DBS commits $30m to ComLink+ schemes to help low-income families

DBS Foundation will contribute $30 million over three years to fund two initiatives that will help encourage low-income families to prioritise pre-school education and save up to buy their own home.

- David Sun Correspondent

On Dec 9, the foundation said it is partnering the Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF) to fund two of the four ComLink+ support packages that were announced on Nov 20.

Around 8,500 children and 1,400 families are expected to benefit from the two packages each year.

ComLink+ is part of the national drive to reduce income inequality and boost social mobility under the Forward Singapore report, and is being trialled for a period of three years. The scheme builds on the existing ComLink programme that started in 2019, providing support for low-income families with children living in Housing Board rental flats.

As part of the ComLink+ Preschool Education package, families under the scheme who ensure their child is enrolled in pre-school in the year he or she turns three years old will receive a oneoff $500 top-up in the Child Development Account.

The families will also receive a $200 top-up to the account for every quarter of good school attendance.