Growing old in Singapore can be expensive. From daily care to medical visits, every small cost adds up especially for seniors living with disabilities. To honour those who helped build the nation, the government now provides a S$100 monthly cash payout through the Pioneer Generation Disability Assistance Scheme (PioneerDAS).
It’s not a temporary grant or a one-off relief. This is lifelong support, given every month to help Pioneers live independently and with dignity.
What Is the PioneerDAS Scheme?
PioneerDAS is part of the Pioneer Generation Package, created to recognise Singaporeans born on or before 31 December 1949 who became citizens by 31 December 1986. It offers S$100 per month, credited directly into the bank accounts of Pioneers who need help with at least three daily living activities such as eating, bathing, or walking.
Here’s the thing — there’s no income or asset test. Whether you’re living modestly or comfortably, if you meet the functional disability requirement, you qualify. The goal is simple: to make sure every Pioneer who struggles with day-to-day activities gets some extra help to manage care costs.
Why This Support Matters
Living with disability in old age often means added expenses — hiring caregivers, buying mobility aids, or paying nursing home bills. PioneerDAS gives seniors the freedom to use the money however they choose.
Some use it for home-based therapy, others to pay for transport or medical supplies. The flexibility makes a real difference because every Pioneer’s situation is unique.
As of now, around 50,000 Pioneers receive this monthly support. And according to the Ministry of Health, the payout amount and eligibility criteria are periodically reviewed to ensure the scheme remains relevant and fair.
How to Apply for the $100 Monthly Payment
Applying is easier than many think. Here’s a quick overview:
- Get a Functional Assessment Report (FAR) — from a doctor, nurse, or therapist.
- Submit your application via AIC’s eFASS portal using SingPass, or through email or AIC Link offices.
- Wait up to 4 weeks for approval. Once accepted, payouts start the following month — and may even be backdated to your application month.
If the care recipient is in a nursing home, the payment can also be credited directly there to offset care costs.
More Than Just a Payout
What’s special about PioneerDAS is how it fits into Singapore’s wider care system — working alongside CareShield Life, ElderFund, and MediSave Care. Together, they form a safety net ensuring that no senior is left behind because of disability or financial need.
This monthly S$100 might seem small, but for many Pioneers, it represents more than money — it’s a gesture of gratitude, stability, and respect from the country they helped to build.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who qualifies for the $100 monthly cash payout?
Any Pioneer Generation member who permanently needs help with at least three daily activities (like eating, dressing, or walking) can apply — no income test required.
2. How do I apply for PioneerDAS?
Apply online via the AIC eFASS portal using SingPass or through paper forms at AIC Link offices. A Functional Assessment Report from a doctor or therapist is required.
3. Can the payout go to a nursing home?
Yes. If the care recipient stays in a nursing home, the payout can be directed there to help cover care fees.