FAQ
At Caring Caregivers Singapore, we manage the entire process — from careful selection and training to work permits, insurance, medical checks, and arrival arrangements — fully compliant with Singapore regulations.
Our FAQ section provides clear answers to help you move forward with confidence.
Cost-Related Questions
How much is my helper’s levy?
- The standard Migrant Domestic Worker (MDW) levy is $300 per month (daily: $9.87). For an additional MDW, the levy is $450 per month (daily: $14.80)
- Levy payments are made by the employer via GIRO only and are deducted monthly. Employers must maintain a valid GIRO arrangement at all times, failing which the helper’s Work Permit may be cancelled.
- For first-time helpers, levy charges begin on the 5th day after arrival (excluding arrival day). For experienced helpers, the levy starts the day after arrival.
- Levy deductions are typically made by the 17th of the following month, or the next working day if it falls on a weekend or public holiday.
Am I eligible for the concessionary levy?
- You may qualify for the subsidised levy of $60 per month (daily: $1.98) if your helper is caring for:
- An elderly person aged 67 and above
- A person with disabilities
- A child below 16 years old
- Important notes:
- Concessionary levy is capped at 2 helpers per household
- Each helper must be tied to one eligible person
When can levy be waived?
- Levy may be waived if your helper:
- Is on overseas leave for at least 7 consecutive days (up to 60 days per year)
- Is hospitalised in Singapore (up to 60 days per year)
- Does not return to Singapore after overseas leave
- Is under police custody or housed at an embassy
- Has passed away
Medical Responsibilities
Who pays for my helper’s medical expenses?
- Under Singapore regulations, employers are fully responsible for all medical expenses, including outpatient treatment and hospitalisation. These costs cannot be passed on to the helper.
- At Caring Caregivers Singapore, we strongly recommend opting for enhanced insurance coverage to protect both employers and helpers against unexpected medical costs.
Common Employer Situations: What You Should Know
How can my helper remit money home?
- Bank Transfers
- Safe and reliable
- Requires the helper to open a bank account
- Suitable for regular remittances
- Licensed Remittance Companies
- Often more cost-effective for smaller amounts
- No bank account required (registration fees may apply)
- Faster or slower depending on provider
- Employers should ensure the company is properly licensed
What should I do if my helper goes missing?
- Try to establish contact
Check nearby areas first. In some cases, helpers may step out without informing anyone. - Check personal belongings
If important items such as passport or luggage are missing, it may indicate she has absconded. - Inform your agency immediately
Caring Caregivers Singapore can assist by alerting training centres, family members, and monitoring for her return. - File a police report
This allows authorities to investigate and check with embassies, shelters, or hospitals if necessary. - Cancel the Work Permit if required
If the helper cannot be located after reasonable effort, cancelling the Work Permit will stop levy charges. The helper will then be handled by the authorities as an overstayer.
What if my helper is pregnant?
- MOM regulations do not allow Work Permit holders to become pregnant or give birth in Singapore unless special approval is granted.
- Employers must:
- Inform MOM promptly
- Terminate the employment
- Submit required details via MOM’s Work Pass Division, including:
- Helper’s name
- Work Permit number
- Medical confirmation of pregnancy
- Spouse’s citizenship (if applicable)
- The Work Permit must be cancelled and repatriation arranged. Failure to comply may result in forfeiture of the $5,000 security bond.
MOM Guidelines & Employer Obligations
What is the $5,000 security bond?
- The security bond ensures employers fulfil their responsibilities, including salary payment, proper care, and timely repatriation.
- If a helper breaches Work Permit conditions independently (e.g. pregnancy), the employer is generally not held liable.
- If a helper absconds despite reasonable effort by the employer, only half of the bond may be forfeited to cover repatriation costs.
Are there alternatives to placing the $5,000 bond?
Yes. Employers may purchase maid insurance policies that include bond coverage (e.g. runaway bond). However, if the policy does not fully cover the situation, employers remain legally responsible under Singapore law.
Insurance: What Employers Must Know
- Medical insurance and Personal Accident Insurance (PAI) are mandatory
- Minimum coverage:
- $60,000 per year for medical insurance
- $60,000 per year for PAI
- Insurance must be in place before deployment
- Insurance costs cannot be deducted from the helper’s salary
- MOM encourages employers to purchase higher coverage for greater peace of mind.
Medical Examinations
- Helpers must complete medical checks within 14 days of arrival and attend six-monthly screenings, including:
- Pregnancy & VDRL tests
- HIV (every 2 years)
- TB (after 2 years)
- BMI and visible signs of abuse
- All results are submitted directly to MOM by approved clinics.
Rest Days & Employment Programs
- Helpers are entitled to one weekly rest day
- Rest days may be compensated with pay or replacement rest days by mutual agreement
Rest day pay formula: Basic salary ÷ 26
- Settling-In Programme (SIP)
A compulsory one-day orientation for first-time helpers, conducted in their native language.
- Employer Orientation Programme (EOP)
Mandatory for first-time employers before Work Permit application.
Fee (online): $35
Who Can Hire a Helper?
- Singapore citizens, PRs, and eligible expatriates may apply, subject to MOM approval.
- You must:
- Be 21 years old and above
- Not be an undischarged bankrupt
- Be mentally and financially capable of employer responsibilities