In order to support an ageing population and allow seniors to continue living comfortably and safely in their HDB flats, government schemes are available for homeowners to tap for improving the user-friendliness of their homes, such as installing grab handles, slip-resistant tiles, and even ramps for wheelchair users.
Under the Enhancement for Active Seniors (EASE) programme, homeowners can claim up to 95% of costs for approved works to improve safety and accessibility in their HDB flats. During teh Singapore Budget 2025,
Here is an overview of the scheme, and the eligibility criteria for applying.
Read Also: Complete Guide To How Much You Can Receive From The (Enhanced) Silver Support Scheme
Home Improvements Covered Under EASE
EASE offers improvements to make the interiors of HDB flats more elderly-friendly. Soon, the EASE programme will be expanded to private properties for three years – from 2026 to 2028. Here are the main EASR Improvement Items:
1) Items Suitable For Fall Prevention / Additional Support
– Grab bars in toilets within flat or main entrace:
1st set: 8 or 10 grab bars for the first toilet and within flat
2nd set: 6 grab bars for second toilet (where technically feasible)
– Slip-resistant treatment to existing floor tiles of up to 2 bathrooms/toilets
– Lowering of kerb for combined toilet/bathroom or separate toilet/bathroom.
– Wall-mounted foldable shower seat
– Handrail at main entrance with steps
2) Items Suitable For Wheelchair / Commode Users
– Ramps (Single or Multi-step)
Up to a maximum of 5 ramps/accessibility solutions within flat and/or at the main entrance, recommended for wheelchair users:
a) Single-step ramp
b) Portable ramp (for multi-step main entrance)
c) Customised ramp (for 2 to 3 steps main entrance)
d) Customised ramp (for more than 3 steps main entrance)
e) Wheelchair lifter (for multi-steps main entrance)
– Widening of entrance at toilet/bathroom
3) Items Suitable For Seniors’ Safety and Well-being
– Up to 2 pieces of Bidet spray
– Set of 12 rocker switches
– A Home Fire Alarm Device (HFAD), or 2 pieces for those living in executive maisonettes.
On the current EASE programme, it usually takes about a day to complete the installation of a full set of EASE improvement works.
Eligibility Criteria To Qualify For HDB EASE Subsidies
To qualify for direct application for EASE, Singaporeans would need to have a family member in the household who is 65 years old and above. Those aged 60 to 64 years old but require assistance for one or more Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) can also qualify. ADLs refer to self-care activities within the person’s house, which include bathing, dressing, feeding, toileting, mobility, and transferring.
However, if you have a member of your family who requires EASE improvements but does not meet the age criteria, you can still apply for EASE, and have your cases assessed on a case-by-case basis. HDB has explained that this ensures the primary objective of benefitting elderly households is met.
Read Also: Guide To HDB Silver Housing Bonus Scheme, And How It Can Help You (Or Your Parents) With Retirement
Subsidies Provided Under HDB EASE Programme
Under EASE, the Government pays between 87.5% to 95% of the total cost of the EASE improvement works. The percentage subsidised depends on the type of HDB flat you stay in, with 3-room and smaller flats being subsidised the most and Executive flats subsidised the least.
HDB provides a breakdown of the cost to you for each item provided, as seen below. You can also use HDB’s e-calculator to compute the amount payable for the selected EASE improvements you need.
| S/N | EASE Improvement Items | Amount before Government Subsidy ($) | Flat Owner’s Share of Cost by Flat Type ($) | |||
| 1/2/3-room | 4-room | 5-room | Executive | |||
| 1 | Grab bars [1] | |||||
| a. First toilet (1st set: 8 or 10 pieces) | 523.20 | 26.15 | 39.20 | 52.30 | 65.40 | |
| b. Second toilet (2nd set: 6 pieces) | 305.20 | 15.25 | 22.85 | 30.50 | 38.15 | |
| 2 | Slip-resistant treatment (1 toilet/ bathroom) |
239.80 | 11.95 | 17.95 | 23.95 | 29.95 |
| 3 | Lowering of toilet/ bathroom entrance kerb[2] | 959.20 | 47.95 | 71.90 | 95.90 | 119.90 |
| 4 | Widening and lowering of toilet/ bathroom entrance/ kerb[2] | 1,547.80 | 77.35 | 116.05 | 154.75 | 193.45 |
| 5 | Wall-mounted foldable shower seat | 305.20 | 15.25 | 22.85 | 30.50 | 38.15 |
| 6 | Handrail at main entrance with step(s) | 632.20 | 31.60 | 47.40 | 63.20 | 79.00 |
| 7 | Widening of toilet/ bathroom entrance[2] | 1,308.00 | 65.40 | 98.10 | 130.80 | 163.50 |
| 8 | Ramps | |||||
| a. 1 single-step ramp | 283.40 | 14.15 | 21.25 | 28.30 | 35.40 | |
| b. 1 portable ramp | 763.00 | 38.15 | 57.20 | 76.30 | 95.35 | |
| c. 1 customised ramp for 2 to 3 steps | 1,744.00 | 87.20 | 130.80 | 174.40 | 218.00 | |
| d. 1 customised ramp for more than 3 steps | 4,360.00 | 218.00 | 327.00 | 436.00 | 545.00 | |
| e. 1 wheelchair lifter | 5,995.00 | 299.75 | 449.60 | 599.50 | 749.35 | |
| 9 | Bidet spray (1 piece) | 65.40 | 3.25 | 4.90 | 6.50 | 8.15 |
| 10 | Rocker switch[3] (set of 12) | 272.50 | 13.60 | 20.40 | 27.25 | 34.05 |
| 11 | Home Fire Alarm Device (HFAD) (1 piece) | 119.90 | 6.00 | 9.00 | 12.00 | 15.00 |
Note: 1) You will pay a flat rate on a per set basis, even if the number of grab bars installed on site is fewer than the maximum number of 8 or 10 (depending on type of toilet) for the first toilet or 6 for the second toilet. The remaining grab bars that are not installed will not be given to you, as the grab bars are offered as a set and on a supply-and-install basis. 2) HDB will assess and advise residents if:a) relocation of the wash basin is required. The flat owner’s share of the cost to relocate the wash basin, if required, ranges between $9.80 and $24.50. b) a temporary toilet is required. The flat owner’s share of the costs for provision of a temporary toilet during the works, if required, ranges between $13.05 and $32.70.3) HDB will assess and advise residents if:a) replacement of existing electrical wires and SP Services Ltd (SPSL) testing are required. The flat owner’s share of the costs to replace the existing wires and conduct SPSL testing ranges between $94.80 and $237.05.b) a new Residual Current Circuit Breaker (RCCB) is required. The flat owner’s share of the costs to install a new RCCB ranges between $7.60 and $19.05.
Prices do note include yearly maintenance servicing fee.
Do note that all amounts provided are only estimates, and you will be informed of the final amount payable before the commencement of EASE improvement works. The amount payable is also subjected to GST and will be payable to the contractors when the EASE (Direct Application) works are finished.
Do also note that for the ramps, you will need to engage the contractor or supplier yourself for damages to the ramps, and you would need to remove the ramp at your own cost when selling your HDB flat.
You can also make private arrangements with the EASE contractor for other elderly-friendly works. But, these will not be subsidised. Do note that soon, you will be able to choose from an expanded set of elderly-friend solutions via EASE 2.0.
How To Apply For HDB EASE Subsidies
To submit applications for HDB EASE, you can do so through the EASE (Direct Application e-Service) at HDB InfoWeb or through the Mobile@HDB app.
When submitting the applications, you would need to provide relevant information and documents. These include:
– A Functional Assessment Report (FAR), doctor’s letter/memo or medical report if available
– NRIC or passport number, as well as the Date of Birth of the senior
– Senior’s assistive device and its dimensions (if applicable)
You would need to submit a Functional Assessment Report if the member of the household is qualifying based on being 60-64 years old, but requiring assistance for any Activities of Daily Living (ADL). The FAR must be endorsed by a qualified assessor, such as a Singapore Medical Council fully registered doctor.
You can also contact the HDB Branch Service Line at 1800-225-5432 if you need help with your application. The line is open from 8 am to 5 pm on weekdays, excluding public holidays.
After receiving the application and relevant documents, the HDB Branch managing your estate will reply to you within seven working days. Then, HDB staff and/or the HDB appointed term contractors will contact you to arrange for a pre-condition survey and/or an installation date. This pre-condition survey is done to explain and fill up the Decision forms for the EASE items you want to install, check the condition of your flat and introduce to you the contractor for your installations.
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