BLOG
Published on 28 Jul 2025 by Sunny L.
Hiring a domestic helper to care for an elderly family member at home can bring much-needed support and peace of mind. But beyond finding the right helper, it’s also important to understand the costs involved, especially the monthly Foreign Domestic Worker (FDW) levy.
The good news? Singapore offers a levy concession scheme, often referred to as the maid levy for elderly, to ease the financial burden for families caring for seniors. Here’s what you need to know:
What is the FDW levy?
The Foreign Domestic Worker levy is a monthly fee employers pay to the government for hiring a helper. As of now:
- Standard levy: $300 per month
- Concessionary levy (maid levy for elderly): $60 per month (if eligible)
Who qualifies for the levy concession?
You may be eligible for the maid levy for elderly if your helper is employed to care for an elderly Singaporean citizen who meets one of the following:
- Aged 67 years or older, OR
- Certified to require assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs) under approved disability schemes (e.g., ElderShield, IDAPE)
Note: The elderly person must be living at the same address as the employer.
How to apply
Applying is straightforward and can be done online via the AIC (Agency for Integrated Care) or MSF (Ministry of Social and Family Development) websites depending on the eligibility criteria:
- For elderly aged 67 or older
- Apply directly via CPF’s FDW levy concession application
- For those requiring assistance with ADLs
- Certification will be needed through schemes such as:
- ElderShield
- Interim Disability Assistance Programme for the Elderly (IDAPE)
- Home Caregiving Grant (HCG)
Once approved, the maid levy for elderly concession will be automatically applied to your levy billing.
Why it matters
Caring for an elderly loved one is a full-time responsibility. The maid levy for elderly concession helps lighten the financial load for families while ensuring seniors receive the dedicated support they need from trained domestic helpers.
With the savings, families can redirect funds toward other aspects of elderly care, like mobility aids, medical expenses, or home modifications.
You might be interested in:
How to Create a Balanced Schedule for Your Helper (Without Burnout)
Domestic Helpers and Pets: Safety Tips for Households With Animals
Busted! 6 Myths About Hiring a Maid in Singapore That Employers Still Believe
Hiring a Helper Before the School Term Starts? Here’s What to Know
Hiring a domestic helper to care for an elderly family member at home can bring much-needed support and peace of mind. But beyond finding the right helper, it’s also important to understand the costs involved, especially the monthly Foreign Domestic Worker (FDW) levy.
The good news? Singapore offers a levy concession scheme, often referred to as the maid levy for elderly, to ease the financial burden for families caring for seniors. Here’s what you need to know:
What is the FDW levy?
The Foreign Domestic Worker levy is a monthly fee employers pay to the government for hiring a helper. As of now:
- Standard levy: $300 per month
- Concessionary levy (maid levy for elderly): $60 per month (if eligible)
Who qualifies for the levy concession?
You may be eligible for the maid levy for elderly if your helper is employed to care for an elderly Singaporean citizen who meets one of the following:
- Aged 67 years or older, OR
- Certified to require assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs) under approved disability schemes (e.g., ElderShield, IDAPE)
Note: The elderly person must be living at the same address as the employer.
How to apply
Applying is straightforward and can be done online via the AIC (Agency for Integrated Care) or MSF (Ministry of Social and Family Development) websites depending on the eligibility criteria:
- For elderly aged 67 or older
- Apply directly via CPF’s FDW levy concession application
- For those requiring assistance with ADLs
- Certification will be needed through schemes such as:
- ElderShield
- Interim Disability Assistance Programme for the Elderly (IDAPE)
- Home Caregiving Grant (HCG)
Once approved, the maid levy for elderly concession will be automatically applied to your levy billing.
Why it matters
Caring for an elderly loved one is a full-time responsibility. The maid levy for elderly concession helps lighten the financial load for families while ensuring seniors receive the dedicated support they need from trained domestic helpers.
With the savings, families can redirect funds toward other aspects of elderly care, like mobility aids, medical expenses, or home modifications.
You might be interested in:
How to Create a Balanced Schedule for Your Helper (Without Burnout)
Domestic Helpers and Pets: Safety Tips for Households With Animals
Busted! 6 Myths About Hiring a Maid in Singapore That Employers Still Believe
Hiring a Helper Before the School Term Starts? Here’s What to Know