Written answer by Ministry of National Development on interim rental subsidies to Singaporeans eligible for public rental flats but not allocated a flat due to insufficient supply

Nov 7, 2022

Mr Gerald Giam Yean Song: To ask the Minister for National Development whether the Ministry has considered providing interim rental subsidies to Singaporeans who meet HDB’s eligibility criteria for public rental flats but are not allocated a flat due to insufficient supply.

Answer:

All applicants who meet the eligibility criteria for the Public Rental Scheme will be allocated a flat. HDB will also expedite the allocation for applicants who are in urgent need of a flat, such as those with medical grounds or other exceptional circumstances.

2        We therefore have no plans to provide interim rental subsidies. Providing direct rental subsidies may also drive up rents and make it more expensive for other families to rent on the open market. 

3        HDB will continue to assess all applicants for public rental based on their households’ circumstances, and assist those in need.