About CHAS, Merdeka Generation & Pioneer Generation

The Community Health Assist Scheme (CHAS) is a scheme by the Ministry of Health (MOH) that enables Singapore Citizens from lower- and middle-income households to receive subsidies for dental care at participating dental clinics near their homes. Singapore Citizens who qualify for CHAS will receive an individual blue or orange Health Assist card. Health Assist cardholders will also enjoy subsidized referrals to Specialist Outpatient Clinics (SOCs) located at Public Hospitals or National Dental Centre when required.

Singapore Citizens of all ages are eligible for CHAS if they meet the following criteria:

• Household monthly income per person of $1,800 and below; OR

For instance, a family of four living at the same address with a total gross household monthly income of $7,200 (household monthly income per person is $7,200 ÷ 4 = $1,800) will qualify for CHAS, provided that they are all Singapore Citizen.

• Annual Value (AV) of residence as reflected on NRIC of $21,000 and below for households with no income.

Family members (related by blood, marriage and/or legal adoption) living at the same address, as reflected on their NRICs, will need to apply together on one application form. All the family members’ income will contribute towards the household monthly income per person.

Members of the public who are on Public Assistance (PA) scheme do not need to apply as they are already eligible for CHAS.

To find out more about CHAS and how you can apply, please visit www.CHAS.sg

The Merdeka Generation (‘MG’) Package will take effect from 1 November 2019. It is for Singapore Citizens who:

• were born from 1 January 1950 to 31 December 1959; and
• became a Singapore citizen on or before 31 December 1996.

The Merdeka Generation Package is also given to seniors who:

• were born on or before 31 December 1949; and
• became Singapore citizens on or before 31 December 1996; and
• did not receive the Pioneer Generation Package.

To enjoy the Merdeka Generation benefits at a CHAS accredited clinic, a Merdeka Generation card holder should present their MG card together with their NRIC. The MG card is valid for life.

Those who are eligible for the Merdeka Generation Package would have received a notification letter by April 2019. For further enquiries, you can also call the Merdeka Generation hotline at 1800-2222-888.

CHAS subsidies for the Pioneer Generation (‘PG’) take effects from 1 September 2014. The Pioneer Generation Package is for Singapore Citizens who:

• were aged 16 and above in 1965 (i.e. born on or before 31 December 1949) and
• obtained citizenship on or before 31 December 1986.

The conditions covered for the Pioneer Generation are the same as those for the Blue Health Assist card holders. However, the subsidy rates for Pioneers are higher. Pioneers are required to bring their Pioneer Generation card and NRIC when visiting a CHAS clinic. Every Pioneer will be issued an individual Pioneer Generation card, which is automatically sent to his/her NRIC-registered address by September 2014. The PG card is valid for life.

Those who are eligible for the Pioneer Generation Package would have received a notification letter in June 2014. You can check your eligibility online at the Eligibility page. You can also call the Pioneer Generation hotline at 1800-2222-888.