Unlocking the $400 Home Caregiving Grant in Singapore: A Complete Guide
Are you a caregiver in Singapore, providing essential support to a loved one? Navigating the complexities of caregiving can be emotionally and financially taxing. The Home Caregiving Grant (HCG) offers crucial financial assistance, providing up to $400 in 2025 and increasing to $600 by 2026. This grant, designed to ease the burden on caregivers of individuals with permanent moderate disabilities, can considerably improve your caregiving experience and financial stability. Let’s delve into how you can leverage this vital support.
What is the Home Caregiving Grant (HCG)?
The Home Caregiving Grant (HCG) represents a lifeline for many Singaporean families. Administered by the Agency for Integrated Care (AIC),this monthly cash benefit supports those caring for family members with moderate to severe disabilities at home. Launched in October 2019,it replaced the Foreign Domestic Worker Grant (FDWG),expanding eligibility and enhancing versatility to meet diverse caregiving needs.
This grant isn’t just about money; it’s about enabling families to provide the best possible care in a cozy and familiar surroundings. Funds can be used for everything from hiring a domestic helper to purchasing essential medical supplies, easing the financial strain on caregivers.
Who Qualifies for the HCG in 2025? Understanding the Eligibility Criteria
To tap into the benefits of the HCG, it’s necessary to understand the eligibility criteria. These involve assessing the care recipient’s disability,household income,and living situation.
Disability Requirements
The care recipient must require permanent assistance with at least three of the six Activities of Daily Living (ADLs):
- Eating or feeding
- Dressing
- Using the toilet
- Bathing or showering
- Moving from one place to another (mobility)
- Transferring from bed to chair or vice versa
This assessment is validated through a Functional Assessment Report (FAR) prepared by a certified medical professional. The FAR must not be older than six months at the time of application.
Means Testing Explained
The financial eligibility is persistent by household income.The grant provides:
- $400/month: For households with a per capita income of $1,500 or less.
- $250/month: For households with a per capita income between $1,501 and $3,600.
- Limited Grant: Households owning multiple properties will receive $250/month nonetheless of income.
for care recipients without income, the Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore (IRAS) assesses the property’s Annual Value (AV), which must be ≤ $21,000 to qualify.
Additional Requirements to Note
- The recipient must be a Singapore Citizen or a Permanent Resident with an immediate family member who is a Singapore Citizen.
- The recipient must reside in Singapore.
- The recipient must not be staying in a nursing home or long-term care institution.
Maximizing the Grant: How Can the HCG Funds Be Used?
Flexibility is a key feature of the HCG. Funds can be used for a variety of caregiving needs, including:
- Paying the salary of a foreign domestic worker (FDW).
- Purchasing assistive devices such as wheelchairs, grab bars, and medical beds.
- Buying disposable medical supplies like diapers, gloves, or dressings.
- Funding home care or therapy sessions, such as physiotherapy or occupational therapy.
- Covering transportation costs to and from medical appointments or day-care centers.
- Reducing costs for community care services, such as day-care or respite care.
This wide applicability ensures that the grant meets each family’s unique circumstances, providing the most impactful support.
Looking Ahead: Updated Payout Tiers for 2026
Recognizing the increasing demands of caregiving and the impact of inflation, the Singapore government is increasing the HCG payouts starting in April 2026. Here’s a look at the updated income thresholds and corresponding payouts:
| Monthly Per Capita Income | new Monthly Payout (from April 2026) |
|---|---|
| ≤ $1,500 | $600 |
| $1,501 – $3,600 | $400 |
| $3,601 – $4,800 | $200 |
step-by-Step Guide: How to Apply for the $400 Home Caregiving Grant
The application process has been streamlined using IRAS and AIC’s digital portals. Here’s a simple step-by-step guide:
- Obtain a Functional Assessment Report (FAR):
- Visit a certified General practitioner (GP) or care provider.
- Some recipients already assessed under CareShield Life, ElderFund, or IDAPE may not need a new FAR.
- Apply via eFASS Portal:
- Log in with your Singpass.
- Fill out the application form.
- Upload required documents, including the FAR.
- Await Processing:
- Most applications are processed within 4 to 6 weeks.
- You may be contacted to clarify or supplement details.
- Receive Your Grant:
- Funds are disbursed monthly via Giro or PayNow.
- payments typically start the month after approval.
Common Mistakes to Avoid During Application
To ensure your application is processed smoothly, avoid these common pitfalls:
- Submitting an outdated FAR (older than six months).
- Incomplete income declaration or missing household member data.
- The care recipient residing in a nursing facility.
- Not updating IRAS with your household address or ownership status.
Real-World Application: Lily’s Story
Consider the case of Lily, a working mother in Bedok who cares for her 75-year-old mother, who needs daily help with bathing, eating, and mobility. With a household income just under $1,500 per person, lily qualified for the full $400/month payout. She uses the grant to offset part of a domestic helper’s salary and purchase disposable medical supplies. With the 2026 enhancement, Lily’s payout will increase to $600/month, providing significant relief.
