"Apart from maternity leave, a single parent below the age of 35 and their child does not qualify as a family nucleus when applying for a new HDB flat or rental flat. They are also not eligible for housing subsidies.
Housing is a basic necessity and single parents need to provide themselves and their child a roof over their heads too. This often leaves them with no choice but to rent or purchase from the open market. With hefty rental rates, such families may have to cut back on other expenses such as medical and food for their children.
I have come across cases in Punggol East where they had difficulties looking for a place to stay. They have to stay in an over-crowded flat or move from month to month to stay with their relatives or friends.
Single parents are also not eligible for baby bonus. Raising children is not an easy task financially, even if one is married and have 2 incomes. The cash component and money in CDA will certainly come in handy to help the single parent manage early childhood expenses.
I think we can all agree that parents are parents all the same, whether they are single or married. Their parental responsibilities and the needs of their children do not differ. I would urge the Ministry to seriously consider equalizing their benefits." - MP Lee Li Lian (李丽连)
COS 2014 Debate: MSF – Single Parents (MP Lee Li Lian)
wp.sg
By MP for Punggol East SMC, Lee Li Lian [Delivered in Committee of Supply on 12 March 2014] Madam, l welcome the changes made last year to include single pa
Housing is a basic necessity and single parents need to provide themselves and their child a roof over their heads too. This often leaves them with no choice but to rent or purchase from the open market. With hefty rental rates, such families may have to cut back on other expenses such as medical and food for their children.
I have come across cases in Punggol East where they had difficulties looking for a place to stay. They have to stay in an over-crowded flat or move from month to month to stay with their relatives or friends.
Single parents are also not eligible for baby bonus. Raising children is not an easy task financially, even if one is married and have 2 incomes. The cash component and money in CDA will certainly come in handy to help the single parent manage early childhood expenses.
I think we can all agree that parents are parents all the same, whether they are single or married. Their parental responsibilities and the needs of their children do not differ. I would urge the Ministry to seriously consider equalizing their benefits." - MP Lee Li Lian (李丽连)
COS 2014 Debate: MSF – Single Parents (MP Lee Li Lian)
wp.sg
By MP for Punggol East SMC, Lee Li Lian [Delivered in Committee of Supply on 12 March 2014] Madam, l welcome the changes made last year to include single pa