Written Answer by Ministry of National Development on current number of appeals made to HDB by persons going through a divorce for interim rental housing for themselves and their children

May 10, 2021

Ms Yeo Wan Ling: To ask the Minister for National Development (a) what is the current number of appeals made to HDB by persons going through a divorce for interim rental housing for themselves and their children; (b) what is the average waiting time for rental housing to be allotted; and (c) whether there are plans to review the financing support available to persons who plan to purchase HDB housing after their divorce.   

Answer:

Interim Rental Housing (IRH) is offered on a case-by-case basis to those who can buy a flat or have already bought one, but have no family support and other housing options in the interim. On average, it takes about two to three months for HDB to assess the appeal and allocate the flat, once all the required documents are submitted. 

All appeals for IRH are assessed based on the appellant’s specific circumstances. While HDB does not specifically track if the appellants are undergoing divorce, based on our records, as at end March 2021, there were eight households staying in IRH who were going through divorce, including four whose children were staying with them. 

Divorcees with care and control of their children have the same access to public housing as other families. They may buy a flat from HDB or a resale flat on the open market, and qualify for housing grants and priority schemes if they meet the prevailing eligibility conditions. 

For those who are second-timers, we help to improve their chances of getting a subsidised flat through the Assistance Scheme for Second-Timers who are divorced or widowed parents, or ASSIST.  In HDB’s BTO sales exercises, we set aside a five per cent quota for the 2-room and 3-room flats in non-mature estates under ASSIST, for second-timer divorced or widowed persons with a child aged 18 and below.

Divorcees without care and control of their children or who do not have a child from their marriage are eligible for the same flat types and housing grants as singles.

The Member asked if there are plans to provide additional financing support specifically for divorcees. We continually review our policies and assistance schemes to keep public housing inclusive for all. Those who need help with housing can approach HDB, and we will do our best to assist them based on their individual circumstances.