The current income cap for public rental housing is $1,500, but the HDB allows some flexibility. (Photo: ProjectManhattan, Wikimedia Commons)
The income ceilings set for various government subsidies serve different purposes, and differ based on the nature of help provided as well as the target population, said the Ministry of National Development (MND) in a written reply to Parliament on Monday (9 January).
The statement was made in response to Nee Soon MP Louis Ng’s query on whether the current income cap of $1,500 for public rental housing might be raised in view of the rising cost of living and higher income caps of government subsidies, such as the child care / infant care subsidy and ComCare Short-to-Medium Term Assistance.
“HDB reviews the income ceiling and other eligibility criteria for HDB rental flats from time to time,” said the ministry.
“This enables us to prioritise the rental flat supply to benefit low-income families who are without family support and other housing options.”
In practice, it revealed that the HDB has exercised flexibility to allow some higher income families to get a public rental flat, if their circumstances require such assistance.
Romesh Navaratnarajah, Senior Editor at PropertyGuru, edited this story. To contact him about this or other stories, email romesh@propertyguru.com.sg
