NTUC union members must meet the following criteria:

• Gross Monthly Household Income: $1,800 and below; or Per Capita Income of $500 and below if gross household income exceeds $1,800.
• Union Membership: Minimum of 6 months of continuous paid-up union membership at the point of application.

These criteria ensure that the grant reaches those who need it most. The grant enables families to stay afloat while they regain stability.

In addition to the Hardship Grant, the NTUC-U Care Fund offers other support programmes such as:

• Special Assistance: Helping families cope with the rising cost of living
• U Stretch vouchers: Helping families cope with the cost of daily necessities.
• Back to School vouchers: Easing the financial burden of school expenses for their children.
• Education Awards: Providing bursaries and scholarships to support their children's education.
• Family Recreation packages: Offering opportunities for families to spend quality time together and create positive memories.

Importantly, 100% of all donations to the NTUC-U Care Fund go directly to beneficiaries, ensuring that your generosity creates the maximum impact.

The Role of Support Networks in Building Resilience

Strong communities rely on support networks that provide help and a sense of belonging. Collective giving, where many contribute what they can, is key. Small donations add up to make a big difference for families in need.

Here's how donations to the NTUC-U Care Fund can make a difference:

• Emergency relief: Covering urgent needs like groceries.
• Education: Funding bursaries and scholarships so children can keep learning.
• School Needs: Supporting children’s education needs like school supplies.
• Stability: Providing resources for families to get back on their feet.

By supporting the NTUC-U Care Fund, you help build a more resilient community.

How You Can Contribute to Community Support in Singapore

Ready to make a difference? Contributing to community support in Singapore is easy and secure through Giving.sg, a trusted online platform for donating to charities. To support the NTUC-U Care Fund, simply visit their Giving.sg page.

Here's how it works:

1. Choose your donation amount: Select the amount you wish to contribute.
2. Select your payment method: Giving.sg offers various payment options for your convenience.
3. Complete your donation: Follow the simple instructions to finalise your contribution.

And that's it! You'll receive a confirmation of your donation, and you can rest assured that your contribution makes a real difference in the lives of those in need. Plus, eligible donations to the NTUC-U Care Fund are tax-deductible, so you can enjoy tax benefits while supporting a worthy cause.

Why Supporting NTUC-U Care Fund Matters

Supporting the NTUC-U Care Fund means making a real difference. Your NTUC donation directly helps families in need by providing financial relief for essentials like food and education. This eases their burdens and allows them to focus on building a better future. By joining hands with NTUC-U Care Fund, every contribution helps create a stronger, more caring community. Donate to charity today and be a part of positive change.

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