$400 Caregiving Grant Is Back for 2025—Here’s Who Gets It and When Payments Start

$400 Caregiving Grant Is Back: The $400 Caregiving Grant—officially known as the Home Caregiving Grant (HCG)—continues in 2025 as one of Singapore’s most essential financial lifelines for families supporting loved ones with disabilities. With up to S$400 in monthly support, this grant helps reduce the financial and emotional burden on caregivers providing long-term care at home.

As part of Singapore’s long-standing eldercare and disability assistance strategy, the grant aims to ensure that those in need of substantial help with daily activities can continue receiving care in a comfortable, home-based setting.

$400 Caregiving Grant Is Back

The $400 Caregiving Grant in 2025 is a lifeline for thousands of Singaporean families managing disability and eldercare needs at home. With monthly payouts, streamlined applications, and upcoming budget enhancements, the HCG stands as a pillar of compassionate public policy. If you or a loved one is providing long-term care at home, now is the time to apply and ease the financial burden of caregiving.

What Is the Home Caregiving Grant (HCG)?

The Home Caregiving Grant is a monthly financial assistance program administered by the Agency for Integrated Care (AIC). It offers S$250 or S$400 per month to eligible caregivers supporting loved ones who permanently need help with at least three Activities of Daily Living (ADLs)—such as feeding, bathing, and mobility.

The purpose of the grant is to encourage aging in place and reduce premature institutionalisation, allowing individuals to stay at home with adequate family support.

Who Is Eligible for the $400 Caregiving Grant in 2025?

To qualify for the HCG, applicants must meet specific citizenship, residency, financial, and medical criteria. Here’s a breakdown:

1. Citizenship & Residency Requirements

• The care recipient must be a Singapore Citizen, or a Permanent Resident with an immediate family member (spouse, child, or parent) who is a Singapore Citizen.
• They must reside in Singapore.
• The care recipient must not be living in a long-term care institution such as a nursing home.

2. Medical Assessment Criteria

• The care recipient must permanently need assistance with at least 3 of 6 ADLs:
  • Feeding
  • Dressing
  • Toileting
  • Washing
  • Walking or moving around
  • Transferring (e.g., from bed to chair)

3. Means Testing & Property Ownership

• Household monthly income per person must not exceed S$3,600.
• For those with no income, the annual value (AV) of their residence must be S$21,000 or less.
• Those who own more than one property will only qualify for the S$250 payout tier, even if they meet other criteria.

$400 Caregiving Grant Is Back: How Much Can You Receive Under HCG in 2025?

The amount depends on household income and property ownership.

These payouts are credited monthly to the caregiver’s nominated bank account.

Exciting Updates Coming in 2026

In Budget 2025, the government announced significant improvements to the HCG scheme, effective April 2026:

1. Payouts Increasing to S$600

Caregivers of recipients with greater care needs will receive up to S$600 per month, enhancing support for more intensive home care.

2. Income Threshold Raised to S$4,800

To expand access, the income ceiling will rise from S$3,600 to S$4,800 per capita, enabling more middle-income households to qualify for higher payouts.

These changes are part of a broader social support strategy to address Singapore’s rapidly aging population.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Apply for the Home Caregiving Grant

Applying for the HCG is a simple process but requires medical verification and identity documentation. Here’s how to do it:

Step 1: Get a Disability Assessment

• Visit a General Practitioner (GP) or healthcare provider.
• Ask for a Functional Assessment Report (FAR) certifying the care recipient needs help with at least 3 ADLs.

You can refer to the list of approved assessors on the AIC website.

Step 2: Submit the Application

Choose one of the following methods:

• Online via eFASS (use Singpass): aic.sg/eFASS
• By Email: Send completed forms to [email protected]
• Walk-In: Visit any AIC Link location for assistance with a hardcopy form.

Step 3: Wait for Approval

• Processing takes about 4 weeks.
• Once approved, payouts start from the month you applied and are disbursed monthly.

What Can You Use the Grant For?

The HCG is flexible and can be used in various ways to reduce the burden of caregiving:

• Hiring a domestic helper or caregiver
• Purchasing assistive equipment or medical supplies
• Paying for transport to medical appointments
• Offsetting costs of home nursing or therapy

Caregivers are not required to submit receipts, making this a highly adaptable form of support.

FAQs on $400 Caregiving Grant Is Back

Q1. Can I apply if I’m already receiving other government grants?

Yes, you can receive the HCG alongside other schemes like Pioneer Generation Disability Assistance Scheme (PioneerDAS) or ElderFund.

Q2. Can the grant be used for children with disabilities?

Yes, as long as the care recipient meets the ADL and income criteria, age is not a restriction.

Q3. What happens if the recipient enters a nursing home later?

If the care recipient is admitted to long-term institutional care, the HCG will be discontinued.

Q4. Is the grant taxable?

No, the HCG is not taxable and does not count as income under other means-tested programs.

Q5. What if my application is rejected?

You can appeal the decision by providing additional medical documents or clarifications. Visit your nearest AIC Link for support.