Home Caregiving Grant in Singapore: Eligibility, Application, and Tips

The Home Caregiving Grant (HCG) is one of Singapore's most important financial support mechanisms for families who care for elderly loved ones at home. Introduced to encourage and support home-based care, the grant provides a monthly cash payout that helps offset the costs of caregiving without requiring families to account for specific expenses.

Despite its value, many eligible families are unaware of the grant or uncertain about how to apply. This guide provides a clear, step-by-step overview of everything you need to know about the Home Caregiving Grant.

What Is the Home Caregiving Grant

The Home Caregiving Grant is a cash payout provided by the Ministry of Health (MOH) through the Agency for Integrated Care (AIC) to support Singaporeans who require care due to functional limitations and are being cared for at home by family members or employed caregivers.

The grant is designed to be flexible. Unlike scheme-specific subsidies that can only be used for particular services, the HCG payout can be used for any purpose related to care. Families may use it to pay for home care services, purchase assistive devices, cover medical costs, hire a helper, or support any other caregiving need.

Current Payout Amounts

The HCG provides a monthly cash payout of up to $400 for eligible care recipients. The exact amount depends on the per capita household income of the care recipient, with lower-income families receiving the maximum payout.

For households with per capita income of $1,200 or below, the full $400 monthly payout applies. For households with per capita income between $1,200 and $2,800, the payout is $250 per month. Households with per capita income above $2,800 are not eligible for the grant.

Eligibility Criteria

Understanding the eligibility requirements is the first step toward a successful application.

Care Recipient Requirements

The person receiving care must be a Singapore Citizen, must require assistance with at least three Activities of Daily Living (ADLs), and must be living in the community rather than in a residential care facility. The six ADLs assessed are washing or bathing, dressing, feeding, toileting, transferring between bed and chair, and walking or moving around.

The requirement of needing help with at least three ADLs indicates moderate to severe functional limitation. This is assessed through a standardised functional assessment conducted by trained healthcare professionals.

Caregiver Requirements

There is no specific requirement regarding who provides the care. The caregiver can be a family member, a foreign domestic worker, or a combination of informal and professional caregivers. What matters is that the care recipient is living at home and receiving adequate care in the community.

Income Requirements

The grant is means-tested based on the care recipient's per capita household income. Household income includes the total gross income of all household members divided by the number of people in the household. CPF contributions and rental income from government schemes are excluded from the calculation.

How to Apply

The application process for the Home Caregiving Grant involves a functional assessment and an income assessment.

Step One: Functional Assessment

The care recipient must undergo a functional assessment to determine their level of care needs. This assessment is typically conducted by a healthcare professional such as a doctor, nurse, or therapist. It can be arranged through several channels.

If your loved one is currently receiving ILTC services such as home care or day care, the service provider can conduct the assessment. If your loved one is being discharged from a hospital or community hospital, the discharge planning team can arrange the assessment. You can also contact AIC directly at 1800-650-6060 to request an assessment.

Step Two: Income Assessment

Once the functional assessment confirms eligibility, an income assessment is conducted to determine the payout tier. You will need to provide documentation of household income for all household members. This may include payslips, CPF statements, income tax assessments, or a declaration of no income for unemployed or retired household members.

Step Three: Approval and Payout

After both assessments are completed, AIC will notify you of the outcome. If approved, the grant is paid monthly into the care recipient's designated bank account. There is typically a processing period of four to six weeks from the time all required documents are submitted.

Renewal and Review

The Home Caregiving Grant is not a one-time payout. It continues for as long as the care recipient meets the eligibility criteria.

Periodic Reviews

AIC conducts periodic reviews to confirm ongoing eligibility. This may involve a reassessment of functional status and income. Families will be notified in advance when a review is due and will be guided through the process.

Reporting Changes

Families are expected to notify AIC of significant changes in the care recipient's situation, such as admission to a nursing home, a change in household composition, or a significant change in income. Failure to report changes may result in overpayment that needs to be returned.

Maximising Your Benefits

Understanding the broader ecosystem of support available can help you make the most of the Home Caregiving Grant alongside other schemes.

Combining with Other Subsidies

The HCG can be received concurrently with other government subsidies and assistance schemes. Families can combine the HCG with ILTC service subsidies for home care, the Foreign Domestic Worker Grant, MediSave withdrawals for home nursing care, and the Seniors' Mobility and Enabling Fund for assistive devices.

This layered approach to financial support can substantially reduce out-of-pocket caregiving costs.

Using the Grant Strategically

Consider using the grant to invest in professional support that addresses your most challenging caregiving tasks. For example, if personal care such as bathing and toileting is the most physically demanding aspect of your role, using the grant toward home personal care services can relieve your greatest source of strain.

Alternatively, the grant can contribute toward respite care services that give you regular breaks, which is one of the most effective investments in long-term caregiving sustainability.

Common Questions

Many families have similar questions when first learning about the Home Caregiving Grant.

Can multiple family members apply for the same care recipient?

Only one HCG application can be active per care recipient at any time. However, the grant amount is determined by the care recipient's needs and household income, regardless of how many family members are involved in providing care.

What if my parent's condition improves or worsens?

If the care recipient's condition changes significantly, a reassessment can be requested. If their functional status improves to the point where they need help with fewer than three ADLs, they may no longer be eligible. If their condition worsens, the grant continues unchanged, but families should explore additional support services.

Is the grant taxable?

The Home Caregiving Grant is not considered taxable income and does not need to be declared for income tax purposes.

Getting Started

If you believe your loved one may be eligible for the Home Caregiving Grant, the simplest first step is to contact AIC at 1800-650-6060. A care coordinator can guide you through the assessment process, help you gather the necessary documentation, and connect you with other relevant support services.

At Elderwise, we help families understand and access the full range of financial support available for eldercare. Our platform simplifies the process of identifying eligible grants and subsidies, so that families can focus their energy where it matters most, on providing loving, attentive care.

Related Reading

• Government Healthcare Subsidies for Seniors in Singapore
• Subsidies for Senior Equipment and Assistive Devices in Singapore
• Understanding Singapore's Aged Care Services Landscape