Each child is a gift, but the third one comes with an additional perk: the opportunity to apply for the HDB Third Child Priority Scheme (TCPS). The TCPS is just one of several incentives given to parents in Singapore, especially those with multiple children.
Whether you’re applying to get your first home or have more elaborate plans for your flat, like reselling, it pays to know the eligibility and priority schemes that can help kickstart your homebuying journey.
Ready to sell your home? We’re ready to help.
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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.
Third Child Priority Scheme: Eligibility and Key Details
What Is the Third Child Priority Scheme?
The TCPS was introduced in 1987 in line with Singapore’s national population policy. Since then, the TCPS has gone through several revisions, with the present form dating from 1996.
This scheme provides priority flat allocations to families with three or more children who wish to buy a larger HDB flat. The TCPS allocates up to 5% of Build to Order (BTO) and 5% of Sale of Balance (SBF) units in an HDB project for qualified families.
Kindly note that eligibility schemes are different if you’re looking to buy HDB resale flats.
Are You and Your Family Eligible for the TCPS?
Ready for your dream home that matches the growth of your family? Look at the eligibility questions below to see if your family qualifies for the TCPS:
1. Who Should be Singapore Citizens (SCs)?
To qualify, you or your spouse, and your third child must be an SC; in short, at least two family members must meet this requirement. Your other children may either be SCs or Singapore Permanent Residents (SPRs).
2. What If I’m Divorced?
Only one of the spouses needs to be an SC to qualify for the TCPS. Therefore, if you are divorced or widowed, you need to be an SC to qualify. The SC parent must have legal custody, care, and control of all the children.
3. Is There a Limit to the Number of Children Per Family?
As the name implies, you must have at least three children to qualify for the TCPS, but there is no maximum number of children required. They can be a biological offspring from a lawful marriage or legally adopted. The adoptive parents must have the Adoption Order of their children when applying for a flat. Please note that the third child should also be born on or after 1 January 1987.
4. How Many Chances Do I Have to be Balloted?
There are three chances for you to be balloted. If you qualify, you will be included in the first ballot round, the one for the TCPS. If you were not balloted, your application will then be placed in a second ballot round, this time for the Family and Parenthood Priority Scheme (FPPS). The last chance is the Public Queue.
However, First-Timer Parents & Married Couples, or FT(PMC), may get an additional ballot chance.
5. Should This be My First TCPS Flat?
Because of past issues, the scheme has been revised to be open only to first-time TCPS applicants. You can only avail of the TCPS once. You cannot avail of the TCPS again once you have acquired a flat through this scheme.
Lay Out Your Property Plans with Ohmyhome
The Third Child Priority Scheme is your entry ticket to the multi-layered HDB priority schemes designed to support large families. By understanding how a family priority scheme like TCPS, FPPS, and FT(PMC) works, you can approach a BTO or SBF application confidently. However, note that policies can change. Visit the official HDB website for the most accurate and recent information before making a decision.
If you are one of the Singaporean families with three kids or more, congratulations! You have a better chance of finding your dream home with the TCPS. What will you do with all that space? Check out these design tips for homes with young children.
Buying a resale flat? Ohmyhome’s HDB Buyer Agent Service can help you at an affordable fee. Sellers can also get assistance from our Super Agents, including an accurate property valuation. Call +65 9755 9283 now!
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