Live-In Caregiver Salary, Agency Fees & Government Grants
Understanding the full cost of hiring a live-in caregiver in Singapore is essential for financial planning. This page provides a complete, transparent breakdown of all costs and available government subsidies as of 2026.
Salary
The monthly salary for a live-in caregiver depends on the caregiver's qualifications, experience, language ability and the complexity of care required.
Level |
Typical Salary Range |
Suitable For |
Eldercare Helper |
$650 to $800 |
Eldercare assistance, daily living support, companionship |
Caregiver |
$700 to $950 |
Dementia care, stroke recovery, care procedures etc. |
Private Nurse (Diploma / BSc) |
$900 to $1500 |
Complex medical needs, multiple conditions etc. |
Levy Concession
All employers of migrant domestic workers (MDWs) in Singapore are required to pay a monthly levy to MOM.
Refer to this MOM page for more information.
You do not need to apply for levy concession (automatically granted) if:
- Standard levy: $300 per month
- Concessionary levy: $60 per month (for eligible households)
- A family member aged 67 or above
- A family member with a disability (must be certified by Singapore-registered doctor to require help with at least 1 activity of daily living (ADL), such as showering, feeding, dressing or toileting)
- A child aged 16 or below
- The levy concession for 1 helper is granted based on 1 eligible person in the household. It is capped at 2 helpers per household.
Refer to this MOM page for more information.
You do not need to apply for levy concession (automatically granted) if:
- You or your spouse is at least 67 years old.
- Your child is below 16 years old.
Agency Fees
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Xedge Resource charges a one-time agency placement fee. This fee covers:
Our fees are:
Refund of Service Fees Refund of at least 50% of the Service Fees if the employment is terminated within the first 6 months of employment unless:
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Government Grants & Subsidies (Updated 2026)
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(1) Home Caregiving Grant (HCG)
The Home Caregiving Grant (HCG) is a monthly cash payout (up to $400) to support your loved ones with at least permanent moderate disability, i.e. always require some assistance to perform three or more Activities of Daily Living (ADLs). This grant can be used to defray the costs of caregiving expenses, such as the costs of eldercare and caregiver support services in the community, or hiring of a Foreign Domestic Worker (FDW). To be eligible for HCG, the care recipient must meet the following criteria: (a) Nationality
(c) Means Tested (d) Not in a residential long-term care institution (e.g. nursing home) Apply through Agency for Integrated Care (AIC). Refer to this AIC page for more information. |
Activities of Daily Living (ADL)
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(2) Caregivers Training Grant (CTG)
The Caregivers Training Grant is a $200 annual subsidy that lets caregivers attend approved courses to better care for their loved ones. The $200 subsidy is provided for each care recipient every financial year (from April to March the following year). If multiple caregivers of the same care recipient wish to attend training, the $200 would need to be shared among the family members.
Refer to this AIC Page for more information.
The Caregivers Training Grant is a $200 annual subsidy that lets caregivers attend approved courses to better care for their loved ones. The $200 subsidy is provided for each care recipient every financial year (from April to March the following year). If multiple caregivers of the same care recipient wish to attend training, the $200 would need to be shared among the family members.
Refer to this AIC Page for more information.
(3) Pioneer Generation Disability Assistance Scheme (PioneerDAS)
The Pioneer Generation Disability Assistance Scheme is part of the Pioneer Generation Package, which honours what Singapore's Pioneers have done for the country. Under this scheme, Pioneers who have disabilities can receive $100 a month, which they can use for expenses.
To be eligible for PioneerDAS, the care recipient must meet the following criteria:
(a) Must be a Pioneer
(b) Lives in Singapore
(c) Always requires some assistance with at least three of the six Activities of Daily Living.
Refer to this AIC page for more information.
The Pioneer Generation Disability Assistance Scheme is part of the Pioneer Generation Package, which honours what Singapore's Pioneers have done for the country. Under this scheme, Pioneers who have disabilities can receive $100 a month, which they can use for expenses.
To be eligible for PioneerDAS, the care recipient must meet the following criteria:
(a) Must be a Pioneer
(b) Lives in Singapore
(c) Always requires some assistance with at least three of the six Activities of Daily Living.
Refer to this AIC page for more information.
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(4) Eldershield
ElderShield is a basic long-term care insurance scheme targeted at severe disability, especially during old age. When it was introduced in 2002 as ElderShield 300, it provided payouts of $300/month for up to 5 years upon severe disability. It was subsequently reviewed in 2007 to ElderShield 400, which provides better benefits of $400/month for up to 6 years. ElderShield policyholders who become severely disabled are eligible to make claims, and can receive payouts for up to 60 or 72 months, as long as they continue to meet the terms and conditions needed to receive payouts. To be eligible for Eldershield claims, the care recipient must meet the following criteria: (a) Unable to perform three or more of the six Activities of Daily Living, as certified by a MOH-accredited severe disability assessor. (b) Must be an ElderShield Policyholder. Please refer to this AIC page for more information. 
(5) Careshield Life
CareShield Life is a long-term care insurance scheme launched on 1 October 2020 which provides basic financial protection should an individual become severely disabled, especially during old age, and need care for a prolonged duration. CareShield Life policyholders who are/become severely disabled are eligible to make claims, and can receive payouts for as long as they remain severely disabled, and meet the terms and conditions needed to receive payouts. Payouts start at $600 cash per month in 2020, which increases annually until age 67 or when a successful claim is made, whichever is earlier. To be eligible for Careshield Life claims, the care recipient must meet the following criteria: (a) Unable to perform three or more of the six Activities of Daily Living, as certified by a MOH-accredited severe disability assessor. (b) Must be an Careshield Life Policyholder. Please refer to this AIC page for more information. |
For Employers Looking to Hire a Live-In Caregiver. Plse submit this form. (We will contact you soonest)
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Total Monthly Cost Estimate
Cost Component |
Amount |
Salary |
$650-$950 |
Monthly levy (concessionary) |
$60 |
Medical insurance (prorated monthly) |
~$30 |
Food & living expenses (estimated) |
~$300 |
Less: Home Caregiving Grant (if eligible) |
-$400 |
Estimated total monthly cost |
$640-$940 |
