Applications for HDB HFE Letter Under Deferred Income Assessment Scheme from Couples with Student and Working Status

Ms Nadia Ahmad Samdin asked the Minister for National Development (a) whether HDB can exercise more flexibility when considering applications for the HDB flat eligibility (HFE) letter under the deferred income assessment scheme, when one of the two parties of the applying couple is still studying while the other has been working for more than 12 months; and (b) what criteria does the HDB use in deciding whether to approve such cases.

Young couples where both parties were full-time students or National Servicemen in the last 12 months are not eligible for the Enhanced Central Provident Fund Housing Grant (EHG), which requires 12 months of continuous employment prior to a household's Housing and Development Board (HDB) Flat Eligibility (HFE) letter application. We, therefore, allow them to apply for a flat first and defer their income assessment to give them time to enter into continuous employment, before their eligibility for EHG is assessed. Couples with one party already working for the last 12 months before their HFE letter application can already qualify for the EHG and, therefore, need not defer their income assessment.

Young couples who need financial advice on their flat purchase may approach HDB for assistance.