Understanding Singapore's Caregiving Grants
When a family member requires consistent care due to old age, disability, or chronic illness, the financial strain can be significant. The Singapore government offers several schemes to alleviate this burden, with the Home Caregiving Grant (HCG) being one of the most prominent. Launched by the Ministry of Health (MOH) and administered by the Agency for Integrated Care (AIC), the HCG provides direct monthly cash payments to qualifying households. The purpose is to acknowledge the crucial role of caregivers and to help defray caregiving costs, enabling seniors and persons with disabilities to be cared for within the comfort of their own homes.
What is the Home Caregiving Grant (HCG)?
The Home Caregiving Grant (HCG) is a means-tested monthly cash payout for households caring for persons with moderate to severe disabilities. A 'moderate disability' typically means requiring permanent assistance with at least three out of the six Activities of Daily Living (ADLs). These ADLs include Bathing, Dressing, Eating, Toileting, Transferring, and Walking or moving around. The grant offers flexibility, allowing families to use the payout for various needs like caregiving services, hiring a Migrant Domestic Worker (MDW), or purchasing essential healthcare items.
Enhancements to the HCG in 2026
Announced in Budget 2025 and effective from April 2026, the HCG will see significant enhancements. These include higher maximum monthly payouts, increasing from $400 to $600 for those with the greatest need. The qualifying monthly per capita household income threshold will also be raised from $3,600 to $4,800, making the grant accessible to more families. For households with multiple properties, the payout amount will be based on the lowest support tier.
Eligibility criteria for the HCG
To be eligible for the HCG, both the care recipient and the applicant must meet specific conditions.
For the Care Recipient:
- Must be a Singapore Citizen or Permanent Resident residing in Singapore. PRs require a parent, child, or spouse to be a Singapore Citizen.
- Must live in Singapore and not be in a long-term care institution like a nursing home.
- Must have a moderate to severe disability, requiring permanent assistance with at least three ADLs, as assessed by a healthcare professional.
- Must meet the specified household income and asset criteria (means-testing), with the income threshold increasing in April 2026.
For the Applicant:
- Must be the caregiver of the care recipient.
- Must be a Singapore Citizen or Permanent Resident.
- Applications must be submitted through the AIC's eService portal (eFASS).
How to apply for the Home Caregiving Grant
The application process is managed by the Agency for Integrated Care (AIC) and can be done online through their eService portal for efficiency. Key steps include gathering necessary documents, arranging a medical assessment for the care recipient to confirm their disability level (with a Functional Assessment Report - FAR), and submitting the application along with supporting documents. You will also need to nominate a bank account, typically the care recipient's, for the payout.
Comparison of Caregiving Grants in Singapore
Singapore offers various grants to support caregivers. The Home Caregiving Grant (HCG) provides a monthly cash payout for caregiving expenses, with payouts increasing up to $600/month from April 2026 based on income and disability. This is distinct from the Caregivers Training Grant (CTG), which offers an annual subsidy of up to $400 for approved training courses to equip caregivers with necessary skills. The HCG is a direct cash transfer and is highly flexible in its use, while the CTG is a subsidy for specific courses. Eligibility for HCG is based on the care recipient's disability and household income, whereas CTG requires the care recipient to be elderly or a person with disability. Applications for HCG are via the AIC portal with an assessment, while CTG applications are submitted through the training provider.
Beyond the HCG: Other forms of support
Caregiving support extends beyond financial grants. Families can also benefit from other schemes such as the Migrant Domestic Worker (MDW) Levy Concession for eligible households hiring an MDW to care for a person with disabilities. The Seniors' Mobility and Enabling Fund (SMF) provides subsidies for assistive devices and home healthcare consumables. Respite care services offer temporary relief for caregivers, and various training programs and community resources are available to enhance caregiving skills and support networks.
Conclusion: A valuable lifeline for caregivers
The Home Caregiving Grant (HCG) is a crucial resource for Singaporean families providing care for loved ones with disabilities. With upcoming enhancements, the grant will offer greater financial support and reach more eligible households, affirming the government's commitment to supporting caregivers and enabling home-based care. Understanding what is the caregiving grant in Singapore and utilizing available resources like the HCG and other support schemes can significantly ease the caregiving journey and improve the well-being of both caregivers and care recipients. For detailed information and to apply, visit the official Agency for Integrated Care (AIC) website.
Visit the Agency for Integrated Care (AIC) for more information
