SINGAPORE - All Covid-19 relief schemes under The Courage Fund were closed on Tuesday (May 24) by the Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF) and National Council of Social Service (NCSS).

The schemes have benefited close to 30,000 people affected by the coronavirus since these were set up in February 2020, with $9.9 million disbursed as at May 12, out of a total of $18.5 million raised.

Q: What are the Covid-19 relief schemes under The Courage Fund that are closed?

A: Relief of up to $30,000 for dependants of healthcare workers who died after contracting Covid-19 at work.

- Education grant for children of healthcare workers, front-line workers and community volunteers who died after contracting Covid-19 at work. The grant will cover their educational and living expenses in Singapore up to the tertiary level.

- Relief of $5,000 for Covid-19 patient-fronting healthcare workers who contract Covid-19 at work.

- Appreciation scheme of up to $20,000 per organisation, capped at $100 per employee, for front-line social service and healthcare workers for personal sacrifices made in Covid-19 fight.

- Relief of up to $1,000 for lower-income households directly affected by Covid-19.

Q: Why did these schemes close?

A: The closure comes with the extensive easing of community measures from April 26 as the Covid-19 situation has further stabilised, MSF said.

Q: Who can still apply for the schemes?

A: Those who had been certified as Covid-19-positive before May 24 this year can still apply for assistance. Apply by Nov 24 for relief for lower-income households directly affected by Covid-19, and apply by July 24 for the other schemes. Contact via this e-mail or call 6210-2679 to apply.

Q: Can those who had Covid-19 on May 24 apply for The Courage Fund?

A: No.

Q: How long does it take to receive aid?

A: Eligible individuals applying for The Courage Fund scheme for lower-income households affected by Covid-19 can receive the funds within two to three weeks upon submitting the necessary information and documents.

Application for other Courage Fund schemes, which require organisational endorsement, may take up to four months for MSF and NCSS to verify details with the respective organisations.

Q: Will the schemes be reopened if the Covid-19 situation here worsens again?

A: The Courage Fund has about $8.6 million remaining in funds that would be mostly drawn down once all eligible applications have been processed, said MSF. Any unutilised funds will be kept in reserve to provide support should there be widespread infectious diseases in future, it added.

Q: Where can those who still need financial assistance get help?

A: Apply for the Covid-19 Recovery Grant if you have experienced involuntary job loss, involuntary no-pay leave or significant income loss; or ComCare if you require assistance with basic living expenses, said MSF and NCSS.

You can call the ComCare hotline on 1800-222-0000 or approach Social Service Offices for help.