Every employer pays MOM a monthly levy for their helper. For many families it is S$60 a month instead of S$300, because of the levy concession.
Most employers we meet already know the concession exists. What they ask us is who qualifies, what they need to give us, and when it stops. Here are the answers, with every figure taken from MOM.
The short answer
The MOM levy for a first helper is S$300 a month. It drops to S$60 if your household has a Singaporean child under 16, a Singaporean aged 67 or above, or a person certified as needing help with daily activities. MOM gives it automatically once the household details are in the application.
The levy rates
These are MOM's rates. MOM is the authority, so always check the latest on MOM's levy page.
| Levy | Per month | Per day |
|---|---|---|
| First helper, normal rate | S$300 | S$9.87 |
| Second helper onwards, normal rate | S$450 | S$14.80 |
| Concession rate | S$60 | S$1.98 |
The daily rate only applies when a helper does not work a full calendar month. For the full cost of hiring, including the package fee and insurance, see our fees page.
Who qualifies
| Who lives with you | MOM's condition |
|---|---|
| A child | A Singapore citizen under 16. |
| An elderly family member | A Singapore citizen aged 67 or above. Some permanent residents aged 67 or above also qualify, when a spouse or sponsor is a Singapore citizen. |
| A person with a disability | Certified by a doctor as needing help with at least one daily activity, such as washing, feeding or moving around. This one is applied for through the Agency for Integrated Care. |
In the cases we handle, it is almost always young children or elderly parents. MOM allows the concession for one helper per eligible person, up to 2 helpers per household. The full rules are on MOM's levy concession page.
How the concession is given
You do not apply for it separately. It comes through the Work Permit application, in this order.
Give us the details of everyone living at home. For an elderly family member, that is their IC. For children, their birth certificates.
We enter them in the Work Permit application. This is the step that matters. If a household member is left out, MOM cannot see them.
The IPA comes out first, with the levy amount stated on it.
The concession applies once the application is approved. MOM says the new rate shows within your next 2 levy bills, backdated to the date the steps were completed.
MOM gives the concession automatically once the details are in. The decision is MOM's, not ours.
A new baby while you have a helper
If your baby is born after the helper starts, update MOM once you have the birth certificate. For parents, MOM gives the concession from the child's date of birth.
When the concession stops
- When the child turns 16.
- If the elderly family member passes away.
The levy then goes back to the normal rate, unless someone else at home still qualifies. It is worth knowing when your youngest turns 16, so the change does not come as a surprise.
Can a family be turned down?
It is very rare. The concession is automatic, and MOM does not usually turn down a family that meets the conditions. When it does not apply, the usual reason is an elderly family member who is not a Singapore citizen.
If you think you qualify and the S$60 rate has not appeared, MOM has a form to check why, for children or for elderly family members and persons with disabilities. MOM replies within 2 working days.
Does the levy change which helper a family picks? No. The concession depends on who lives in your home, not on the helper you choose.
Paying the levy
- When it starts. For a first-time helper, from the 5th day of arrival, counting the arrival day. For other helpers, from the day after arrival.
- When it is due. By the 17th of the following month. MOM recommends GIRO.
- If it is late. MOM adds a late payment charge. After two months unpaid in a row, the helper's Work Permit can be revoked.
- When it ends. When the Work Permit is cancelled or expires.
If a family member needs help with three or more daily activities, the Agency for Integrated Care also runs the Home Caregiving Grant, of up to S$400 a month. MOM mentions it on the same concession page.
Hiring for young children or elderly parents
Tell us who lives at home and we will make sure every household member goes into the application. See how we help with elderly care, browse who is available at unistarr.com.sg/helpers, or talk it through with a consultant at either branch.
Bukit Timah +65 9723 4920
Katong +65 9647 4781
Mon-Fri 11am-7pm · Sat-Sun 11am-5pm
Unistarr Employment Pte Ltd · MOM EA Licence 15C7448
As featured on CNA + 8world, June 2026
