Application of Subsidised Flats for Divorcees with Joint Custody of Children

33 Mr Louis Ng Kok Kwang asked the Minister for National Development (a) whether divorcees with joint custody of their children may apply for subsidised public housing without their ex-spouse's consent; (b) if so, how many of such applications have been approved each year in the last three years; and (c) under what criteria are these applications approved.

Mr Lawrence Wong: Within the first three years of divorce, divorcees with joint custody may apply for a subsidised flat without their ex-spouse's consent, provided they are awarded sole care and control of all the children from the marriage, and all their children are aged below 18 at the time of the divorce.

Divorcee parents who do not fulfil the aforementioned conditions and are unable to obtain their ex-spouse's consent may be granted flexibility on a case-by-case basis. In the last three years, the Housing and Development Board granted more than 200 requests to waive the consent requirement on grounds, such as financial hardship and lack of family support.