Additional Subsidies or Financial Support for Senior Households Living in HDB Flats on Fixed or No Incomes

Parliamentary Question by Mr Fadli Fawzi:

To ask the Prime Minister and Minister for Finance what additional subsidies or financial support such as property tax rebates, maintenance grants, utility rebates can be considered specifically for senior households living in HDB flats on fixed or no incomes, so as to prevent overburdening of long-time HDB owners who may struggle with costs but wish to remain in their flats.

Parliamentary Reply by Senior Minister of State for Finance, Mr Jeffrey Siow:

The Government actively supports seniors in HDB households who wish to age in place, with more support for those with lesser means.

Seniors can unlock the value of their flat and receive a regular stream of income through the Lease Buyback Scheme (LBS). The Government provides a cash bonus of up to $30,000 for eligible LBS participants, on top of the proceeds from selling a portion of their flat’s remaining lease. To improve seniors’ mobility and safety within their flats, in-home senior-friendly fittings and accessibility solutions such as grab bars and ramps are also subsidised via the Enhancement for Active Seniors (EASE) programme.

The Government also provides direct support for living costs through the permanent GST Voucher (GSTV) scheme, which comprises cash, MediSave, U-Save rebates and rebates for Service and Conservancy Charges (S&CC). Seniors who earned low income during their working years and thus have low retirement savings may also receive quarterly Silver Support payments in cash. This was recently enhanced in 2025, with eligible seniors receiving up to $1,080 each quarter, up from $900 previously.

The Government has also from time to time provided additional support such as Assurance Package payments, as well as property tax rebates. Beyond subsidies and financial support, we are also strengthening community support for seniors. For instance, the Silver Generation Office reaches out to all Singaporeans aged 60 and above to inform them about and connect them to care and support services. We are also piloting Age Well Neighbourhoods, which bring senior-friendly infrastructure and services into existing estates so that seniors have better access to such services in familiar surroundings.