Updated: 07/02/2012 00:00

All HIP projects to be enhanced with additional optional items under the EASE programme

From this month, allHome Improvement Programme(HIP)projects will be enhanced with additional optiona...

Expat Guides

From this month, allHome Improvement Programme(HIP)projects will be enhanced with additional optional items under theEnhancement for Active Seniors (EASE)programme. Residents may choose any combination of the improvements and pay only for the chosen improvements.

HDB will start the direct applications in Bukit Merah and Kallang/Whampoa for elderly and vulnerable residents who may wish to get the improvements earlier, or whose blocks do not qualify for HIP. An approximated 16,000 households in Bukit Merah and Kallang/Whampoa stand to benefit and they can approach HDB to apply for the programme directly from July 1.

These two towns have the highest number of households nationwide with elderly residents aged 65 and above.Residents from Bukit Merah and Kallang/Whampoa can obtain theapplication formfrom any HDB Branch, or download it fromHDB InfoWEBif they wish to apply directly for EASE.The completed form must be then submitted to the relevant HDB Branch managing their estate.

EASE was first announced in March this year to enhance the safety and comfort of elderly residents living in HDB flats. The scheme is expected to cost the government S$260 million and benefit about 130,000 HDB households islandwide.It is highly subsidised by the government, with eligible flat owners only having to pay a small portion of the cost. If they opt for the full scope of works, the total cost will amount to about S$2,000 per flat.However, the government will provide a subsidy of up to 95 per cent of the cost, and residents will only need to pay an amount ranging from S$100 to S$250, depending on their flat type.

Rental blocks will also be offered EASE when HDB implements it in the various towns, or when these blocks are slated for HIP. For rental units, the EASE Programme will be fully funded by the government.

HDB intends to study the feedback over the next few months before rolling out direct applications islandwide.
For more District Guides, you can head over to iProperty.com Singapore.

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