HDB Divorcee Scheme Singapore
Navigating through the aftermath of a divorce can be challenging, particularly when it involves securing a home. Understanding this, the Housing and Development Board (HDB) in Singapore has initiated several schemes to aid divorcees during this difficult transition. These HDB Divorcee Schemes are thoughtfully designed to offer a helping hand to single parents or individuals who have recently undergone a divorce.
The best HDB divorcee schemes in Singapore are Proximity Housing Grant, Purchasing A Resale Flat, Purchasing A BTO Flat Under The ASSIST Scheme, and Parenthood Provisional Housing Scheme (PPHS).
They provide various routes to acquire or rent an HDB flat, ensuring a sense of security and stability. In this guide, we’ll explore the four major HDB Divorcee Schemes available in Singapore, aiming to provide a comprehensive understanding to help you navigate post-divorce housing matters with more clarity.
Quick Summary
- Best HDB divorcee schemes in Singapore are Proximity Housing Grant, Purchasing A Resale Flat, Purchasing A BTO Flat Under The ASSIST Scheme, and Parenthood Provisional Housing Scheme (PPHS)
- When exploring the HDB Divorcee Schemes in Singapore is understanding the eligibility criteria, which may vary across schemes, and ensuring your circumstances align with these requirements to maximize the support you can receive.
- The HDB Divorcee Schemes in Singapore aim to alleviate housing concerns for divorcees by providing them with various options to secure affordable and stable living arrangements.
What is HDB Divorcee Scheme?
The HDB Divorcee Scheme is a housing initiative by the Singapore government designed to provide support to individuals who have undergone divorce or separation. It offers priority access to public housing, enabling divorcees to secure a stable living environment for themselves and their children. It’s an essential safety net in a city where the cost of housing can be a significant burden, especially for single parents. It’s one of several ways the government steps in to provide assistance during such challenging times.
Key Considerations
- Eligibility Criteria: It’s crucial to understand the eligibility criteria for the HDB Divorcee Scheme. Applicants must be Singapore citizens or permanent residents who have custody, care, and control of their children.
- Income Ceiling: The income ceiling for the scheme is another important aspect. The government has set limits to ensure the scheme benefits those who need it most.
- Housing Types: Depending on the specific scheme, different types of housing are available. This can range from smaller 2-room Flexi flats to larger 5-room flats.
- Waiting Period: There might be a waiting period before a divorcee can apply for another BTO flat under the scheme.
- Applying for the Scheme: Understanding the process of application is vital. This includes where to apply, the documents needed, and the application timeline.
- Financial Assistance: Besides the priority given to public housing, the scheme might also provide certain financial grants to eligible divorcees.
HDB Divorcee Schemes in Singapore
1. Proximity Housing Grant (PHG)
The PHG is a housing subsidy provided by the Singapore government to encourage families to live closer to their parents or children. This grant is available to eligible families who are purchasing a resale located within 4 km of their parents’ or child’s existing HDB flat or private residential property.
The PHG offers a grant of up to $30,000, depending on the type of flat and the distance between the two properties. Its purpose is to support families in caring for and supporting each other by living in closer proximity.
Under the PHG, there are two categories: Family and Singles.
Family Category:
To qualify, you must:
- Be a Singapore citizen
- Be above 21 years old
- Apply with your children under your legal custody. If custody is shared with your ex-spouse, you need their written agreement before listing your child or children in the application.
If you choose to live within four kilometers from your parents or children who are not living with you, you can receive a grant of up to 20,000 SGD. Living with your parents or children makes you eligible for a grant of 30,000 SGD.
Singles Category:
This category applies if you are a divorcee with no children from the marriage or if you have no custody of your children. You can choose between the Single Singapore Citizen Scheme, the Joint Singles Scheme, and the Public Scheme.
2. Purchasing A Resale Flat
As a divorcee in Singapore, buying a resale flat from the Housing and Development Board (HDB) offers a stable home for you and your children. Here are some advantages to consider:
- Availability: Resale flats are readily available, reducing the waiting time to move in. With various options to choose from, you have the flexibility to find a flat that suits your preferences.
- Immediate Move-in: After a divorce, you may want to start fresh in a new environment. Waiting for a BTO flat can take years, whereas a resale flat allows for an immediate move-in. Additionally, resale flats are usually located in established neighborhoods with schools, parks, and accessible public transportation.
Key factors when purchasing a resale flat:
- Finances: Assess your savings, income, and expenses to ensure affordability.
- Financing: Check eligibility for HDB or bank loans based on credit score and income.
- Legal: Seek guidance from a family lawyer for legal aspects and navigating potential complexities.
Eligibility for purchasing a resale flat:
- Citizenship: Singaporean citizens only.
- Age: Minimum requirement is 35 years old.
- HDB Loan Eligibility (HLE) Letter: Required for housing loan.
- Ethnic Integration Policy and Singapore Permanent Resident Quota Policy: Comply with these policies.
Consider these points to make an informed decision on your resale flat purchase.
3. Purchasing A BTO Flat Under The ASSIST Scheme
Divorced individuals can now immediately purchase a subsidized flat after their divorce, but they must meet specific criteria. While waiting for this process, it’s worth considering buying a BTO (build-to-order) flat under the ASSIST (Assistance Scheme for Second-Timers) or a resale flat.
The ASSIST Scheme, also known as the Additional CPF Housing Grant (AHG) and Special CPF Housing Grant (SHG), offers financial assistance to eligible first-time homebuyers in Singapore. Under this scheme, eligible applicants can receive up to SGD 80,000 in grants to help offset the costs of their BTO flat. The grant amount is determined based on factors such as the applicant’s income, flat size, and location.
To qualify for the AHG, the applicant’s gross monthly household income must be SGD 5,000 or less. The SHG is available to households with a gross monthly income of SGD 8,500 or less. However, please note that the SHG only applies to 2-room Flexi, 3-room, and 4-room flats in non-mature estates.
Under the ASSIST Scheme, eligibility requires having at least one biological child or an adopted child who is 18 years old or below. Additionally, the applicant should not have acquired any interest in an existing HDB flat or private property immediately after the divorce. It’s important to note that the scheme does not apply if there are no children from the marriage or custody of such children.
4. Parenthood Provisional Housing Scheme (PPHS)
The PPHS is a Singapore government initiative that offers affordable rental housing to eligible first-time parents for up to 3 years. The program prioritizes allocation for divorced individuals and provides childproofing measures for safety. PPHS units are conveniently located near schools, childcare centres, supermarkets, and medical facilities. By reducing the stress of temporary accommodation, the scheme fosters a positive and supportive family atmosphere, enhancing family bonding.
Eligibility Criteria for the PPHS:
- Singaporean citizen with at least one citizen in your household.
- No ownership of existing HDB flat.
- All applicants listed in the sales application.
- If sharing with another household, total occupants in the rented three-room PPHS flat should not exceed six.
By meeting these criteria, young families can benefit from the support and stability of the PPHS.
HDB Divorcee Scheme Singapore
Various HDB Divorcee Schemes in Singapore offer substantial support to divorced individuals, helping them navigate their housing needs. The resale flat option provides immediate move-in possibilities in well-established neighborhoods, while the ASSIST Scheme aids in purchasing a BTO flat through financial grants. The PPHS offers an affordable rental housing option for first-time parents, prioritizing divorced individuals.
These schemes, along with careful financial and legal planning, can immensely assist divorced individuals in securing stable housing post-divorce. It’s crucial to be aware of these schemes and understand your eligibility to make informed decisions and move forward confidently.
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Frequently Asked Questions
If you have any questions about HDB Divorcee Scheme Singapore, you can refer to the frequently asked questions (FAQ) below:
What are the best HDB divorcee schemes in Singapore?
The best HDB divorcee schemes in Singapore are PHG, Purchasing A Resale Flat, Purchasing A BTO Flat Under The ASSIST Scheme, and PPHS
Can I buy HDB if I am divorced?
Divorcees can now purchase a subsidised flat right after the divorce. However, there are specific criteria you need to meet. While waiting for this process, you can consider purchasing a BTO (build-to-order) flat under ASSIST (Assistance Scheme for Second-Timers) or a resale flat.
What happens to HDB after marriage?
Married couple has to dispose of one of their HDBs within 6 month. The husband or wife would have to inform the HDB Branch Office managing the (relevant) estate that his or her name would be included in the other spouse’s flat. The spouse who chooses to do this would then have to dispose of his or her own HDB flat.
Will I lose my PR if I divorce in Singapore?
If you are a PR (permanent resident) in Singapore, your PR status will generally not be affected by the divorce. This means that you will still be a PR after divorce. What if you are on a long-term visit pass in Singapore? What will happen to your dependant’s pass/ LTVP after divorce?
Who is eligible for HDB?
A Singapore Citizen. A first-time homebuyer. At least 35 years old. Single (unmarried, divorced, or widowed)
What is the Minimum Occupation Period (MOP) in the context of a subsidised flat?
The Minimum Occupation Period (MOP) is a fixed duration during which you are required to occupy your subsidised flat before you can sell it on the open market. The MOP is typically 5 years from the date of possession.
Can I apply for an HDB resale flat if I’m at least 35 years old?
Yes, under the Single Singapore Citizen (SSC) scheme, you can apply if you are a minimum of 35 years old and a first-timer applicant. You may also qualify for various housing grants.
Can a divorcee retain the flat after a divorce?
In a divorce, the court will decide who gets the HDB flat based on the best interests of the child/children, among other considerations. The flat may be retained by either party if they are eligible under one of HDB’s eligibility schemes.
What are some alternative housing arrangements for a divorcee who is not able to afford a flat?
A viable alternative housing arrangement for divorcees who may find it financially challenging to procure a flat is the Public Rental Scheme. The Public Rental Scheme is an initiative by HDB which provides heavily subsidized rental flats to Singaporean citizens who have no other housing options and cannot afford to buy a flat. These flats usually comprise one or two rooms, providing an affordable and comfortable living space for individuals post-divorce.
What kind of housing subsidies are available for divorcees who wish to apply for a room flat?
There are several housing subsidies available for divorced individuals who aspire to purchase a room flat. These include the Additional CPF Housing Grant (AHG) and the Special CPF Housing Grant (SHG), both of which are designed to offer financial assistance to first-time homebuyers with income ceilings. Divorcees may also be eligible for the Singles Grant if they are first-time applicants purchasing a resale flat under the Single Singapore Citizen scheme. Always make sure to check with HDB or a housing advisor to understand which subsidies you qualify for.
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