The problem of observer-based robust control design is studied for discrete-time singular systems with norm-bounded uncertainties and a time-varying delay. More precisely, a delay-dependent criterion is established that guarantees the admissibility of the considered systems, without resorting to its decomposition. Based on the proposed criterion and without the assumption that the considered systems are admissible, robust observer-based controllers are designed for discrete-time singular time-delay systems such that the closed-loop systems have the characteristics of regularity, causality and asymptotic stability. Seeking computational convenience, all the developed results are cast in the format of strict linear matrix inequalities (LMIs). Finally, some numerical examples are presented to show the feasibility of the proposed approach.