Singapore has an aging population – there’s no denying that.
The Pioneer Generation Package rolled out in 2014, announced by Deputy Prime Minister Tharman Shanmugaratnam, and in the 2015 National Day Rally, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong introduced the Pioneer Generation Package to Singapore, explaining that it was to express gratitude to our pioneers who contributed to building Singapore today.
A large slew of recent government policies have been aimed at allowing our silver generation not just to survive on a day-to-day basis, but to live their life to the fullest and enrich themselves in a holistic way.
This is exactly what the Pioneer Generation card aims to let all senior citizens, aged 65 years old and above in 2014, achieve.
The Pioneer Generation card is exclusive for our senior citizens and brings many benefits with it, which can possibly be shared with the pioneer’s family and friends.
How useful are these benefits then? Here’s a list of the perks and my personal comments on them:
- Get discounts at the supermarket
Thrifty senior shoppers might get a chance to save even more when they shop at NTUC Fairprice supermarkets on Mondays. They can get an additional 3% off their bill, with a discount value of up to $200.
Comments: This is great for helping to save on daily food and necessities, with Pioneers getting to check out of the supermarkets faster with Priority queues just for them. The savings can be shared with family too.
- Pay less at food courts
Currently only available at all NTUC Foodfare outlets, card holders are entitled to a whopping 12% discount on their food. Everyday livelihood can be more easily assured when pioneers get discounts on food court fare as well.
A downside, however, is that this discount cannot be used in combination with other promotions and discounts or set meal bundles.
However, Pioneer members who are NTUC Plus! Members can serve to enjoy even more discounts.
Comments: This is definitely a great benefit for Pioneer generation members. NTUC Foodfare has a great array of food. The only downside we foresee is that the Foodfare outlets are only in selected parts of Singapore.
- Purchase toiletries/heath supplements at lower prices
If you need to get your vitamin supplement or daily care needs, then consider shopping at Unity Stores to get an additional 6.5% off non-nett items and non-promotional items. You could save substantially if you buy many items or buy regularly.
Comments: While the discount might be useful, Unity Stores do not carry some of the more popular brands in the beauty products industry, or even health supplements. In fact, you might be able to only find those products in other competitor stores.
- Accumulate membership points to redeem vouchers.
This is only for Pioneer members who are NTUC Plus! members as well. Basically, collection of LinkPoints will allow members to trade their points for either Metro or Swensen’s vouchers (currently placed at 1500 points for a $20 voucher respectively).
Comments: If you’re a fervent user of the NTUC Plus! card, then accumulating at least 1500 LinkPoints should not be a problem for you. What might be an issue is that these vouchers can only be collected at one location – the NTUC Union House at Bras Basah – and that might cause a bit of a hassle for the pioneers.
- Access subsidies for medical or healthcare services
Perhaps the biggest benefit of being a Pioneer Generation member are the medical subsidies that can be claimed under the Community Health Assist Scheme (CHAS). The subsidies start from under $30 per visit for common illnesses and health screenings, and $90 per visit for chronic illnesses. Even dental check-ups are eligible for subsidies too.
Comments: This is a very good reason for Pioneer Generation to embrace this card, as it can have a great impact on alleviating financial burdens for seniors with regards to their healthcare needs.
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So there you have it, a short commentary of the Pioneer Generation card. To be honest, I can’t wait for my turn to be a senior in Singapore. Let’s hope the perks get even better then!
Enjoy other additional perks with credit cards. Apply here today and receive cash backs, cash rebates and a host of benefits!
Written by Claudia Li
Edited by Elaine Tay
About Claudia: A 90s kid, Claudia is always on the lookout for the best credit cards to supplement her lifestyle. She isn’t afraid of credit card salesmen who approach in public for a chat, and constantly works out the best ways to save on any transaction with her arsenal of cards. Previously in the marketing industry, she now writes on various topics including personal finance, business marketing and other interests.
About Elaine: A marketing intern at Cardable, she has been exposed to the credit card industry and she enjoys writing and editing blog articles on various topics.
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