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The Housing & Development Board (HDB) is planning more housing options for low-income singles, expanding the Joint Singles Scheme Operator-Run (JSS-OR) pilot.
Three new sites
HDB has been running the JSS-OR as a pilot programme since 2021, and currently has capacity for 400 tenants, in three JSS-OR sites in Bedok, Buangkok, and Bukit Batok.
The JSS-OR has been well-subscribed, and the sites are close to full occupancy, Minister of State for National Development Faishal Ibrahim said in his speech on Mar. 2 during the Committee of Supply (COS) debates.
Because of this, the JSS-OR pilot is being expanded to three new sites.
These sites, located in Bukit Panjang, Bidadari, and Sengkang, will be able to accommodate about 600 additional tenants.
The new sites are expected to be open for applications by the end of 2023.
Pilot since 2021
The Joint Single Scheme requires that a single person apply for a public rental flat with a flatmate, such as a relative or friend, or through a listing of other single applicants via HDB.
The JSS-OR provides an additional option for singles to apply for a public rental flat without first having to find a flatmate.
Instead, an operator appointed by HDB will match applicants with a flatmate, and then manage the flat sharing arrangements.
For example, the JSS-OR pilot at Bedok North and Buangkok Crescent is run by social service agency Good New Community Services, for a three-year period.
Flats comes with privacy partitions, and general household furnishings and utilities, such as wardrobes and washing machines.
The eligibility for the JSS-OR remain unchanged.
Applicants must be:
- Singaporean citizens
- Single and at least 35 years old.
- Divorced or legally separated, and at least 35 years old
- Widowed or orphaned, and at least 21 years old
HDB expects to continue to learn from the pilot, and find ways to provide an improved living experience for singles under the public rental scheme.
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Top image via HDB/ Facebook