Merdeka generation

Merdeka Generation: Age Group, Benefits & Subsidies

What are the benefits of the Merdeka Generation Package? How do I get the Merdeka Generation card? Learn all you need to know about the Merdeka Generation in Singapore.

by Alicia Teng

The Merdeka Generation Package in a Nutshell

Announced in Budget 2019, the Merdeka Generation Package was introduced by the government to encourage active ageing and healthy living among Singaporean seniors. The Merdeka Generation Package aims to assist the generation of Singaporeans who grew up in the 1950s and 1960s by providing various perks to aid their future healthcare needs. 

Who Qualifies for the Merdeka Generation? 

You qualify for the Merdeka Generation Package if you:

  • Are a Singaporean born on or between 1 January 1950 and 31 December 1959
  • Became a Singapore Citizen on or before 31 December 1996

OR

  • Did not receive the Pioneer Generation Package
  • Are a Singaporean born on or before 31 December 1949
  • Became a Singapore Citizen on or before 31 December 1996

You may check your eligibility for the Merdeka Generation Package by logging onto the MyInfo website via SingPass. To view your Merdeka Generation e-card, log on to the LifeSG app via SingPass. 

5 Benefits of the Merdeka Generation Package

Here are the benefits you can enjoy as part of the Merdeka Generation Package: 

Benefit #1: $100 Cash Payout

Previously meant to be a one-off $100 PAssion Card Silver top-up for Merdeka Generation members, this was instead converted to a $100 cash payout directly transferred into their designated bank accounts in 2020 along with the Care and Support Cash Payout, to eliminate the need for physical redemption. 

Singaporeans above the age of 60 are eligible for the PAssion Card Silver, and the benefits include: 

  • Concessionary fares on public transport (25% off adult fare)
  • Active Ageing programmes by the People’s Association
  • Points while grocery shopping at supermarkets 
  • Contactless payment at all EZ-link merchants 

Benefit #2: MediSave Top-ups

In July 2020, both the Pioneer and Merdeka Generation received a total of S$255 million in MediSave top-ups. Merdeka Generation members are to receive $200 each year in MediSave top-ups from 2019 to 2023, which will be credited directly into their MediSave accounts. 

Once received, the MediSave top-ups can be used to pay for MediShield Life premiums (see below) as well as other MediSave-approved insurance plans, hospitalisations, day surgery and approved outpatient treatments. 

Read our guide on MediSave to find out what else you can use it for! 

Benefit #3: Outpatient Care Subsidies

As part of the Merdeka Generation Package, seniors will be able to receive subsidies for enhanced outpatient care at:

  • Polyclinics
  • Public Specialist Outpatient Clinics (Public SOCs)
  • Community Health Assist Scheme (CHAS) clinics

Merdeka Generation CHAS Card

Set up by the MOH in 2000, the Community Health Assist Scheme (CHAS) allows Singaporeans to receive subsidies at participating CHAS dental and General Practitioner (GP) clinics. 

All Merdeka Generation (MG) cardholders are eligible for the subsidies provided under the CHAS. At CHAS GP clinics, seniors can enjoy special subsidies of up to $23.50 per visit for common illnesses and $520 in annual chronic subsidies. They will also receive subsidies of up to $261.50 per procedure for selected dental procedures at CHAS dental clinics. 

Additionally, all Screen For Life health screenings are set at a fixed fee of $2 for Merdeka Generation cardholders. 

Do remember to present your MG Card and NRIC along to enjoy these subsidies! 

Polyclinics and Public SOCs

MG cardholders will receive an additional 25% off their remaining bill for subsidised services and medications at polyclinics and public SOCs. 

To qualify for extra subsidies at public SOCs, you will have to be assessed and referred at a CHAS clinic first.

Benefit #4: CareShield Life Participation Incentives

Launched on 1 October 2020, CareShield Life is a national long-term care insurance scheme that provides basic financial support for individuals who are severely disabled. 

If Merdeka Generation seniors opt to join CareShield Life between 2021 and 2023, they will receive an additional participation incentive of $1500, with a total incentive of $4000 to offset the annual premium payable that year, spread out evenly over ten years. 

Individuals eligible for claims will get a cash payout of at least $600 per month, for as long as they are severely disabled. 

Benefit #5: Additional MediShield Life Premium Subsidies

The MediShield Life health insurance scheme, administered by the CPF Board, helps people under the plan pay for large hospital bills and costly outpatient treatments. 

Existing subsidies for the Merdeka Generation are as follows: 

MediShield Life Premium Subsidy for Merdeka Generation seniors

Image credit: gov.sg

Merdeka Generation seniors also get an additional 5% subsidy for annual premiums, which increases to 10% after you turn 75 years old (on top of existing subsidies). Your MediSave can also be used to pay for premiums in full. 

Find out how much you need to pay for your MediShield Life premium with this calculator.

Live Your Best Life as the Merdeka Generation

As you and your loved ones get older, pursuing an active and healthy lifestyle makes a world of a difference for all. The Merdeka Generation package is just one of a few healthcare support options available to senior Singaporeans — from the Pioneer Generation Package to various other financial assistance schemes for the elderly and their caregivers.

Looking for support with your loved one’s care? Homage’s trained caregivers, nurses, and physiotherapists are here to provide your loved one with a holistic care experience. With services ranging from elderly care, night care and nursing care, as well as physiotherapy, occupational therapy and speech therapy, find the best care options for your family member today.

Provide the best care to your loved one today! Fill up the form below for a free consultation with our Care Advisory team. 

Fill out the form below and our Care Advisors will get back to you with care information you need.

In the event that we will need to contact you, please look out for our outgoing number +65 3129 6885.

This number may be flagged as “potential fraud” but please be assured this is the official Homage number that we use to reach out to our customers.










  • By submitting this form, you agree that Homage may collect and use your personal data, which you have provided in this form, in accordance with Homage’s Data Protection Policy
  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.


About the Writer
Alicia Teng
Alicia is a founder of boutique gym Division Athletics. When she's not coaching classes or sweating it out on the gym floor, she freelances as a food and lifestyle writer. Alicia is also addicted to kueh.
Make Home Care Personal To Your Loved One
curve

Make Home Care Personal To Your Loved One

Get started with a free consultation today, and learn why thousands of Singaporeans trust Homage to deliver the best care in their homes.

Get Care Now