$400 Home Caregiving Grant 2025: If you’re caring for a loved one in Singapore, you may be entitled to vital financial relief through the Home Caregiving Grant (HCG). Designed to support families looking after individuals with permanent moderate disabilities, this grant offers monthly payouts of up to $400 in 2025, increasing to $600 by 2026. The HCG acknowledges the critical role caregivers play and helps ease the emotional and financial pressures that often come with long-term caregiving.
Whether you’re assisting a parent, spouse, or another family member with daily living activities, understanding your entitlements under the HCG can significantly improve both your caregiving experience and financial resilience. This guide provides everything you need to know—from eligibility criteria and the application process to real-life examples and tips for getting approved quickly.
$400 Home Caregiving Grant 2025
| Feature | Details | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Payout (2025) | Up to $400 | AIC |
| Eligibility Criteria | Singapore Citizens/Permanent Residents, with assessed moderate disability, living at home | AIC |
| Means Testing Threshold | $3,600 per capita household income or property AV ≤ $21,000 | MOH |
| 2026 Revised Payout Tiers | Up to $600/month based on new income brackets | AIC |
| Application Portal | eFASS – log in using Singpass | AIC |
| Use of Funds | Home-based care, helper salary, transportation, medical supplies | AIC |
| Contact and Support | Hotline: 1800-650-6060 | Visit an AIC Link Branch |
The Home Caregiving Grant (HCG) is more than just a financial aid programme—it’s a recognition of the essential work done by family caregivers in Singapore. Whether you’re caring for an elderly parent, a disabled spouse, or a loved one recovering from illness, the HCG helps ease the burden through monthly payouts that cover a wide range of expenses.
With increased payouts rolling out in 2026 and expanded eligibility criteria, now is the perfect time to explore your options. Don’t let financial strain stand in the way of quality care. Log in to eFASS, gather your documents, and take the first step toward securing monthly support for your caregiving journey.
What Is the Home Caregiving Grant?
The Home Caregiving Grant (HCG) is a monthly cash benefit issued by Singapore’s Agency for Integrated Care (AIC). It assists individuals providing care to family members with moderate permanent disabilities, allowing these loved ones to receive care in the comfort of their homes instead of long-term institutions. The HCG was launched in October 2019, replacing the former Foreign Domestic Worker Grant (FDWG), with the goal of broadening eligibility and increasing flexibility.
The grant can be used in many caregiving scenarios—from paying a foreign domestic worker (FDW), to purchasing consumables, hiring professional home nurses, or even covering transport to medical appointments. It supports both low- and middle-income families, who often shoulder significant costs while juggling full-time employment or other caregiving responsibilities.
Who Is Eligible for the HCG in 2025?
The criteria for eligibility are clear but must be carefully reviewed. They include the recipient’s functional disability, household income, and living situation.
1. Disability Requirements
The care recipient must permanently require help with at least 3 out of 6 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 must be verified using a Functional Assessment Report (FAR) by a qualified medical professional. The FAR should not be older than 6 months at the time of application.
2. Means Testing Criteria
- $400/month: Household per capita income of $1,500 or less
- $250/month: Household per capita income between $1,501 and $3,600
- Ineligible for full grant: Households owning multiple properties will only receive $250/month, regardless of income
If the care recipient has no income, IRAS assesses household property Annual Value (AV), which must be ≤ $21,000 to qualify.
3. Other Conditions
- Recipient must be a Singapore Citizen, or a Permanent Resident with an immediate family member who is a Singapore Citizen
- Must reside in Singapore
- Must not be staying in a nursing home or long-term care institution
What Can the Grant Be Used For?
Funds from the HCG can be used flexibly, allowing caregivers to direct the money toward a wide range of needs. Common use cases include:
- Paying the salary of a foreign domestic worker (FDW)
- Purchasing assistive devices (wheelchairs, grab bars, medical beds)
- Buying disposable supplies like diapers, gloves, or dressings
- Funding home care or therapy sessions (e.g., physiotherapy, occupational therapy)
- Covering transportation to and from medical appointments or day-care centres
- Reducing costs for community care services like day-care or respite care
This wide applicability ensures that the grant remains relevant for various family dynamics and caregiving arrangements.
Updated Payout Tiers for 2026
In response to growing caregiving needs and inflation, the Singapore government will enhance the HCG payouts starting April 2026. Here’s a breakdown of the new 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 |
Tip: Households previously ineligible may become eligible under the new expanded income range.
$400 Home Caregiving Grant 2025 Guide to Apply
Applying for the HCG is simple, especially with IRAS and AIC’s digitised portals. Here’s how:
- 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 information
- Receive Your Grant:
- Funds are disbursed monthly via GIRO or PayNow
- Payments typically begin the month after approval
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
Avoid delays and rejections by watching out for these mistakes:
- Submitting an outdated FAR (older than 6 months)
- Incomplete income declaration or missing household member data
- Care recipient residing in a nursing facility
- Not updating IRAS with your household address or ownership status
Real-World Example
Lily, a full-time working mother in Bedok, cares for her 75-year-old mother who requires daily assistance with bathing, eating, and mobility. With a household income just below $1,500 per person, Lily qualified for the full $400/month payout. She uses the grant to pay part of a domestic helper’s salary and purchase disposable medical items. When the 2026 enhancement comes into effect, Lily’s payout will increase to $600/month, providing much-needed relief.
Singapore Parents Rejoice: Massive Baby Bonus Boost Coming in 2025!
FAQs On $400 Home Caregiving Grant 2025
Can I apply on someone else’s behalf?
Yes. Authorized persons, including family members or legal guardians, can submit applications on behalf of the care recipient.
Will the HCG affect my eligibility for other government aid?
No. The HCG is independent of other schemes and does not reduce benefits from other programmes like MediFund or Silver Support.
What if my application is rejected?
You may request a reassessment or file an appeal by contacting AIC with additional documents.
Do I need to renew the grant annually?
Not typically. However, reassessments may be conducted if your household income or living situation changes.
Is the HCG payout taxable?
No, the grant is not taxable and will not count toward income for IRAS or HDB means-testing.
