PURCHASE OF NEW HDB FLATS

PURCHASE OF NEW HDB FLATS

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(Definition of "family" nucleus): **

30.

Mr Christopher de Souza asked the Minister for National Development if he will explain why the definition of "family nucleus", for the purpose of buying a new HDB flat, does not include single mothers aged below 35 and their child/children.

Mr Mah Bow Tan: Divorced and widowed persons with child are considered eligible family units for the purchase of a new flat from HDB. By "single mothers", the Member may be referring to unmarried parents.

For this group, they are treated no differently from other singles. An unmarried parent who is a citizen aged 35 and above can buy a resale flat under the Single Singapore Citizen (SSC) Scheme, or pair up with another eligible single to buy a resale flat under the Joint Single Scheme (JSS). They may also apply for the CPF Housing Grant for Singles, if they meet the eligibility criteria.

Younger unmarried parents below 35 are encouraged to stay with their parents for mutual care and support. If this is not possible and the unmarried parent is facing hardship, we will exercise flexibility on a case-by-case basis to allow the unmarried parent and child to rent an HDB flat on compassionate grounds.

The intent is not to deprive unmarried parents of housing but to encourage them to look to their own families first for care and support. It is in line with our social objective to support the promotion of family formation through marriage.