Several years of Community Development Council (CDC) voucher roll-outs have led to increased redemptions, yet some gaps remain in ensuring that all eligible residents receive their share (More than $255m in CDC vouchers spent, 95% of households have claimed vouchers, Feb 6).

The vouchers being issued according to each “household” brings up the question of what constitutes a household.

This has caused issues for two groups in particular: tenants and shelter residents. 

According to the Ministry of Social and Family Development, households can consist of a group of two or more people living together in the same house and sharing essential arrangements; or a person living alone; or a person living with others but having their own essential arrangements for living.

Based on this definition, multiple households can reside within a rented property or a shelter.

However, since they might all be tied to one address, they might face issues when claiming CDC vouchers. For example, another household at the address might have already claimed the vouchers, or several households might have to share the same set of vouchers accessed by the first claimant.

The Association of Women for Action and Research (Aware) has heard from tenants, whose landlords or their families have claimed and spent the vouchers first despite not living in the rental property.

Those living in shelters may also be tied to a different address, but complex or abusive relationships make it impossible for them to claim their share of vouchers. 

The CDC website states that individuals can approach community centres to file their appeals.

Yet, proving they are a separate household might not be easy for tenants without an individual tenancy agreement, or shelter residents who are not entitled to automatically change their address to that of the shelter. 

A social worker also shared how tedious the appeal process can be, especially if the claimants are strapped for time.

To counter this “first come, first served” issue, we suggest a two-step process where individuals are first asked to verify their households before vouchers can be claimed.

All distinct households should have access to their tranche of CDC vouchers, rather than having to share them with other households at the same address.

Social workers could be given the support and necessary information to address the issue at a grassroots level, especially in the first few months of the new CDC vouchers roll-out. 

These vouchers are a great initiative, especially as the cost of living increases.

We hope the process can be smoother, clearer and fairer for everyone, including those in non-conventional living arrangements.

Khaing Su Wai
Communications Executive
Aware