As at 31 Dec 1999, there were 2,238 households on the Public Assistance Scheme. Services for people with disabilities include special education, vocational training, day care, residential care and employment services such as vocational assessment and job placement. There are seven welfare homes for the care and rehabilitation of destitute persons. The government operates two of these homes, Pelangi Home and Woody Lodge, and has appointed voluntary organisations to manage four others, Bukit Batok Home for the Aged, Christalite Methodist Home, Jamiyah Home for the Aged, and Moral Welfare Home. The seventh home called the Gift of Love Home, is set up by a voluntary welfare organisation.
Volunteers visit and befriend the residents.
The Ministry is the lead agency on matters related to the Convention on Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination Against Women and the Convention on the Rights of the Child.