On June 10, 2025, Singapore launched the Caregiver Relief Grant 2025, a new initiative designed to support unpaid family caregivers of elderly individuals.
As the nation’s population continues to age rapidly, this S$800 annual cash grant will provide much-needed financial relief to those who dedicate themselves to full-time caregiving roles for their elderly relatives.
This grant is part of Singapore’s ongoing efforts to ensure that elderly individuals can age with dignity while allowing their families to provide care without the burden of financial stress.
The grant recognizes the vital contributions of caregivers and aims to make home-based eldercare more sustainable.
Key Information About the S$800 Caregiver Relief Grant
| Key Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Grant Name | Caregiver Relief Grant 2025 |
| Amount | S$800 (annual, one-time payment) |
| Eligibility Age (Caregiver) | 21 years and older |
| Care Recipient Requirements | Aged 65+, physically dependent or diagnosed with dementia |
| Household Income Cap | Below S$5,000 per month |
| Living Arrangement | Caregiver must live in the same household as the care recipient |
| Application Platform | Agency for Integrated Care (AIC) |
| Disbursement Schedule | Once annually upon successful application |
| Official Website | https://www.aic.sg |
Why the Grant Matters: A National Response to Aging
Singapore’s population is ageing at an unprecedented rate. By 2030, nearly one in four Singaporeans will be over the age of 65.
With such demographic shifts, the pressure on family caregivers, especially those who are balancing full-time jobs with caregiving duties, has never been more significant.
Caregivers often face emotional and physical stress, reduced income due to fewer work hours, and the overwhelming responsibility of managing care.
The S$800 Caregiver Relief Grant offers financial aid to help alleviate some of these pressures while also recognizing the often-overlooked work of caregiving.
Eligibility Criteria for the Caregiver Relief Grant
The Caregiver Relief Grant 2025 is available to Singaporean citizens who meet the following criteria:
Caregiver Requirements:
- Must be 21 years or older.
- Must live in the same household as the elderly care recipient.
- Must provide unpaid caregiving as the primary caregiver (not receiving payment for caregiving services).
Care Recipient Requirements:
- Must be aged 65 or older.
- Must be physically dependent or diagnosed with dementia or cognitive decline.
- Must live full-time in the same household as the caregiver.
Financial Eligibility:
- The total household income must be less than S$5,000 per month.
- Households that exceed this income limit slightly may still qualify, subject to review.
The application process involves submitting through the Agency for Integrated Care (AIC), where caregivers must provide documentation of the care recipient’s condition, household income, and living arrangements.
How the Grant Helps Caregivers
While S$800 may not fully cover all caregiving costs, it provides significant support for daily expenses such as:
- Medical consumables (e.g., adult diapers, wound care items)
- Mobility aids (e.g., walkers, wheelchairs)
- Transportation costs for medical appointments
- Respite care to give caregivers a break
- Home modifications (e.g., installing grab bars for safety)
This financial relief not only helps reduce the caregiving burden but also acknowledges the critical role caregivers play in society.
Many caregivers forgo employment opportunities, promotions, or reduce their hours to care for loved ones, resulting in financial hardship. The grant is a small but meaningful recognition of their efforts.
Supporting Caregiver Well-being
In addition to the financial grant, Singapore is expanding support services for caregivers. According to a study by the Institute of Mental Health, nearly half of caregivers report moderate to high levels of stress. To address this, the government has introduced several initiatives:
- Subsidized caregiver training for safe lifting, dementia care, and medication management.
- Home nursing support to temporarily relieve caregivers of daily duties.
- Day care centers where elderly patients can receive care during the day.
- Caregiver Hub: A new digital platform launching in late 2025 that will centralize grant applications, provide mental health check-ins, and offer part-time caregiving relief.
These services aim to create a sustainable caregiving ecosystem, ensuring that caregivers receive the support they need without sacrificing their own health or financial security.
The S$800 Caregiver Relief Grant is a critical part of Singapore’s strategy to support family caregivers amid the challenges of an ageing population.
By offering financial assistance and expanding support services, the grant enables families to provide quality care while preserving their well-being.
This initiative is a vital step towards making ageing with dignity a reality for all Singaporeans.
FAQs
Who qualifies for the Caregiver Relief Grant?
The grant is available to Singaporean citizens aged 21 or older who provide full-time, unpaid care to elderly family members aged 65 or older.
What expenses can the Caregiver Relief Grant cover?
The grant can help with medical consumables, mobility aids, transportation costs, respite care, and minor home modifications.
How can I apply for the Caregiver Relief Grant?
Applications can be submitted through the Agency for Integrated Care (AIC) online portal with required documentation of income, caregiving needs, and the care recipient’s condition.