Tuesday, 29 September 2009, 12:43 pm
Source:
http://theonlinecitizen.com/2009/09/parents-sueing-their-children/
I refer to the media report
“172 file for parent maintenance in last 12 months” (CNA, Aug
19)ut the increase in applications to the Tribunal for the
Maintenance of Parents (TMP) by more than 70 per cent to 172 in the
previous 12 months to July, compared to an average of 100 in
previous years.
The number of enquires to the TMP has also increased to more
than 160 in the first five months of the year, as well as the
number of unsuccessful applications to 16 in the past 12
months.
One of the possible contributing factors to the increase, may be
the mis-match between the minimum age that parents can apply to the
TMP and the CPF annuity withdrawal age.
When the TMP was implemented in 1995, I understand that the
minimum age for parents to apply was set at 60, to co-incide with
the then CPF annuity withdrawal age of 60.
Now that the CPF annuity withdrawal age has been extended to 62,
63, 64, and eventually to 65 under CPF Life, parents who may have
difficulty obtaining gainful employment before their CPF annuity
withdrawal starts, may be more likely to apply from age 60.
Therefore, I would like to suggest that the TMP minimum
application age be aligned to the CPF annuity withdrawal age.
After all, the TMP already has provision for parents below age
60 with a disability or illness preventing them from working, to
apply.
I would also like to suggest that the TMP takes into account any
expected future CPF payouts, in the mediation process, as well as
the order for maintenance.
The current procedure for the children to apply for a review of
the maintenance order, may be difficult, as they may not have
access to information regarding their parent’s future CPF
withdrawals.
Another contributing factor that may increase the number of TMP
applications, may be the phasing out of the 50 per cent CPF
withdrawal rule. In this regard, from 2013, CPF account holders
with less than $203,000 ($161,000 CPF Minimum Sum plus $42,000 CPF
Medisave Minimum Sum, at their current estimated rate of increase),
may only be able to withdraw $5,000 at age 55.
Source:
http://theonlinecitizen.com/2009/09/parents-sueing-their-children/