Can You Afford a Helper? MOM's Eligibility Guide (2026)
Updated: Aug 21
Every week, we speak to Singapore families who ask the same nervous question: "Can I actually afford a helper? Will MOM even approve me?"
If you've been putting off hiring a domestic helper because you're not sure about the costs or whether you qualify, you're not alone. The good news is that MOM's requirements are actually clearer than most people think. And once you understand them, you can plan your finances with confidence.
What MOM Actually Looks At
When you apply for an In-Principle Approval (IPA) to hire a foreign domestic worker (FDW), MOM doesn't just look at your salary slip. They consider your household's overall financial health. The key requirement: you must earn at least SGD 30,000 per year in verifiable income. This works out to roughly SGD 2,500 per month. But that's just the baseline. They also look at:
Whether you have other sources of household income (spouse's salary, rental income, investments)
Whether you have outstanding loans or significant debt
Whether you can demonstrate the ability to pay the monthly levy and your helper's salary consistently
Whether you have a genuine need for a helper (elderly care, child care, or a medical condition)
How Much Should You Budget Monthly?
This is the part that catches most first-time employers off guard. The salary is only one piece of the puzzle. Here's your real monthly breakdown:
1. Your Helper's Salary (SGD 550-750 per month)
This depends on nationality and experience. A first-time helper from Myanmar or Indonesia typically starts around SGD 550-600. More experienced helpers from the Philippines can command SGD 650-750. Some agencies charge higher placement fees that get deducted from salary over several months, so make sure you understand the full picture before signing. At iHome Agency, we're transparent about fees from day one.
2. Monthly Levy (SGD 300-600 per month)
The foreign domestic worker levy is one of your biggest ongoing costs. The standard rate is SGD 300 per month. But if you have an elderly person aged 67 or older living with you, a child below 16, or a family member with a disability, you may qualify for a SGD 60 concessionary rate. That's a massive saving of SGD 4,800 per year . Check your eligibility on the MOM website or ask your agency.
3. Insurance (SGD 250-400 per year, SGD 20-35 per month)
MOM requires you to buy medical insurance with a minimum coverage of SGD 60,000 per year for your helper. Most agencies will help you arrange this. You should also consider personal accident insurance, which many employers add on top.
4. Food and Essentials (SGD 200-350 per month)
This is a real cost that's easy to overlook. Your helper eats with the family or receives a food allowance. You'll also need to budget for toiletries, phone credit, and other personal essentials. MOM guidelines say you must provide adequate food, but how you do it is up to you. Many employers budget SGD 4-6 per meal, which adds up to roughly SGD 250-300 per month.
5. Medical and Dental (SGD 150-300 per year, SGD 12-25 per month)
Beyond insurance, you're responsible for your helper's medical expenses. This includes GP visits, dental check-ups, and hospitalisation. Most helpers visit the doctor once or twice a year for minor issues. Budget conservatively.
6. Bonus (13th Month) (SGD 45-62 per month)
While not legally required, most Singapore employers give their helper an Ang Bao during CNY and many provide an annual bonus equivalent to one month's salary. It's a gesture of appreciation that goes a long way.
The Total Picture: SGD 1,127 - SGD 1,822 Per Month
Let's add it all up:
Salary: SGD 550-750
Levy: SGD 60-300
Insurance: SGD 20-35
Food: SGD 200-350
Medical: SGD 12-25
Bonus: SGD 45-62
Total monthly: SGD 887 to SGD 1,522 (with concessionary levy) or SGD 1,127 to SGD 1,822 (standard levy). That's SGD 10,644 to SGD 21,864 per year.
Monthly Expenses at a Glance (Visual Table)
Here's a clear breakdown of the monthly expenses to help you plan your household budget. All figures are in SGD.
Expense Item | Range (SGD) | Notes |
Salary | $550 - $750 | Depends on nationality & experience |
Levy | $60 - $300 | $60 concessionary / $300 standard |
Insurance | $20 - $35 | Monthly average of annual premium |
Food | $200 - $350 | Meals, toiletries, phone credit |
Medical | $12 - $25 | GP visits & dental |
13th Month Bonus | $45 - $62 | Annual bonus ÷ 12 |
Not as scary as you thought, right? And if you qualify for the concessionary levy, the monthly cost drops significantly. The key is understanding where your money is going and planning for it.
Still feeling unsure about the costs or your eligibility? We've helped hundreds of families in Punggol and across Singapore navigate this process. Reach out to us anytime for a free, no-obligation chat.
Ready to find the help your home deserves? Check out our guide on which nationality suits you best.
Let us guide you home.
Contact iHome Agency:
📲 WhatsApp: 8042 6581
📜 EA License: 26C3446
📍 Punggol & Northshore Specialist
