Digital access @ Home

Provides subsidised broadband and laptops/tablets to lower-income households to support their lifestyle needs, including work and social activities.

During the Ministry of Communications and Information (MCI) Committee of Supply (COS) parliamentary debate on 28 February 2023, Minister Josephine Teo announced that IMDA is introducing a new DigitalAccess@Home scheme to provide subsidised broadband and digital devices (laptop or tablet) to low-income Singaporean households to strengthen digital inclusion. The scheme will replace the existing Home Access and NEU PC Plus programmes.

DigitalAccess@Home will be launched on 3rd April 2023, with NEU PC Plus and Home Access phasing out on 31st March 2023.

Eligible households can apply for the scheme through a simplified application process and enjoy the flexibility to choose their device and broadband connectivity according to their needs.

Who can apply?

Low-income households living in HDB flats with at least one Singapore Citizen are eligible to apply for DigitalAccess@Home online ↗ (opens in new tab) You can check your eligibility at this website ↗ (opens in new tab).

Click on Scheme Details ↗ (opens in new tab) for more information

How can I apply?

You can apply in two ways:

• Online submission (by e-form): Visit digitalaccess.gov.sg ↗ (opens in new tab), click on ‘For Applicant’, and log in with Singpass.

• Hard copy submission (by mail): Download and print the form here ↗ (opens in new tab), complete it and mail it to IMDA.

Click on Scheme Details ↗ (opens in new tab) for more information

How much do I need to pay? (Co-payment)

Through DigitalAccess@Home, you may receive the following: 

• Subsidised Broadband

• Subsidised Device Package:

  • Laptop: Includes Microsoft Office, 3-year subscription of anti-virus software, and 3-year warranty OR

  • Tablet: Includes 3-year subscription of anti-virus software, and 3-year warranty

The amount of your co-payment will depend on the product(s) you select. You may click on this link ↗ (opens in new tab) to check the range of co-payment amounts.

Click on Scheme Details ↗ (opens in new tab) for more information

FAQs

1. What kind of assistance are offered in DigitalAccess@Home scheme?

Households eligible for the DigitalAccess@Home scheme can choose from one the following:

• 3 years of subsidised fibre broadband and a subsidised device (laptop or tablet); or

• 3 years of subsidised fibre broadband; or

• a subsidised device (laptop or tablet).

2. What are the key differences between the new scheme and the existing schemes?

The key differences that the DigitalAccess@Home scheme has over the existing ones are:

• Flexibility to choose product offerings with expanded product choices: Eligible households will enjoy more flexible and expanded device and broadband connectivity options including the flexibility to add options during the period of assistance when their needs change.

• Simplified and streamlined application for greater convenience and faster approval: The application process will be simplified and applicants will no longer be required to submit supporting documents such as copies of NRIC and income documents. Existing recipients of selected government assistance schemes will also automatically qualify for the Digital Access@Home scheme.

3. What should households who are keen to get on the scheme do come April 2023?

From 3 April 2023, applicants may apply for the DigitalAccess@Home scheme online or by submitting a hardcopy application. They can also approach any of the 37 SG Digital community hubs and 4 self-help groups (CDAC, Eurasian Association, MENDAKI, SINDA) for assistance with applications.

Applicants may use the online self-assessment tool ↗ (opens in new tab) to check their eligibility before applying.

4. If a household applied for DigitalAccess@Home, chose and received a broadband-only package, can this household apply again for DigitalAccess@Home if they need a device later on (e.g. after 1 year)?

Yes. a household that received a broadband-only or device-only package can apply for a device or broadband plan respectively within the 3-year assistance period.

5. If an applicant is an existing or was previously a Home Access/NEU PC Plus beneficiary, can he/she apply for DigitalAccess@Home?

If an applicant is an existing NEU PC Plus beneficiary, he/she may submit a DigitalAccess@Home application for a fibre broadband only package, or a device only package if he/she is not currently benefitting from subsidised fibre broadband or device (desktop/laptop) respectively.

If an applicant is an existing Home Access beneficiary and is not currently benefitting from a subsidised device (tablet/smartphone), he/she may apply for a device under the DigitalAccess@Home scheme.

Applicants are encouraged to use the online self-assessment tool ↗ (opens in new tab) to check their eligibility before applying.

6. How does the launch of DigitalAccess@Home affect households already on existing schemes?

Households already on the existing schemes may continue to enjoy the benefits of the schemes until the end of their broadband contracts/ or qualifying periods (e.g. 3 years for NEU PC Plus). Eligible households may apply for the DigitalAccess@Home scheme after their contract ends.

7. Why are the broadband options not fully subsidised under DigitalAccess@Home, like it was with NEU PC Plus?

Co-payment is an important principle in the design of government assistance schemes as this is a prudent use of government funds in supporting the most needy households.

The new DigitalAccess@Home scheme has taken the above principle into consideration and will be based on co-payment format. We will continue to ensure that the co-payment amounts are reasonable for low-income households to obtain affordable digital access.

8. Students used to be supported under NEU PC Plus regardless of their dwelling type, while DigitalAccess@Home only supports those staying in HDB flats. How will non-HDB dwelling households with school-going children be supported?

The government subsidies are targeted at those with the greatest need. The use of property ownership is a practical way of considering households’ means to help us target government subsidies on areas with the greatest need.

9. Are PRs eligible for DigitalAccess@Home?

Low-income households with PRs are eligible for DigitalAccess@Home as long as the household comprises at least 1 Singapore Citizen. This includes new Singapore Citizens who have just received their citizenships.

10. What if I have several young children and need more than 1 laptop for my home?

Complementing the DigitalAccess@Home scheme, the Digital for Life partners have stepped forward to support DigitalAccesss@Home households with 3 or more students with additional laptops – such households can seek IMDA’s assistance to facilitate the provision of a refurbished laptop. Other needy households with extenuating circumstances can seek assistance from IMDA, which will endeavour to assist or work with 3P partners to support the households’ needs.

11. Will households with children not attending MOE schools (e.g. Madrasah schools, private schools, or home schooled) be eligible to apply for DigitalAccess@Home?

Yes.