Family & gender — Topics

14 Jan 2019

Demographic and Socio-economic Profile of HDB Applicants in Last Two Years

In the last two years, an average of about 7,300 households requested HDB rental flats annually, with 90% having a household income of $1,500 or less.
Around 70% of applicants applied alone or as a pair, and about 40% were divorced or widowed, with a similar proportion being married.
Close to half of the households in public rental had previously owned an HDB flat, and common reasons for needing rental housing included divorce, job loss, or medical issues.
Unsuccessful applications were often due to having sufficient budget to buy a flat, not meeting citizenship requirements, or having family support for alternative accommodation.
When family support is unavailable, HDB refers applicants to a Family Service Centre for mediation, and may offer interim or public rental flats if mediation fails and buying a flat is unaffordable.

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14 Jan 2019

Government’s Position on Court Ruling to Award Adoption to Man in Same-sex Relationship

The Minister clarified that while the Government does not encourage same-sex adoption or single-parent surrogacy, it respects the High Court's specific ruling to allow adoption in this case, citing the child's welfare as a key factor.
The Government is reviewing adoption laws to better balance public policy and child welfare, and studying the complex ethical and social issues around commercial surrogacy, which is currently prohibited in Singapore but scrutinized case-by-case for overseas arrangements.
Policies on housing and education will continue to support parenthood within marriage, and all children, regardless of legitimacy, will receive benefits like healthcare and education, though adoption alone does not grant citizenship or other privileges.

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20 Nov 2018

Waiving Requirement for Consent from Ex-spouse for Listing of Children as Occupiers in HDB Flat Application

Louis Ng Kok Kwang asked the Ministry of National Development to consider waiving the requirement for ex-spousal consent when listing children as occupiers in an HDB flat application if the ex-spouse has already purchased a private property or another HDB flat after divorce.
Lawrence Wong explained that parents with shared care and control have equal rights to list their children, and the consent requirement respects each parent’s right to purchase an HDB flat with their children.
The Ministry adopts a needs-based, flexible approach on a case-by-case basis when mutual agreement is difficult, and takes into account if the ex-spouse has purchased another property.

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20 Nov 2018

Reasons for Rise in Child Abuse Cases

Child abuse cases investigated by Singapore's Child Protective Service rose from 551 in 2015 to 894 in 2017, with the nature of abuse including physical, sexual, and neglect cases, and most perpetrators being family members.
The reasons for child abuse are complex, often involving caregivers facing difficult circumstances such as stress, financial problems, unemployment, and a history of personal abuse or neglect.
Additional factors contributing to abuse include caregivers battling drug addictions, mental health issues, or having trouble with the law, which directly impact children in the family.

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20 Nov 2018

Structural Gaps in Existing Support Programmes for Low-income and Vulnerable Families

Minister Desmond Lee acknowledged that while outcomes for low-income families have improved, structural gaps persist, particularly in intergenerational mobility, economic insecurity, and the need for more coordinated, holistic support.
The government is investing earlier in children’s education for disadvantaged families, expanding preschool access, and partnering community groups like Temasek Foundation to provide night care for children of night-shift workers.
To address economic insecurity, schemes like Workfare Income Supplement, Adapt and Grow, and SkillsFuture are being enhanced to support lower-wage workers, reskill the unemployed, and promote lifelong learning.
Agencies are working to improve service coordination by sharing information, appointing lead agencies for complex cases, and setting up community spaces near rental housing to tailor support for vulnerable families.
The government is strengthening whole-of-society efforts through the SG Cares Community Network and cross-agency collaborations to pool resources and co-create localized programs for low-income and vulnerable groups.

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19 Nov 2018

Median and Average Monthly Income of Single Unwed Parents

The debate focused on the median and average monthly income of single unwed parents over five years, broken down by age groups of below 35, 35 to 36, and 36 years and above.
Desmond Lee provided figures for citizen mothers with non-marital births, noting the data is calculated by dividing annual income by 12, and observed that younger mothers often have lower incomes due to part-time work or limited employment periods.
The discussion highlighted income disparities across age groups, with implications for understanding the financial challenges faced by single unwed parents in Singapore.

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19 Nov 2018

Income of Foreign Spouse of Singaporeans in HDB Housing Loan or Grant Applications

Zainal Sapari asked whether HDB considers the income of a foreign spouse married to a Singaporean when deciding housing loan or grant eligibility.
Lawrence Wong explained that housing grants are means-tested and based on the total monthly household income, with different grant amounts depending on income tiers and flat type.
For housing loans, HDB primarily uses the flat owners' income to determine the loan quantum, as they are responsible for repayments.
HDB allows case-by-case appeals to include the income of other occupiers, including foreign spouses, in loan computations.
The policy ensures support is targeted at households with lower incomes while maintaining flexibility through an appeals process.

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19 Nov 2018

Decline in Total Fertility Rate

The Government acknowledges the seriousness of Singapore’s declining Total Fertility Rate, which stood at 1.16 in 2017, and attributes part of the decline to demographic shifts and lifestyle aspirations among the “echo baby boomer” cohort.
Singapore has implemented a comprehensive Marriage and Parenthood Package over the past 17 years, focusing on work-life support through parental leave, childcare, and flexible work arrangements; fostering shared parental responsibility; and defraying costs of raising children through cash gifts, savings accounts, and housing support.
Specific enhancements include up to 20 weeks of paid parental leave, increased paternal leave, expanded preschool places, financial incentives of up to $32,000 per child, and faster access to HDB housing for young couples.
The Government stresses that no single policy can reverse the trend, emphasizing the need for long-term mindset shifts and collective societal support to make marriage and parenthood achievable, enjoyable, and celebrated.

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19 Nov 2018

Amount Spent and Subsidy Given for Supplements Dispensed to Pregnant Patients at Public Hospitals and Polyclinics

Dr Chia Shi-Lu asked the Ministry of Health about patient spending and government subsidies for supplements like folic acid and iron for pregnant patients over the last three years, and how institutions ensure the supplements meet required levels.
The Minister for Health, Gan Kim Yong, stated that folic acid and iron supplements are subsidised up to 75% under the Standard Drug List, with average patient costs of $3 for folic acid and $30 for iron over pregnancy, and government subsidies of $11,300, $15,400, and $17,300 in 2015, 2016, and 2017 respectively.
Folic acid dosages are typically 5 mg per day from preconception to 12 weeks to prevent neural tube defects, while iron supplements are routinely given from 20 weeks, with doctors assessing anaemia to adjust doses as needed.

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19 Nov 2018

Take-up Rate for Adoption Leave

Murali Pillai asked about the take-up rate for adoption leave following the July 2017 legislative changes that grant adoptive mothers 12 weeks of leave.
Desmond Lee reported that from July to December 2017, 67 mothers applied to adopt children under 12 months, with 24 taking adoption leave.
The take-up rate may rise as adoptive mothers can flexibly take leave until the child turns 12 months old.
Not all adoptive mothers require leave, as some are not employed.

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2 Oct 2018

Elderly Parents Rendered Homeless after Being Chased out of Adult Children's Flats Bought with Proceeds from Elderly Parents' Flats

Dr Intan Azura Mokhtar asked the Minister for National Development about the number of elderly parents rendered homeless after their adult children used the proceeds from their parents' sold flats to buy new flats and then chased the parents out.
The Minister for National Development replied that HDB does not have specific data on such cases and highlighted available support channels like Family Service Centres and the Office of the Commissioner for the Maintenance of Parents.
The Minister added that if mediation fails, elderly parents can apply for maintenance through the Tribunal for the Maintenance of Parents, and HDB will consider allocating rental flats to those with no other housing options.

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2 Oct 2018

Number of Generational-correlated Drug Offenders

The government does not track the exact number of generational-correlated drug offenders but acknowledges the risk and has measures in place, such as family-bonding programmes in prisons and support for children through initiatives like the Yellow Brick Road and Fairy Godparent programmes.
The Youth Engagement Programme and collaborations with schools and the National Council Against Drug Abuse focus on preventing drug use among at-risk youths through mentorship, advocacy, and awareness campaigns.
A dedicated case management service exists to assess and support children of inmates, and the National Committee on Prevention, Rehabilitation and Recidivism coordinates efforts across agencies to address intergenerational cycles of offending.
MPs suggested leveraging community networks, assigning case managers earlier, and collecting data on generational drug trends, with the government agreeing to review and intensify these efforts.
While family is considered the primary support, the government is open to considering alternative care concepts like boarding schools for children from dysfunctional families but emphasizes community and family rallying to fill gaps.

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1 Oct 2018

Age Profile When Single Unwed Parents Had Their Child in Past Five Years

Louis Ng Kok Kwang asked the Minister for Social and Family Development for the number of single unwed parents in each of the past five years, broken down by age at the child's birth: below 35, 35 to 36, and 36 and above.
Desmond Lee provided the age profile of citizen mothers with non-marital births at the point of birth registration, presented in a table.
The data focuses specifically on citizen mothers and the age breakdown at the time of the child's birth registration over the five-year period.
The response did not include information on fathers or non-citizen mothers, as the question centered on unwed parents generally but the answer specified mothers.
The debate highlights the government's tracking of demographic trends related to single unwed parents in Singapore.

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1 Oct 2018

Extension of Additional Financial Support to Mothers Who Require Healthcare Due to Pregnancy Complications

Christopher de Souza asked whether the Ministry of Health would extend additional financial support for couples dealing with pregnancy complications and for expectant mothers who struggle to obtain maternity insurance due to past complications.
Gan Kim Yong noted that Singaporeans receive up to 80% subsidy for inpatient treatments and up to 70% for subsidised outpatient specialist care, with most expectant mothers in B2/C class wards paying less than $500 after subsidies and MediSave.
Couples facing financial difficulties can seek assistance from medical social workers at public hospitals, including access to MediFund.
The Ministry of Health is reviewing how MediShield Life can better cover inpatient treatments for serious pregnancy and delivery complications and will share details once ready.

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1 Oct 2018

Compensation Payable to Flat Buyers Who have to Cancel Their Purchase due to Divorce or Nullity of Marriage

Lim Biow Chuan asked the Minister for National Development to review compensation for flat buyers who cancel purchases due to divorce or nullity of marriage.
The Minister explained that forfeiture is necessary to ensure commitment and cover HDB's costs, with partial refunds before key collection and up to 95% compensation after key collection.
HDB allows flat retention by adding an eligible person in divorce cases without forfeiture, and exercises flexibility for extenuating circumstances like financial hardship.

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1 Oct 2018

Evaluation Process for Approving Citizenship Applications by PR Spouses of Singaporeans

The evaluation process for citizenship applications by PR spouses of Singaporeans involves multiple layers of checks and assessments based on criteria such as the Singaporean sponsor’s ability to support the spouse, length of marriage, and presence of children.
The Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) does not disclose the specific grounds for rejecting applications to prevent abuse of detailed criteria and to avoid potential diplomatic issues arising from rejected applicants stirring sentiment in other countries.
The government assures that specific deserving cases raised to their attention will be carefully reassessed.

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10 Sep 2018

Plans to Encourage Singaporeans to Have More Children

Singapore's total fertility rate fell to a seven-year low of 1.16 in 2017, but the government attributes this partly to a demographic shift with a large cohort of young Singaporeans entering peak childbearing ages, and notes that resident marriages have increased, suggesting potential for future births.
Surveys indicate strong aspirations for marriage and parenthood among young Singaporeans, but many delay these milestones to focus on education and careers, leading to trends of later marriage, later first birth, and smaller families.
The government is enhancing support in key areas: improving housing access through HDB flat launches and flexible loan assessments, expanding affordable preschool places and reviewing subsidies, and strengthening work-life support via enhanced parental leave and flexible work arrangements.

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6 Aug 2018

Divorce Cases Awarded Shared Care and Control of Children

Louis Ng Kok Kwang asked the Minister for Social and Family Development for the number and percentage of divorce cases awarded shared care and control of children from 2015 to date.
In 2015, 119 divorce cases were awarded shared care and control, representing 3% of total divorces with care and control orders.
In 2016, 161 divorce cases were awarded shared care and control, representing 4.1% of total divorces with care and control orders.
The Minister provided this data in response to the parliamentary question.
The figures indicate a slight increase in shared care and control awards from 2015 to 2016.

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6 Aug 2018

Statistics on Awareness and Practice of Breast Self-Examination among Females in Singapore

Joan Pereira asked the Ministry for Health for statistics on female awareness and practice of breast self-examination in Singapore and whether it will collaborate with schools to educate students and provide necessary follow-up.
Health Minister Gan Kim Yong highlighted that breast cancer is the most common cancer among females in Singapore, with the Health Promotion Board (HPB) partnering healthcare providers and community organizations like the Breast Cancer Foundation for annual awareness efforts and distributing information booklets at polyclinics.
Surveys indicate that about 45% of women in Singapore perform regular breast self-examinations, and HPB emphasizes education for females aged 30 and above, recommending regular self-exams and mammogram screenings for those 50 years and older.
While HPB's outreach benefits all ages, including students, the Ministry focuses on older females due to the age-related increase in breast cancer risk, rather than prioritizing school-based education for students.

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11 Jul 2018

Eligibility Conditions for Divorcees with Shared Care of Children to Purchase Subsidised HDB Flats

Divorcees with shared care and control of children must obtain written agreement from their ex-spouse to list the child in a flat application, as each child can only be listed in one HDB application to ensure fairness.
HDB will exercise flexibility on a case-by-case basis, especially for parents facing financial hardship or lack of family support, to provide housing options for themselves and their children.
Concerns were raised that the policy may conflict with court-ordered shared care arrangements, creating friction between ex-spouses and hindering divorce resolution, with suggestions to review housing guidance and align policies with court judgments.
HDB notes that shared care and control cases are rare (about 4% of divorce care orders) and will monitor such cases while maintaining independence from Family Court decisions.
Members suggested waiving ex-spousal consent if the other party has moved on by owning private or subsidised housing, with HDB indicating it would consider such cases individually.

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