FAQ
Eligibility & First-Time Employers
To hire a helper, you must be a Singapore Citizen, Permanent Resident, or an Employment Pass holder (with a valid FIN). You must be at least 21 years old, not be an undischarged bankrupt, and possess the financial capacity to provide a safe living environment and monthly salary.
While MOM does not state a fixed "minimum salary" publicly, an annual income of approximately $30,000 is generally the benchmark for a single helper. For two helpers, the requirement is higher.
The EOP is a mandatory 3-hour course for all first-time employers. It covers your legal responsibilities, the helper's well-being, and how to maintain a harmonious working relationship. You must complete this at least 2 working days before we can submit your helper's Work Permit application.
You will need your NRIC (front and back), your latest CPF contribution statement (or NOA from IRAS), and, if applicable, the birth certificates of your children or NRICs of elderly parents to qualify for levy concessions.
Yes. However, MOM may require additional information regarding your caregiving needs (e.g., caring for an elderly parent) or your household setup to ensure the helper has a safe and appropriate living environment.
Yes, MOM allows a second helper if you have specific caregiving needs, such as having two or more children under 16, or two or more elderly family members (67+) living with you. You must also demonstrate the financial means to support two employees.
Costs, Levies & Subsidies
As of 2026, the monthly levy is $300 for the first helper and $450 for a second helper. This is paid directly to MOM via GIRO.
You qualify if you live with a Singapore Citizen who is:
- A child below 16 years old.
- An elderly person at least 67 years old.
- A person with disabilities (certified by a doctor).
The concession is capped at two helpers per household.
Besides the monthly salary, you are responsible for:
- Mandatory 6-monthly medical exams (6ME).
- Food and medical treatment.
- Annual airfare for home leave (or every 2 years).
- Replacement of personal items or specialized work gear if required.
No, the salary is not taxable. However, you cannot claim the maid's salary as a tax deduction. You can claim the Foreign Maid Levy (FML) Relief if you are a married woman or meet specific "Special Circumstances."
You can set this up through your bank's portal or via the MOM website using your Singpass. It is highly recommended to prevent late payment penalties.
You can apply for a Levy Waiver if your helper goes on home leave for at least 7 consecutive days. You won't have to pay the levy for the days she is out of the country.
Insurance & Security Bonds
Employers must provide Medical Insurance with a minimum coverage of $60,000 per year and Personal Accident Insurance with a sum assured of at least $60,000. TG Plus only partners with insurer who meet these high-coverage 2026 standards.
The bond is a guarantee to the Government that you will follow the law. You do not need to pay $5,000 in cash; you can buy an insurance policy (usually costing $50–$100) where the insurer guarantees the bond for you.
This is an optional insurance add-on. If your $5,000 bond is forfeited (e.g., if your helper goes missing), this waiver limits your out-of-pocket payment to a small excess (usually $250) instead of the full $5,000.
Generally, standard policies do not cover pre-existing conditions. However, many 2026 enhanced policies now include co-payment options or specific riders for long-term care. TG Plus can help you select the most comprehensive plan.
New vs. Transfer vs. Direct Hire
New: Fresh perspective and easier to train for your specific routine, but involves higher upfront costs and a longer wait (6–8 weeks).
Transfer: Already adjusted to Singapore and available within 1–2 weeks, but may come with pre-set habits or higher salary expectations.
Typically 6 to 10 weeks. This includes the time for passport application in their home country, medical check-ups, IPA (In-Principle Approval) from MOM, and flight booking.
Yes, but you will be responsible for all the paperwork, insurance, and medical bookings. Using TG Plus for a "Documentation-only" service ensures you don't miss any legal deadlines or compliance steps.
The Agency Fee is what you pay TG Plus for our service. The Placement Fee (or Service Fee) is an amount the helper pays for her training and processing, which the employer usually pays upfront as a "loan" and recovers via monthly salary deductions.
Work Permit & Regulations
Every 6 months. MOM will send you a letter or email notification. It is your responsibility to ensure she attends and that you pay for the consultation.
Illegal deployment is asking your helper to work for someone else (like a neighbor) or at your business. This is a serious offense with fines up to $10,000 and a potential ban on hiring helpers.
Only if she is caring for your parents and you have officially notified MOM. She cannot perform general housework at a second address without specific approval for "multi-location deployment" (usually only for caregiving).
You should start the renewal process 8 weeks before it expires. You will need to renew her insurance and bond first. TG Plus provides a "Hassle-Free Renewal" service to handle this for you.
You must report it to the Police and MOM within 7 days. If she is not found within 30 days, 50% of your $5,000 bond may be forfeited.
You must cancel the permit on the MOM website, ensure all salaries are paid, and buy her an air ticket home (including check-in luggage). You must also ensure she clears immigration before the temporary stay limit expires.
Managing the Helper & Well-being
While a separate room is ideal for privacy, it is not strictly compulsory under MOM guidelines, provided you offer "adequate shelter." However, if your helper is sharing a room with a family member, you must adhere to these strict modesty and safety requirements:
- Sharing with Males: A helper cannot share a bedroom with an adult male or a male teenager.
- Age Limit for Male Children: If sharing a room with a male child, the child must be below 13 years of age. Once a male child reaches puberty or turns 13, alternative sleeping arrangements must be made to protect the helper's modesty.
- Privacy & Space: Even in a shared room, the helper must have a proper bed (not a mattress on the floor), sufficient space for her personal belongings, and a way to maintain her privacy (such as a screen or curtain) when changing.
- Healthy Adult Males: It is strictly prohibited for a helper to share a room with a healthy adult male (employer, grown sons, or tenants). The only exception is if she is providing 24/7 bedside medical care for a frail elderly male, and even then, strict privacy boundaries must be maintained.
MOM requires employers to provide three nutritious meals a day. A "nutritious" meal should be balanced and provide enough energy for her physical workload.
- The Standard: A typical day's intake should include carbohydrates (rice/bread), protein (meat/fish), and vegetables/fruit.
- Portion Example: A single meal should roughly consist of 1 bowl of rice, a palm-sized amount of protein, and 3/4 cup of cooked vegetables.
- Cultural Sensitivity: You should not force your helper to eat food she is uncomfortable with due to religious or cultural reasons (e.g., pork for Muslim helpers or beef for some Hindus). If your family is vegetarian but your helper is not, you should allow her to cook her own meat or provide an allowance for her to buy it.
- Avoid "Noodle-only" Diets: Providing only instant noodles or bread for every meal is considered inadequate and can lead to health issues or MOM intervention.
Since 2023, helpers must have one rest day per month that cannot be compensated away. For the other three rest days, if she agrees to work, you must compensate her with a day's extra pay.
Yes. As an employer, you are responsible for the upkeep and maintenance of your helper 7 days a week, including her rest days. You have two main options:
- Option A (Food Provided): If she chooses to spend her off-day at home or returns for meals, she should have access to the household’s food as usual.
- Option B (Food Allowance): If she spends the whole day out, it is standard practice (and highly recommended) to provide a food allowance (usually $10–$15 depending on the location) so she can buy her own meals.
- Note: You cannot "deduct" food costs from her salary. The upkeep is an additional responsibility of the employer over and above her basic pay.
MOM strongly encourages electronic payment (PayNow or Bank Transfer). This creates a clear digital trail, protecting both you and the helper from disputes.
Start with a calm, one-on-one conversation. If the issue persists, contact TG Plus. We offer counseling services to mediate and find a resolution before the situation escalates.
