Domestic Helper Costs, Levy and Insurance in Singapore

Reviewed against official guidance on 8 September 2026. Prepared by the Little Big Employment Agency editorial team.

A helper’s salary is only one part of the household budget. Separate recurring expenses, application costs and employer liabilities before agreeing to a placement.

Monthly levy rates

Category	Monthly levy
First helper, normal rate	S$300
Subsequent helper, normal rate	S$450
Qualifying concessionary rate	S$60

Levy is payable by the employer. It is separate from the helper’s salary. Employers do not pay CPF contributions for an MDW. Check the levy bill and payment arrangement rather than assuming approval of a Work Permit also settles monthly payments.

Source: MOM: paying levy.

Who may qualify for the S$60 concession?

The concession depends on an eligible person living in the household. Routes include a Singapore citizen child below 16, a Singapore citizen aged at least 67, specified elderly permanent residents with a qualifying Singapore citizen family relationship, and qualifying persons with disabilities. Disability cases require the relevant medical assessment and AIC process. One helper may qualify per eligible person, capped at two helpers per household. Update household records and complete the applicable steps; the concession is not an automatic entitlement for every family employing a helper.

Source: MOM: levy concession.

The S$5,000 security bond

A non-Malaysian helper requires a S$5,000 security bond, generally provided as a bank or insurer guarantee. The employer must pay for it. Arrange the bond before arrival and ensure it is effective when the helper enters Singapore. The guarantee amount differs from the premium you pay. A bond is not permission to disregard Work Permit conditions; breaches may expose you to forfeiture.

Source: MOM: security bond.

Medical and personal accident insurance

Medical insurance must provide at least S$60,000 annual coverage for inpatient care and day surgery. Under the enhanced minimum framework, claim amounts above S$15,000 are shared 75% by the insurer and 25% by the employer. Policies starting, renewing or extending from 1 July 2025 also follow the second-stage requirements, including standardised allowable exclusions and direct payment to hospitals for admissible claims.

Personal accident insurance must provide at least S$60,000 a year for accidental death or permanent disability, payable to the helper or her beneficiaries. Employers cannot transfer the insurance purchase cost to the helper. Compare actual exclusions, excesses and benefits; buying the minimum policy does not mean every medical bill is fully insured.

Source: MOM: insurance requirements.

A practical cost worksheet

• Recurring: agreed salary, levy, food, accommodation, toiletries and ongoing household expenses.
• Periodic: medical examinations, insurance renewals, travel and permit renewal.
• Initial: agency services if used, programmes, travel and Work Permit application and issuance.
• Contingency: uninsured medical costs, replacement care and end-of-employment travel.

Ask for an itemised quotation distinguishing government charges, third-party costs and agency fees. Confirm refund and replacement terms in writing. We do not publish an invented all-inclusive helper price.

Return to domestic helper services or discuss your household’s application support needs.