In Singapore many older adults want to stay connected through video calls with family members or by paying bills online & using government applications. However some find the price of a smartphone or mobile plan difficult to afford. The Mobile Access for Seniors scheme was created to address this problem. This government program helps lower-income seniors obtain affordable smartphones & mobile data plans. It allows them to access digital services without worrying about the financial burden. If you or your elderly relatives have felt excluded from the digital world this program could provide meaningful support.
What Exactly Is the Mobile Access for Seniors (MAS) Scheme?
The MAS scheme operates as part of Singapore’s Digital for Life movement through the Infocomm Media Development Authority known as IMDA. This program offers heavily discounted smartphones along with two-year mobile plans to qualifying senior citizens.
– Seniors can purchase a smartphone for just twenty dollars as a single payment.
SASSA 3-Month Calendar Update: December to February 2025–26 Payment Dates and Verification Checks
– The mobile plan costs only five dollars and ten cents each month for two years.
– The program includes free SIM card registration and caller ID services at no additional cost.
– Users receive unlimited incoming local calls without any limits. There are no extra charges for exceeding data limits.
– Mobile data connectivity continues even after reaching the plan’s data allowance.
Who Can Apply?
To qualify for the MAS scheme you need to be a Singapore Citizen who is 60 years old or older based on your birth year. You must currently receive benefits from MSF ComCare Long-Term Assistance or ComCare Short-to-Medium Term Assistance or be part of the HDB Public Rental Scheme. You cannot be someone who already received a smartphone through the IMDA Home Access program.
How to Apply (Step-by-Step Guide)
– Join a Digital for Life program at any SG Digital Community Hub. You will learn one basic digital skill like using messaging apps or accessing government services or making electronic payments.
– Get your MAS redemption voucher from Digital Ambassadors when you finish your session.
– Use the voucher at participating telecommunications companies to get your discounted smartphone & mobile plan.
Why It Matters
The MAS scheme goes beyond simply making phones more affordable. It focuses on giving seniors the tools they need to feel comfortable with technology. When older adults learn basic digital skills they can video call their grandchildren whenever they want. They can book medical appointments online without needing help. They can also use government websites and services on their own without feeling lost or overwhelmed. For families this program offers something valuable. It gives them a way to help their parents or grandparents maintain their independence. Older family members can feel more confident as they navigate a world that keeps changing and becoming more digital. They no longer need to rely on others for simple tasks that require technology. Instead they can handle these things themselves and stay connected to the people and services that matter most to them.
