Oral Answer by Ministry of National Development on Assistance Scheme for Second-Timers (Divorced/Widowed Parents)
Mar 24, 2016
Mr Saktiandi Supaat: To ask the Minister for National Development
(a) to date, how many single parents have successfully applied for a home under the Assistance Scheme for Second-Timers (Divorced/Widowed Parents) (ASSIST);
(b) for cases where applicants had financial difficulties, how many were reviewed by HDB and what were the outcomes of the review; and
(c) are there sufficient flats and temporary housing to meet the demand by single parents.
Answer:
The Assistance Scheme for Second-Timers (Divorced/Widowed Parents) [ASSIST] was introduced in May 2013. Up to May 2015, there were 230 applications from divorced or widowed parents under ASSIST. There are sufficient flats set aside for them each year, with 97%, or 223 of the 230 applicants being successfully shortlisted to select a flat.
85 applicants under ASSIST had approached HDB for financial assistance to purchase their flats. HDB helped over half of these applicants. Most needed help with paying the resale levy. HDB assesses the circumstances of each case and provides assistance wherever possible – for example, by incorporating the resale levy into the purchase price of the BTO flat, so they can spread out the payments. Of the remaining applicants, some wanted to buy a flat beyond their means. HDB advised them to buy a flat within their budget instead, while others were advised to defer the flat purchase until they were financially ready.
Low-income divorced or widowed parents who have no housing options or family support may be allocated public rental flats or interim rental housing. Those who have booked BTO or uncompleted SBF flats may also apply to rent a flat under the Parenthood Provisional Housing Scheme.
HDB reviews its policies and rental flat supply regularly to ensure that there are sufficient rental flats for such families in need. In 2015, about 800 divorced/widowed parents were assisted with various forms of rental housing, the majority being public rental.