REVIEW OF INCOME ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA FOR MONTHLY SCHOOL
BUS SUBSIDIES FOR PRIMARY SCHOOL STUDENTS
Arising from feedback that I received from low income families, I filed a parliamentary question (“PQ”) asking MOE to review the income eligibility of families to obtain school bus subsidies on 15 Aug 2022. 9 days later, MOE, on 24 Aug 2022, announced an increase in school bus subsidy support from 60% to 65% wef January 2023. No doubt, the families who are eligible will find this increased subsidy helpful. My PQ and Minister Chan Chun Sing’s reply may be accessed below.
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Mr Murali Pillai asked the Minister for Education whether the Ministry will consider enhancing the income eligibility criteria for monthly school bus subsidies for primary school students to help more low-income families, particularly those children who have been balloted out under the Primary 1 registration exercise of schools located within walking distance from their respective homes.
Mr Chan Chun Sing: The MOE Financial Assistance Scheme (FAS) provides financial support for Singapore Citizen (SC) students from lower income families in our government and government-aided schools. This includes school bus subsidies for those in primary school. These are available to all primary school FAS students.
As announced on 24 August 2022, MOE will increase school bus subsidies for primary school FAS students, from 60% to 65% of school bus fees. This enhancement, together with other MOE FAS enhancements, will take effect from January 2023. Households who need additional support for school bus transport or other education-related expenses, including those who have exceeded the MOE FAS income eligibility criteria, can approach schools for school-based assistance.
