
Caring for a loved one can be one of life’s most rewarding, yet challenging, responsibilities. If you’re a caregiver in Singapore, you might be eligible for a crucial financial boost — the Home Caregiving Grant (HCG). Singapore’s $400 Caregiving Grant 2025 provides much-needed financial support to families caring for individuals with moderate disabilities. Let’s dive into the details to understand who qualifies, how to apply, key dates you don’t want to miss, and tips to maximize your caregiving journey.
Singapore’s $400 Caregiving Grant 2025
Topic | Details |
---|---|
Grant Name | Home Caregiving Grant (HCG) |
2025 Monthly Amount | Up to S$400 (higher for lower-income households) |
Eligibility | Singapore Citizens or PRs, need help with 3+ ADLs, income-tested |
Application Time | Up to 4 weeks for processing |
Payout Start | Month after approval, includes back payment |
2026 Update | Payouts to increase to up to S$600 |
Official Website | Agency for Integrated Care (AIC) |
The Singapore $400 Caregiving Grant 2025 offers significant relief for caregivers managing the emotional and financial weight of home-based care. Whether you are a professional caregiver or a family member providing support, this grant can make a real difference. Given the aging population and rising caregiving costs, now is the best time to check your eligibility, apply, and make the most of this crucial assistance.
By combining the HCG with other support programs and staying informed, you can provide better care for your loved ones while maintaining your own well-being.
What is Singapore’s Home Caregiving Grant (HCG)?
The Home Caregiving Grant is a government initiative designed to ease the financial burden of families who provide care to loved ones at home. Starting from 2025, eligible households can receive up to S$400 per month. This grant helps offset the costs of hiring a caregiver, buying medical supplies, or covering day-to-day care expenses.
In April 2026, the scheme will become even more generous, with payouts increasing to a maximum of S$600 monthly for qualifying households.
Why the Caregiving Grant Matters
Caregiving is emotionally fulfilling but financially demanding. According to the Ministry of Health, almost one in four Singaporeans will be aged 65 or older by 2030, significantly increasing the demand for caregiving support. Financial grants like HCG play a critical role in making home care sustainable for families.
If you’ve ever tried juggling work, family, and caregiving duties, you know the pressures involved. HCG is more than just financial help—it’s a lifeline that enables loved ones to age with dignity at home.
Understanding Eligibility: Are You Qualified?
The HCG isn’t automatically given; you must meet specific conditions. Here’s a simple breakdown:
Citizenship/Residency
- Must be a Singapore Citizen, or
- A Permanent Resident (PR) with a Singaporean parent, child, or spouse.
Care Needs
- The care recipient must permanently need help with at least 3 out of 6 Activities of Daily Living (ADLs), which include:
- Feeding
- Dressing
- Toileting
- Washing
- Walking or moving around
- Transferring (e.g., bed to chair)
Means Testing
- Household monthly income per person ≤ S$3,600, or
- For households without income, the Annual Value (AV) of property ≤ S$21,000.
- Multiple property owners only receive S$250 monthly.
Care Setting
- The person receiving care must live at home (not in long-term residential care).
Tip: If unsure about your eligibility, you can visit AIC’s HCG page for a pre-assessment.
Step-by-Step Guide to Apply for the Caregiving Grant
Applying for the HCG is simpler than you might think. Follow these easy steps:
Step 1: Obtain a Functional Assessment Report (FAR)
- Visit a registered General Practitioner (GP) or your care provider.
- Request an evaluation certifying the need for help with 3+ ADLs.
Step 2: Submit Your Application
- Online: Use your Singpass to apply at AIC’s eFASS portal.
- Offline: Email [email protected] or visit an AIC Link office to request a hardcopy form.
Step 3: Wait for Approval
- Applications take about 4 weeks to process.
- You will be notified via mail or email.
- Payouts start the month after approval, with back-payments if applicable.
How Much Will You Receive?
Depending on your household income, here’s what you can expect in 2025:
Household Monthly Income per Person | Monthly Payout |
S$0 – S$1,500 (or AV ≤ S$21,000) | S$400 |
S$1,501 – S$3,600 | S$250 |
Pro Tip: Owning multiple properties reduces your monthly payout to S$250 regardless of income.
Future Enhancements (April 2026)
- Up to S$600 for households earning ≤ S$1,500/person.
- S$400 for households earning S$1,501-S$3,600/person.
- S$200 for households earning S$3,601-S$4,800/person.
- Eligibility ceiling will rise to S$4,800 per person.
Practical Examples: How the Grant Can Help You
Example 1:
- Mei Ling, a 42-year-old teacher, cares for her mother who suffered a stroke.
- Monthly household income per person: S$1,200.
- Eligible for S$400/month, used to hire part-time care services.
Example 2:
- Ravi, a freelancer, cares for his disabled son.
- Monthly household income per person: S$3,200.
- Eligible for S$250/month, used to buy medical supplies and therapy sessions.
These stories show how even a few hundred dollars can greatly ease caregiving burdens.
Additional Tips to Maximize Your Grant Benefits
- Keep all receipts related to caregiving expenses for your records.
- Combine HCG with other subsidies such as the Seniors’ Mobility and Enabling Fund (SMF) for added support.
- Regularly update your care plan to align with any changes in the care recipient’s condition.
- Attend caregiver training courses, many of which are subsidized, to improve your caregiving skills.
You can find training programs via the Caregiver Training Grant (CTG).
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FAQs About Singapore’s $400 Caregiving Grant 2025
1. Can I apply on behalf of someone else?
Yes, family members or legal guardians can apply on behalf of the care recipient.
2. Is there an age limit for the care recipient?
No specific age limit—both children and adults with disabilities can qualify.
3. Do I need to reapply every year?
No. Once approved, payouts continue yearly as long as eligibility conditions are met. However, periodic reviews may occur.
4. What if my income changes after approval?
Changes in household income should be reported. It might affect your payout tier.
5. What happens if the care recipient moves into a nursing home?
The grant will stop if the care recipient moves into a long-term residential facility.
6. Can I appeal if my application is rejected?
Yes. You can submit an appeal to the Agency for Integrated Care (AIC) with additional supporting documents.