Written by: Rita Magallona
Do you need to take care of both young children and ageing parents? Or do you wish to spend your golden years with your adult children and grandchildren?
As part of the ‘sandwich generation’, you might be dealing with both paediatrician checkups and geriatric appointments. Or perhaps you’re a single child caring for your ageing parents. The need for families to live closer for mutual support is common in many situations.
Recognising this, HDB has a priority scheme to help families live together or nearby. If you’ve heard of the Married Child Priority Scheme (MCPS), it’s important to know it has been replaced by a new, more inclusive scheme.
What is the New Family Care Scheme (FCS)?
The Family Care Scheme (FCS) (Proximity) is the new priority scheme for HDB flat applications that started in the July 2025 sales exercises. It’s designed to help Singaporean families live with or near their parents or children for mutual support.
This change acknowledges the crucial role that single children play in caring for their ageing parents.
4 Questions About FCS (Proximity)
Here are the key questions and answers you may need to know about the New Family Care Scheme (Proximity).
1. How “near” do you need to be?
To qualify for the FCS, your new flat must be:
- In the same flat (i.e., you are applying to live with your parents or children).
- Near your parents or children, which HDB defines as being within 4 km of their HDB flat or private residential property
The HDB flat or private residential property can also be owned or occupied by your immediate family members, which can be your children or adopted children, parents, parents-in-law, or siblings. This was also the rule under the old MCPS.
2. Who gets higher priority?
Like in the old MCPS, applicants who apply to live with their parents or children in the same flat will receive higher priority than those who apply to live near them.
3. Who can apply?
You can apply for the FCS (Proximity) if you are:
- A married child or parent, applying to live with or near your parents or a married child
- A 35-year-old single child or a parent, applying to live with or near your parents or single child
- A child to one Singapore Citizen or Permanent Resident between parents
The MCPS was only available to married children.
4. How long must you maintain the living arrangement?
The required Minimum Occupation Period (MOP) is five years. This means that if you apply to live with your parents, they must remain listed as occupiers during the 5-year MOP. If you live near them, they must live within 4 km of your new flat for five years.
Quota and Allocation of Flats Under FCS (Proximity)
- Seniors: Within the seniors’ quota, half in Standard and Plus Projects, and a quarter in Prime
- For families and first-timer singles: FCS (Proximity) quota priotises those who apply for a flat to live with their parents/children, with the remaining given to those looking to live near their parents/children. The distribution is as follows:
- First-timer families: 30% for BTO and SBF
- Second-timer families: 5% for BTO and 3% for SBF
- First-timer singles: Within the non-senior supply of 2-room Flexi, 30% for BTO and 2% for SBF
A New Flat for the Family
Do you like the idea of regular family meals where everyone is gathered around the table? The new Family Care Scheme is a great way for you to strengthen family bonds and have peace of mind.
If you have any questions about the Family Care Scheme, the Proximity Housing Grant, or any other property concerns like home valuation, Ohmyhome is here to help. Our Super Agents can assist with all your home-selling, buying, and financing needs.
For HDB resale options, look no further than our thousands of non-duplicated listings at Ohmyhome and find your dream home.
Reach out to us at +65 9755 9283 to secure an appointment today, or message us through live chat at the bottom, right-hand corner of the screen. You can also WhatsApp us.
Ready to sell your home? We’re ready to help.
Schedule a consultation with one of Singapore’s top agents.
Ready to sell your home? We’re ready to help.
Schedule a consultation with one of Singapore’s top agents.
Ready to sell your home? We’re ready to help.
Schedule a consultation with one of Singapore’s top agents.
Ready to sell your home? We’re ready to help.
Schedule a consultation with one of Singapore’s top agents.
Ready to sell your home? We’re ready to help.
Schedule a consultation with one of Singapore’s top agents.
+65 9755 9283 
hello@ohmyhome.com 
