Cai YingboHUNDREDS of low-income Shenzhen residents flocked yesterday to the city's subdistrict government offices to apply for government-subsidized apartments, but few were found to be eligible.The government began accepting applications from low-income residents yesterday for 6,006 subsidized apartments. Many applicants did not meet the eligibility criteria, while others did not possess the requisite documentation.A total of 367 applicants yesterday visited the Lianhua Subdistrict Government Office in Futian District, the only office whose data was sought by the Shenzhen Daily. Of the applicants, only one was found to be eligible to buy or rent the government-subsidized apartments."Most applicants only cited their financial difficulties in buying or renting apartments in Shenzhen, but only a few of them meet all the requirements,"said an official with the office surnamed Xiao.According to Xiao, around 40 percent of the applicants at the office yesterday didn't have a clear idea about eligibility criteria. Many were refused because they couldn't provide the requisite certificates.Annual income below 23,000 yuan (US$3,151) is not the only requirement for being eligible for a government-subsidized apartment, according to Ai Yang, another official with the Lianhua Subdistrict Government Office.Applicants must also have hukou or permanent residence permits, issued before Dec. 31, 2005 and a marriage or divorce certificate issued before Dec. 31, 2005, along with evidence stating that the total value of their assets is less than 280,000 yuan.A woman surnamed Wang, who was rejected by the office, said she had met every requirement except one: Her husband was working in Hubei Province and did not hold Shenzhen hukou."Requirements are not realistic at all. I guess few people can meet all the requirements," said Wang. "I feel disappointed as the government housing policy didn't actually benefit low-income families."The only applicant to pass the eligibility check was a woman surnamed Chen, 40, a single mother of a 15-year-old girl. Chen has been living in Shenzhen for more than 17 years."Thanks to the city government's policy this year, I can now own an apartment,"said Chen with a smile.A list of the eligible families will be released between Feb. 20 and Feb. 24.The city government decided last year to provide 6,006 low-rent and low-cost apartments for low-income families unable to afford housing in the city.