Is there a subsidy for dementia in Singapore? Understanding financial aid

With Singapore's ageing population, the costs of long-term dementia care can be substantial for many families. Fortunately, the Singapore government provides a range of means-tested subsidies and financial assistance schemes to help offset these expenses for eligible citizens and Permanent Residents.

Quick Summary

Yes, Singapore offers various subsidies for dementia care, including means-tested assistance for long-term day and home care services, as well as financial grants for caregivers. Key schemes like the Home Caregiving Grant, MediSave Care, and ElderFund provide significant support to eligible individuals and their families.

Key Points

• Means-Tested Subsidies: Eligible Singaporeans and Permanent Residents can receive significant government subsidies for long-term care services, including dementia day care and home care, based on household income.

• Home Caregiving Grant (HCG): Caregivers can receive monthly cash payouts to help with costs. The grant is being enhanced from April 2026 to offer higher amounts and include more households.

• MediSave Flexibility: MediSave funds can be used for outpatient dementia treatments under the Chronic Disease Management Programme (CDMP) and for long-term care needs via the MediSave Care scheme.

• Financial Safety Nets: Schemes like ElderFund and MediFund are available for lower-income individuals who have limited savings and are not covered by other insurance schemes.

• Comprehensive Coverage: CareShield Life provides basic financial support for severely disabled individuals, including those with dementia, ensuring a lifetime of payouts for eligible claimants.

• Caregiver Support: Beyond financial aid, grants like the Caregivers Training Grant and the FDW Levy Concession help families manage the practical and financial aspects of caregiving.

Navigating Subsidies for Dementia Care in Singapore

Caring for a person with dementia involves long-term planning and significant financial commitment. The Singapore government, through the Ministry of Health (MOH) and the Agency for Integrated Care (AIC), offers multiple avenues of support to make care more affordable. Understanding and navigating these schemes is crucial for families seeking to lighten their financial load.

Government Subsidies for Long-Term Care (LTC) Services

These subsidies are means-tested based on the household's Monthly Per Capita Household Income (PCHI). The level of subsidy increases for lower-income households. Services covered include both residential and non-residential care options.

Non-Residential Care Services

• Dementia Day Care: Subsidies apply to various day care programmes designed specifically for seniors with dementia, helping with daily supervision and cognitive stimulation.
• Home Care Services: This covers essential services like Home Medical, Home Nursing, and Home Personal Care, which allow persons with dementia to receive care within the comfort of their own homes.

Residential Care Services

• For more advanced stages of dementia requiring institutional care, government subsidies are available for eligible Singaporeans residing in nursing homes. Subsidies for residential LTC services are undergoing enhancements, with increased subsidy percentages and raised qualifying income ceilings announced in Budget 2025.

Financial Grants and Support for Caregivers

Caregivers, often family members, bear a heavy burden. Several grants provide direct financial assistance to help with caregiving costs.

Home Caregiving Grant (HCG)

As of April 2026, this grant will be enhanced to provide higher monthly cash payouts to families caring for loved ones with moderate to severe disabilities.

• Who is it for? Care recipients with moderate disability (needing help with at least 3 Activities of Daily Living, or ADLs) living in the community.
• How much? Enhanced payouts of $200, $400, or $600 per month, depending on PCHI.

Caregivers Training Grant (CTG)

This is an annual $200 subsidy for caregivers to attend approved courses that equip them with essential skills for better caregiving. This helps prevent caregiver burnout and enhances the quality of care provided.

Foreign Domestic Worker (MDW) Levy Concession

Families hiring an MDW to care for a person with dementia can pay a lower monthly levy of $60, instead of the standard rate. Eligibility criteria include the care recipient needing help with at least one ADL.

Using MediSave for Dementia Costs

MediSave funds can be used for approved outpatient and inpatient treatments, including those related to dementia.

MediSave Care

Singapore Citizens and PRs aged 30 and above with severe disability can make monthly cash withdrawals of up to $200 from their or their spouse's MediSave account for long-term care needs. A severe disability assessment is required for eligibility.

Chronic Disease Management Programme (CDMP)

Dementia is a chronic condition covered under the CDMP. This allows for the use of MediSave for outpatient treatment, including medication. The annual withdrawal limit has been increased to $700 for patients with complex chronic conditions.

Financial Safety Nets and Long-Term Insurance

Beyond subsidies and grants, additional schemes exist to provide a safety net for those with limited means.

ElderFund

This is a discretionary scheme for severely disabled, lower-income Singapore citizens who are unable to benefit from other insurance schemes. It provides a monthly cash payout of up to $250 for as long as they remain eligible.

MediFund

As a last resort for those facing financial hardship, MediFund provides assistance to help cover outstanding medical bills after government subsidies and other means of payment.

CareShield Life

This national long-term care insurance scheme provides basic financial support for individuals with severe disabilities. Payouts can be used to cover the costs of dementia care.

Comparison of Key Financial Schemes for Dementia Care

Scheme	Eligibility	Benefit	Care Recipient Focus
Long-Term Care Subsidies	Singapore Citizen/PR; Means-tested via PCHI or Annual Value of residence	Subsidies for day care, home care, and nursing homes	Services provided by government-funded providers
Home Caregiving Grant (HCG)	SC/PR; Needs help with ≥3 ADLs; Meets PCHI/AV criteria	Monthly cash payout (enhanced from April 2026)	Cash to defray caregiving expenses
MediSave Care	SC/PR aged 30+; Severely disabled (unable to do 3 ADLs)	Monthly cash withdrawal from MediSave	Long-term care needs
ElderFund	Low-income SC aged 30+; Severely disabled; Low MediSave	Monthly cash payout (up to $250)	Lower-income with severe disability and limited alternatives
CareShield Life	SC/PR born in 1980 or later (older can opt in); Severely disabled	Lifetime monthly cash payout	Individuals with severe disability

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if my loved one is eligible for a dementia subsidy in Singapore?

Eligibility for most subsidies depends on a means-test based on your household's monthly income per person (PCHI) or the Annual Value of your property. For some schemes like MediSave Care, eligibility also requires a certification of severe disability by an approved assessor. A medical social worker can provide a full assessment.

What is the Home Caregiving Grant and how does it help with dementia care?

The Home Caregiving Grant (HCG) provides a monthly cash payout to help with caregiving costs for families with moderately disabled loved ones. You can use this money to cover home care services, daycare fees, or other care-related expenses for a person with dementia.

Can I use my MediSave to pay for dementia medication?

Yes, dementia is a chronic condition covered under the Chronic Disease Management Programme (CDMP). This means you can use your MediSave account to pay for approved outpatient treatments and medication at participating clinics, subject to withdrawal limits.

How do I apply for financial assistance for my family member with dementia?

You can initiate the application process by speaking with a medical social worker at a polyclinic or hospital. They will guide you through the means-testing process and help with referrals. For some schemes like HCG, you can also apply directly through the AIC's eService portal (eFASS).

Are Permanent Residents eligible for the same dementia subsidies as Singapore Citizens?

Permanent Residents are generally eligible for long-term care subsidies but often receive a lower subsidy rate compared to Singapore Citizens. Some schemes may also have specific criteria regarding a PR's relationship with a Singapore Citizen family member.

What is ElderFund and how is it different from CareShield Life or ElderShield for dementia patients?

ElderFund is a discretionary, means-tested cash assistance scheme for severely disabled, lower-income Singapore Citizens who are not covered by CareShield Life or ElderShield and have low MediSave balances. It acts as a safety net, whereas CareShield Life and ElderShield are insurance schemes providing payouts to policyholders with severe disability.

Can a person with young onset dementia (YOD) receive subsidies?

Yes, schemes like MediSave Care and other financial assistance are available to eligible Singaporeans and PRs aged 30 and above who are severely disabled, including those with Young Onset Dementia. An assessment is necessary to determine the level of disability and eligibility for support.