Recognition of In-prison Employment History in HDB Housing Applications for Former Inmates and Data on Ex-offenders Denied HDB Grants in Last Three Years

Mr Victor Lye asked the Minister for National Development whether an inter-ministry pilot with the Ministry of Home Affairs can be set up to recognise work programme completed in prison as valid employment history for the purposes of HDB grant and loan eligibility.

Mr Victor Lye asked the Minister for National Development in the last three years, what is the number of ex-offenders who are denied HDB housing grants specifically due to failing to meet the criteria for 12 months of continuous employment despite having worked full-time within the prison system prior to release.

Purchasing a flat is a long-term financial commitment. The Housing and Development Board (HDB) assesses a household’s eligibility for housing subsidy and loans based on the household’s income from employment. This requirement for a formal employment relationship is to assess a buyer’s long-term ability to service the housing loan. If the household wishes to apply for the Enhanced CPF Housing Grant (EHG), at least one member of the core family nucleus must be in continuous employment for at least 12 months. This continuous employment condition (CEC) provides a proxy of a household’s financial situation, so that the corresponding means-tested grant amount can be determined fairly.

The primary purpose of work programmes in prison is not financial remuneration, but to support the rehabilitation of the offender. It is different from formal employment. Hence, the renumeration from these programmes could not be included when assessing the HDB housing loan eligibility or fulfilment of the CEC.

HDB does not have data on the number of ex-offenders who did not fulfil the CEC, as ex-offenders are not required to declare records of their prior offences in their flat application.