MORE than 780,000 HDB households will receive utility rebates in the next seven months, with those in smaller flats getting more.

The 2009 rebates will cost the Government $125 million. They were introduced during last year's Budget as part of the $4 billion GST offset package.

The aim of the rebates is to help Singaporeans, especially those from low-income households, cope with the GST hike implemented in July last year.

Middle class to get help from CDC

SOUTH West Community Development Council (CDC) is the first council in Singapore to offer a help package for residents affected by the recent economic downturn, including those from the usually neglected middle-class group.

Retrenched Singaporeans whose monthly household income is $2,500 and below, and are deemed to be in need of help, qualify for the South West CDC's Interim Coping Package for Economic Downturn (iCope).

This is unlike most national financial aid schemes where only those with monthly household incomes of $1,500 and below qualify.

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