A guide to PMA subsidy programmes in Singapore for seniors and persons with disabilities
In recent years, there has been an increasing demand for motorised electric wheelchairs and elderly mobility scooters in Singapore due to the ageing population. As the prices of PMAs typically range between $1000 to $3000, Singapore has come up with several initiatives that can assist eligible low-income seniors and people with disabilities in purchasing LTA-approved PMAs.
Initiatives such as the Assistive Technology Fund (ATF) and the Seniors’ Mobility and Enabling Fund (SMF) play a role in supporting these groups of users. These funds not only provide subsidies for assistive devices, they also enhance the users’ independence and quality of life. Mobot is currently working with physiotherapists to help these users find out which motorised electric wheelchairs or mobility scooters are suitable for them.
Watch this video for a summary of these two funds:
Assistive Technology Fund (ATF)
The ATF aims to provide subsidies for people with disabilities (PWDs) to acquire assistive technology devices. Successful applicants qualify for a means-tested subsidy of up to 90% of the cost of the required equipment, subject to a lifetime cap of $40,000. The Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF) oversees the ATF and ensures that the application process, eligibility criteria and subsidy disbursement operates smoothly.
A summary of the eligibility criteria are as follows:
- Be a Singaporean Citizen or Permanent Resident
- Household gross monthly income per person of $2000
- Assessed by qualified assessor to determine the need and type of device that you require
- Certified to have a permanent disability of any one of the following:
- Physical disability
- Visual impairment
- Hearing impairment
- Intellectual disability
- Autism
- Applicants must complete the Means-Test Declaration Form (1)
Here are several ways to apply for the ATF:
- Through a therapist or social worker from Public Hospitals and Social Service agencies to assess and assist you to submit ATF
- If you are not under the care of Public Hospitals or Social Service Agencies, you can contact [email protected] for referral
Source: Ministry of Social and Family Development
Note 1: But if the applicant have a valid means-test results within the past two years applicants do not submit the Means-Test Declaration Form
Seniors’ Mobility and Enabling Fund (SMF)
The SMF is dedicated to supporting seniors in the community who require assistive devices for daily independent living. (2) Applicants may obtain subsidies of up to 90% of the cost of the mobility aid or 90% of the maximum device subsidy cap, whichever is lower. The Agency of Integrated Care (AIC) is the organisation supporting individuals in need of care, particularly seniors and provides a range of services like the SMF to enhance the well-being for those requiring care.
A summary of the eligibility criteria are as follows:
- Be a Singaporean Citizen aged 60 and above
- Have a monthly household income per person less than or equal to $2000 OR an annual value of residence of $21000 or below for households with no income (3)
- Pass means-test
- Either be a first time SMF applicant for the device category or if you have previously applied for the devices from SMF you have met the applicable black-out period.
- Assessed by a qualified assessor to determine the type of device you require
- Must not be in a nursing home or sheltered home
Source: homage.sg
Here are several ways to apply for SMF:
- Through a therapist or social worker at the hospital, rehabilitation centre or senior care centre where you are receiving care from
- Submitting your application online at this link
- Application must be submitted using Senior’s Singpass account
- Strongly recommended to apply online as there is a shorter waiting time for approval
- Mailing the completed application form for assistive device or mobility device and supporting documents to Seniors’ Mobility and Enabling Fund SMF, No. Maxwell Road #04-01, MND Complex Annex B, Singapore 069111
- You will need to provide copies of Applicant’s NRIC (front and back)
- Copies of medical reports, if available
- Copies of financial assistance documents, if available
Note 2: Seniors will be served under one scheme throughout their lifetime, if the individual has tapped on ATF before the age of 60, they will continue to be served by ATF throughout their lifetime.
Note 3: This situation could arise for instance, in the case of an elderly retired couple whose children have moved out into homes of their own.
The SMF and ATF are invaluable in enhancing the quality of life for seniors and persons with disabilities in Singapore. By providing subsidies for assistive devices, these programs promote independence for individuals who need them, Eligible individuals are encouraged to explore these funds and utilise the support available to them.
Getting Subsidies for MOBOT PMAs
Applicants looking to purchase MOBOT PMAs should inform their therapists or social workers about the PMA models they are interested in. Applicants will then go through the assessment process, where an assessor will determine the suitability of the device. Click here to browse through MOBOT’s LTA-approved PMAs.
About MOBOT
MOBOT pride ourselves as the leader in the personal mobility devices (PMD) industry. We are the largest retailer and distributor of foldable bicycles, LTA-approved e-Bikes, LTA-compliant PMAs, mobility scooters and electric wheelchairs in Singapore.
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