Debated in Parliament on 29 Feb 2016.
Dr Intan Azura Mokhtar asked the Minister for National Development (a) how many non-permanent resident/non-citizen widows/widowers with Singaporean children are currently renting a HDB flat; and (b) what are the available housing options for single mothers or fathers with Singaporean children.
There are currently 31 public rental tenants who are non-Singapore Citizen (SC) or non-Singapore Permanent Resident (SPR) widows/widowers with Singaporean children. In general, they were allowed to retain the flat upon the demise of their SC spouses who had been the tenants of the flats.
Single parents who are widowed or divorced and have an SC child may buy a flat from the Housing and Development Board (HDB), or a resale flat on the open market if they meet the prevailing eligibility criteria, such as the citizenship requirement and income ceiling.
Single unmarried parents have the same housing options as singles. If they are SCs aged 35 and above and have not received a housing subsidy before, they may buy a new 2-room flexi flat in a non-mature estate, or a resale flat. They may also be eligible for housing grants.
Single parents in hardship who have no other viable housing options or family support could also rent a flat from HDB on a case-by-case basis.
PAPERCUTS