CDC vouchers spark debate: Is it fair for a household of five to get the same as a family of two?

Ethel Tseng

This was before the announcement that the one-off SG60 vouchers - meant to recognise all Singaporeans' contributions in the nation's 60th year of independence - would be given to individuals in July.

These vouchers are also usable at all CDC voucher-accepting merchants.

Netizens express scepticism

"Imagine if a household has 5 people living in one address. This household is taking up less 'space' and yet they are being 'punished' because they get less voucher support per capita," wrote Dizzy_Boysenberry499.

Redditor Auph agreed: "We vote as individuals, not by households. CDC vouchers should also be given to individuals, not by households. It doesn't make sense when $500 is shared among five house members vs $500 shared by a married couple."

Some users went further, suggesting that wealthier households should receive less, and that financial assistance should be more targeted.

"People that are doing well actually don't need it as much as the less well off," commented Redditor Ok_Set4063.

Netizen CommieBird agreed: "This can't be emphasised enough. I'm okay with the principle of distributing vouchers and GST relief to those who need it the most.

"Eventually the tax revenue has to come from somewhere, and the government shouldn't be building a society reliant on handouts."

Questions were also raised about the long-term sustainability of the scheme.

Some view it as a symptomatic response to the larger issue of rising costs of living, without actively preventing costs from skyrocketing further.

Netizen ZaroPauper asked: "How sustainable is this voucher handout scheme that's touted to be a long-term plan?"

"These vouchers are a band aid and lack proper targeting mechanisms," added Redditor ceddya.

"No one's saying we should rush it, but I don't see why we can't have more discussion around other ways, like wealth taxes or making our income tax more progressive, to address the funding gap."

Responsive measures are timely and effective

Others, however, had a more positive take. Some defended the payouts as timely support that helps alleviate immediate pressure from inflation and strengthens local businesses.

One user, InspiroHymm, suggested that the CDC vouchers are in fact a long-term measure to curb cost of living, by funnelling more money into the economy.

"People always say 'do something permanent about cost of living'. In modern economics the only permanent measure is economic (GDP) growth, which boosts wage growth."

"There is value in using band aids, especially when the source of the wound is by and large out of your control," quipped Reddit user vecspace.

Government's decisions are for the benefit of Singaporeans

In a press release issued on April 15, the Ministry of Finance announced that each household will receive $800 in CDC vouchers in FY2025 - $500 in May and $300 in January 2026 - on top of the $300 disbursed in January 2025.

At the scheme's launch event in May, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong said the Government was committed to helping Singaporeans cope with rising costs.

He also addressed concerns about sustainability and such financial assistance as temporary measures.

"I assure all of you that this is not a one-off exercise. The Government will provide the help for as long as it is needed.

"We want to make sure that when we spend more, we are doing it for the benefit of Singaporeans, but the spending is also sustainable over the medium to longer term."

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