MSF faces criticism after demanding disabled man return S$18,400 in financial aid

Date:

Box 1


SINGAPORE: Morgandradas Kanapathy, a resilient triple amputee who is legally blind, has been ordered to return S$18,400 to the Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF) or face legal action.

Box 2

On 3 December 2024, Morgan shared his ordeal in a viral TikTok video, detailing his medical conditions and the challenges he faces.

He explained that he had lost both legs and his left hand, while his right hand is crippled. Additionally, he is blind in one eye and has low vision in the other, making him legally blind.

His health complications are further compounded by kidney failure, which requires him to undergo dialysis. “I’m medically unfit to work,” he stated.

Box 3

Morgan explained that his mother has been his caregiver, but due to her own deteriorating health, she may no longer be able to care for him.

Seeking a long-term solution, he approached MSF’s Woodlands office for help in securing an HDB flat and hiring a caregiver.

However, he was informed that MSF could not assist with housing or caregiving, only providing monthly ComCare allowances and public assistance for medical expenses.

Box 4

To fund his future needs, Morgan had been receiving donations from the public and saving the money in his bank account.

“I did declare this to my then-Woodlands MSF Social Service Officer (SSO), Mr Vincent. He is fully aware of this,” he said.

However, when a new SSO took over, he was accused of “stealing and cheating” MSF.

“I don’t understand why. I tried to explain to him, but he didn’t want to listen. He still put in a harsh report on me, saying I cheated MSF,” he recounted.

Following this, Morgan’s ComCare allowance and public assistance were stopped on 1 September 2024.

Then, on 26 November 2024, he received a letter from MSF demanding that he return S$18,400 within a week or face legal action.

“Is this how the government takes care of people like me?” he asked in frustration.

He urged people to share his video in hopes that Prime Minister Lawrence Wong would take notice.

“Mr Lawrence Wong said he wanted to win our votes. He wants a strong mandate. He wants to make sure the people are well taken care of. Mr Lawrence Wong, look what MSF did to me,” he said.

@morgan12071

@lawrencewongst @Mediacorp MSF stop my comcare allowance and public assistance just because I received donations from the public and I’m saving it to get my self a HDB flat and Caregiver. the MSF wants me to return back $18k to them in 1 week from 26 November 2024 or else MSF will take legal action against me! a person with disabilities! #asian #police #personwithdisability #media #Help #abuseawareness #singapore #miniseries #fyp #help #mobilelegends #world #spf #government #hdb #jesus #stopdiscrimination

♬ original sound – morgan12071 – morgan12071

Netizens Criticise MSF Over Aid Repayment Demand

The video went viral, garnering over 127,000 views and sparking widespread public debate over MSF’s handling of financial aid for vulnerable individuals.

Many netizens expressed outrage, with some sharing their own unpleasant experiences in dealing with the agency.

One person described the incident as “sick” and urged MSF to do better, stating that the ministry should hire individuals capable of thinking outside the box rather than those who strictly follow protocol.

Another user called the decision “absolutely disgusting,” criticising MSF officers and higher-ups for being “delusional and unempathetic.”

Some commenters shared personal encounters with MSF.

One user recounted meeting an MSF officer who complained about needy individuals seeking help, adding that they walked out of a dinner conversation in frustration.

Another commenter criticised MSF, claiming that many of its officers were judgmental and inserted personal opinions when assessing those seeking assistance.

Others questioned the fairness of MSF’s decision, with one commenter pointing out that many able-bodied individuals continued to receive financial assistance, while someone in Morgan’s situation had his aid stopped.

The user described the situation as “unfair” and expressed disbelief over MSF’s handling of the case.

Netizens Share Frustrations Over MSF’s Assistance Process

Many others shared their unpleasant experiences with MSF, highlighting issues with the application process and the perceived lack of empathy from officers.

One user recounted applying for ComCare assistance while unemployed and described the experience as “horrible.”

They said applicants were made to feel like they were begging for help, and MSF staff were not empathetic.

The user also claimed that different branches practised double standards, and securing assistance depended on the luck of getting an officer who genuinely empathised.

They criticised MSF’s campaigns and initiatives, calling them superficial and warning others not to expect genuine help.

Another user shared that their mother had given up on applying for assistance due to the stress it caused, especially while she was already dealing with a custody battle.

The process was so overwhelming that she chose to endure hunger and eventually spiralled into depression.

A different commenter recounted their experience during the COVID-19 pandemic when they sought ComCare assistance.

They were asked to provide bank statements and, upon showing that they had $300 in emergency savings, were told to use that money instead of requesting help.

One user explained that receiving ComCare funds directly into a bank account could disqualify an applicant if savings were detected or if there were regular transfers of money from others.

They shared their own experience of having their allowance cut despite financial struggles.

At the time, their spouse was the sole breadwinner but had been hospitalised for months, while they had just given birth and were caring for two young children.

The user described the process of seeking help as “very troublesome” and concluded that they had learned to keep cash hidden rather than depositing it in the bank.

MSF Responds

On 24 January 2025, the Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF) responded to Morgan’s claims, stating that his assertions “omit relevant facts and contain inaccuracies.”

MSF explained that ComCare is intended to assist those without other means of support, and individuals with significant savings do not qualify.

The ministry clarified that it would not be fair to use public funds for individuals who can meet their own basic living expenses.

Applicants must declare their income and assets, with updated declarations required for renewals.

Morgan had been receiving ComCare Long Term Assistance (LTA) since July 2014, but MSF learned in August 2024 that he had opened a bank account in March 2022, containing funds equivalent to over 200 months of his monthly payments.

Despite signing three renewal applications since 2022, he did not disclose this account. MSF determined he had received S$18,400 in LTA payments he was not eligible for.

MSF sent a letter on 24 November 2024, requesting repayment of the S$18,400 within a month, not a week as claimed by Morgan.

Though the account balance far exceeded the amount owed, he had not yet repaid the funds.

While Morgan said he was saving the money for housing and caregiving, MSF noted that his needs are already met by his family.

He lives with his mother and brother in a purchased flat, and there is no evidence of eviction risk.

MSF concluded, “While we empathise with Mr Morgandradas’ disability, MSF officers must treat all ComCare applicants fairly and equally,” emphasising that anyone who would have been ineligible had they properly declared their assets should return the wrongfully received payments.





Source link

Box 5

Share post:

spot_img

Popular

More like this
Related

VinFast Builds Trust in EV with Long Warranties

VinFast is redefining the EV market with industry-leading...

Fighting Intensifies in Sudan, Leaving Hundreds Dead

Hundreds of people, including dozens of children, have...

Ong Beng Seng diagnosed with bone marrow cancer amid ongoing charges linked to ex-minister S Iswaran

Property tycoon Ong Beng Seng, who faces charges...