You Hired a Domestic Helper — Now What? Your Complete MOM Responsibilities as a Singapore Employer

So you've gone through the hiring process, your new domestic helper has arrived, and everyone is settling in. Congratulations — but the work isn't over. This guide covers exactly what MOM expects from you as an employer: the responsibilities you can't skip, the deadlines you can't miss, and what happens if you don't comply.

At a glance: your MOM responsibilities as an employer

Pay salary by the 7th of each month · pay the $300 monthly levy (or $60 concessionary) · maintain medical insurance with $15,000+ coverage · provide adequate food and proper accommodation · give at least one rest day per month · arrange 6-monthly medical check-ups · bear repatriation costs when employment ends. Breach any of these and MOM can forfeit your $5,000 bond, fine you, or bar you from hiring.

Medical Insurance — It's Not Optional

Requirement	What It Means	Cost/Deadline
Security Bond	S$5,000 insurance bond for each helper	S$5,000 (refunded when helper leaves)
Medical Insurance	Min S$15,000 coverage per helper	S$200–S$400/year
Rest Day	1 rest day/week or compensation in lieu	S$35–S$55 if working on rest day
Salary Payment	By 7th of each month	Monthly salary as per合同
levy	Monthly Foreign Worker Levy	S$300–S$450/month
Course Attendance	Settling-in + safety courses	S$75–S$150 one-time
Medical Checkup	Annual medical examination	S$50–S$100/year
Repatriation	Return flight when contract ends	S$200–S$500

One of the most fundamental requirements MOM places on you is to purchase and maintain a valid medical insurance policy with at least $15,000 annual coverage. This is not optional — it's a condition of your helper's work permit. Most policies cost $200–$420/year, and lapses are a serious compliance breach.

Salary and the MOM Levy

You must pay your helper's salary on time, every month — by the 7th at the latest. MOM doesn't set a fixed minimum salary for foreign domestic workers, but the market rate for a new helper is $550–$700/month in 2026. You also owe the monthly FDW levy: $300 at the standard rate, $60 concessionary if you qualify as a citizen caring for a child under 16 or elderly dependents.

Accommodation Standards

MOM requires you to provide acceptable accommodation: a room with adequate space, proper ventilation, a bed with mattress, and reasonable living conditions. A helper's room is her private space — respect it, and keep it MOM-compliant.

Rest Days and Working Hours

MOM mandates that every helper is entitled to at least one rest day per month, though the vast majority of employers give weekly rest days — it's the single biggest factor in retention. If she agrees to work a rest day, you must compensate her at least one day's salary, and it must be voluntary.

Food and Basic Necessities

MOM requires you to provide adequate food and basic necessities. This means either providing meals or a food allowance of $200–$400/month ($6–$8/day). Under-providing food is a direct MOM violation.

Medical Check-Ups and Repatriation

Your helper needs a 6-monthly medical examination for the first two years of employment. And when employment ends — for any reason — the employer bears the repatriation cost, including the air ticket home. Budget for this from day one.

What Happens If You Don't Comply?

MOM takes employer compliance seriously. Fail to meet your obligations — whether it's letting insurance lapse, illegal salary deductions, or no rest days — and you risk forfeiting the $5,000 security bond, fines up to $10,000, or being barred from hiring another FDW.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are my legal obligations as a maid employer in Singapore?

Pay salary by the 7th of each month, pay the monthly levy, provide medical insurance ($15,000+ coverage), adequate food, proper accommodation, and at least one rest day per month. Breaches can cost you your bond.

How much is the FDW levy and when do I pay it?

The standard levy is $300/month, $60 concessionary for eligible households. It's paid monthly to MOM, usually via GIRO — set it up before your helper's work permit is issued.

What insurance does my maid need?

Medical insurance with minimum $15,000 annual coverage (common policies $200–$420/year) plus personal accident insurance for new work permit holders. Your agency usually arranges both.

Can I deduct from my maid's salary?

Only in very limited MOM-approved cases (loan deductions with written consent, capped at 50% of salary). Illegal deductions are a serious MOM violation — never deduct without written, MOM-compliant agreement.

What happens to the security bond?

The $5,000 bond is a bank guarantee, not a fee — you only lose it if you breach MOM obligations (e.g., illegal deductions, unpaid salary, no insurance). Keep your obligations clean and you never lose it.

What if my helper needs medical treatment?

You bear the medical costs — the contract and MOM require it. Insurance covers most, but budget for co-pays and hospital deposits. This is why adequate coverage matters.

Need Personalised Guidance?

If you'd like personalised guidance on meeting your MOM responsibilities — or help finding your next helper.

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:

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