Freelance combi bus, limousine and delivery drivers or riders struggling with elevated fuel prices can now apply for a one-time cash relief of up to $300 under the NTUC U FSE Relief Scheme 2022.
NTUC’s Freelancers and Self-Employed Unit (U FSE) on 24 August 2022. The scheme ispart of the $1.5 billion support package announced by the Government on 21 June 2022.
Riders or drivers must be members of the National Private Hire Vehicles Association (NPHVA) or the National Delivery Champions Association (NDCA) to apply for the scheme.
NTUC Director and Advisor to NPHVA and NDCA Yeo Wan Ling hopes that the scheme will bring relief to drivers and riders who depend on their vehicles for their livelihoods.
“We hope that the cash relief will go some way in helping them financially. Our associations [NPHVA and NDCA] will continue to journey with our drivers and riders and advance their interests so that they can sustain themselves in this profession,” she said.
Other than being paid members of NPHVA and NDCA, combi bus or limousine drivers need to be holding valid vocational licenses, while delivery drivers or riders must be using a motor vehicle to make their freelance deliveries.
Applicants must also have been in the trade for over a month from the date of application, and they cannot have successfully applied for the one-off $150 relief by the Government.
When applying, applicants must provide supporting documents such as proof of trade income, proof of vehicle type, proof of work activity and self-employed status.
Combi bus or limousine drivers who have been members of NPHVA for more than three months from their date of application may receive up to a maximum of $300, or up to $250 if they have been members for less than three months.
Delivery drivers who are using vans or cars may receive up to $300 if they have been members with NDCA for more than three months, and up to $250 if they have been members for less than three months. For motorbike users, the amount will be $150 and $100 respectively.
All applicants would be notified of the outcome of their application within six to eight weeks, with successful applicants receiving their cash relief within two to four weeks from the approval date.
Application period is from 29 August 2022 to 28 October 2022, and it can be done online at www.ufse.org.sg/reliefscheme2022.