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SINGAPORE – Approximately 155,000 HDB households with five or more members will receive double the usual reimbursement on their utility bills this month through the U-Save Goods and Services Tax Coupon (GSTV) program.
The largest rebate value for larger families is tied to their HDB home type, with those living in one- and two-bedroom apartments receiving $ 200 instead of the standard $ 100.
With the additional rebates, the largest families in three- and four-bedroom apartments will receive $ 180 and $ 160, respectively, this month. Those on five-bedroom floors will receive $ 140, while those on executive or multi-generation floors will receive $ 120.
This is the first of two bigger discounts for larger families, with the next round in January 2021.
The U-Save scheme aims to support households with their living expenses, particularly low- and middle-income households, the Ministry of Finance (MOF) said on Sunday (October 4).
The rebate will directly offset each household’s utility bill.
A total of 940,000 HDB households will receive their U-Save payments this month. Two previous refunds were paid in April and July, with additional refunds for those who qualified for the U-Save Special Payment.
This comes as electricity bills are projected to rise for 53% of Singapore households powered by SP Group. The energy utility provider announced on September 30 that electricity rates will increase by about 9 percent in the three months from October to December.
U-Save’s additional rebates for large families were first announced by Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Heng Swee Keat in February as part of the Covid-19 care and support package.
In a Facebook post on Sunday, Heng said he hoped the rebates would help households overcome current difficulties.
“With increased job uncertainty, households are understandably worried about spending,” he said. “I hope this additional support will help our households navigate these difficult times.”
The government will disburse $ 630 million through the U-Save scheme this financial year, the MOF said.
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