Understanding the Home Caregiving Grant (HCG)
The primary form of direct caregiver allowance in Singapore is the Home Caregiving Grant (HCG). This financial aid is a monthly cash payout designed to help defray the costs of caregiving, such as hiring a migrant domestic worker, purchasing consumables, or paying for care services. The amount is means-tested, meaning it varies based on the per capita household income.
Current HCG Payouts (Before April 2026)
As of the current period, the HCG offers monthly payouts based on the following tiers:
- $400/month: For households with a per capita income (PCHI) of $1,500 or less, or those without income and an Annual Value (AV) of residence of $21,000 or less.
- $250/month: For households with a PCHI between $1,501 and $3,600.
Care recipients living in a household with multiple properties will receive the lower tier payout, currently $250 per month, regardless of their PCHI.
Upcoming HCG Enhancements (From April 2026)
Announced in Budget 2025, significant enhancements to the HCG will take effect from April 2026 to further assist caregivers and adjust for rising costs. The changes include higher payouts and an expanded income ceiling, allowing more families to qualify.
- Maximum Payout Raised: The highest monthly payout will increase from $400 to $600 for those with the greatest needs and lowest incomes.
- Income Ceiling Expanded: The maximum qualifying PCHI threshold will be raised from $3,600 to $4,800.
- Introduction of a New Tier: A new $200 monthly payout tier will be introduced for those in the new income band of $3,601 to $4,800.
Eligibility Criteria for HCG
To be eligible for the Home Caregiving Grant, the care recipient must meet several criteria:
- Citizenship: Be a Singapore Citizen or Permanent Resident (with a Singaporean parent, child, or spouse).
- Residency: Reside in Singapore.
- Disability: Be certified by an accredited doctor to have a permanent moderate disability. This means requiring assistance with at least three of the six Activities of Daily Living (ADLs): washing, dressing, feeding, toileting, transferring, and mobility.
- Care Setting: Not be residing in a residential long-term care institution, such as a nursing home.
- Means-Test: Meet the PCHI requirements based on their household income.
Other Caregiver Support Schemes
Beyond the HCG, the Singapore government offers other schemes that provide financial relief and support for caregivers.
Migrant Domestic Worker (MDW) Levy Concession
This concession significantly reduces the monthly levy for hiring a migrant domestic worker to $60, down from the standard $300. To qualify, the MDW must care for a family member who is a Singapore Citizen and is a child under 16, an elderly person aged 67 or above, or a person with a disability requiring help with at least one ADL.
Caregivers Training Grant (CTG)
The CTG provides an annual subsidy to offset the costs of approved training courses for caregivers. This helps caregivers acquire the necessary skills to better care for their loved ones. Eligible beneficiaries receive a $400 grant in the first year with a training need, followed by a $200 top-up annually, capped at $400 within each account. Both family members and MDWs can tap into this grant.
Seniors' Mobility and Enabling Fund (SMF)
While not a direct monthly allowance, the SMF provides subsidies for assistive devices (e.g., wheelchairs, hearing aids) and home healthcare items (e.g., adult diapers, milk feeds), which helps reduce overall caregiving expenses. The subsidy amount depends on the household's income level.
Comparing Caregiver Financial Assistance Schemes
| Feature | Home Caregiving Grant (HCG) | Caregivers Training Grant (CTG) | MDW Levy Concession |
|---|---|---|---|
| Payout Type | Monthly cash payout | Annual training fee subsidy | Reduction in monthly levy |
| Payout Amount | Up to $400 ($600 from Apr 2026) | $400 first year, $200 annually thereafter (capped at $400) | $240 monthly reduction |
| Purpose | Defray general caregiving costs | Fund training courses for caregivers | Reduce cost of hiring MDW |
| Means-Tested? | Yes | No, but recipient must meet criteria | Yes, based on care recipient |
| Care Recipient Needs | Permanent moderate disability (3+ ADLs) | Aged 65+ or with disability (1+ ADL) | Young child, elderly (67+), or disabled person (1+ ADL) |
How to Apply for Caregiver Allowances
Applying for schemes like the HCG is primarily handled through the Agency for Integrated Care (AIC) via their eService portal, eFASS. The process typically involves:
- Disability Assessment: A doctor's certification confirming the care recipient's disability level.
- Means-Testing: An assessment of your household's monthly income per person to determine the payout tier.
- Submission: Submitting the application and supporting documents online or at an AIC Link office.
For the MDW Levy Concession, applications are typically submitted online through the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) website, often alongside the MDW work permit application. For the CTG, you must register for an approved course and the training provider will handle the grant application on your behalf.
Conclusion: Planning for Future Caregiving Costs
Understanding how much is the caregiver allowance in Singapore is the first step toward securing financial stability for your caregiving journey. With forthcoming enhancements to the Home Caregiving Grant, more families will receive increased support. However, it is crucial to stay informed about eligibility criteria and application processes through reliable sources like the official AIC Singapore website. By leveraging these grants and subsidies, you can better manage the financial aspects of caregiving and focus on providing the best possible support for your loved one.
Ultimately, these schemes reflect Singapore's commitment to supporting its aging population and the invaluable role of family caregivers.
