Singapore Caregiver Relief Grant 2025, How to Receive the New $400 Support Payout

In a major step forward for family-based eldercare, Singapore introduced the Caregiver Relief Grant in June 2025, offering a one-time $400 cash payout to unpaid caregivers who support family members with moderate to severe disabilities. This new initiative signals growing recognition of the vital—yet often invisible—role these caregivers play in supporting an ageing population.

The grant offers not only monetary relief but also validation for the emotional and physical demands that family caregivers endure every day. Here’s a comprehensive guide on who qualifies, how to submit your application, what the money is meant for, and why this policy shift matters more than ever.

Overview Table

Aspect	Details
Grant Amount	One-time payout of S$400
Who Can Apply	Unpaid caregivers for family members with permanent moderate-to-severe disability
Application Deadline	30 September 2025
How to Apply	Online via Agency for Integrated Care (AIC) using Singpass
Payment Method	Direct transfer to PayNow-NRIC; alternatives available if needed
Purpose of Grant	Assist with caregiving costs—transport, supplies, respite, and support

Who Is Eligible, and What’s the Application Process Like?

This grant is targeted specifically at unpaid family caregivers—those who devote their time, often sacrificing jobs or social lives, to care for loved ones at home. To qualify for the S$400 Caregiver Relief Grant, applicants must meet the following criteria:

Basic Eligibility Requirements:

• You must be providing unpaid care for a family member with a permanent moderate to severe disability.
• The care recipient must either:
  • Already be receiving the Home Caregiving Grant (HCG), or
  • Be certified as disabled by a MOH-accredited disability assessor.
• The applicant does not need to be receiving other government support schemes.

Whether you’re caring for an ageing parent, a disabled sibling, or a spouse with medical needs, if you’re doing it without formal compensation, you may qualify.

How and When to Apply

Applications for this one-off payout are open until 30 September 2025. You can apply online through the AIC portal using your Singpass login. The online system is streamlined, but if you need assistance, medical social workers and community care coordinators can help guide you through the process.

Here’s a quick breakdown:

1. Visit the official site: https://www.aic.sg
2. Log in with Singpass
3. Fill in caregiver and care recipient details
4. Submit supporting documents (if not already on file)
5. Await confirmation via SMS or email

Approval takes approximately 2–4 weeks, and successful applicants will be notified about the payout method.

How the $400 Grant Will Be Paid Out

Once approved, the grant will be paid out through PayNow-NRIC—a direct and secure method of transferring funds into the caregiver’s linked bank account. If you do not use PayNow, other payment alternatives will be arranged to ensure you still receive the money without hassle.

While there’s no requirement to account for how you use the funds, the government encourages recipients to use it toward caregiving-related expenses, such as:

• Medical transport for hospital visits and check-ups
• Home care equipment or supplies such as adult diapers, hospital beds, or wheelchairs
• Hiring short-term help for respite or weekend breaks
• Mental health support—therapy or stress management for caregivers

The grant is designed to help ease the daily financial burdens that come with providing full-time care at home.

Why This Grant Arrives at the Right Time

Singapore’s population is ageing rapidly. With more seniors choosing to age at home instead of institutional care, families are increasingly stepping in to fill caregiving gaps.

But this shift comes with heavy personal cost, especially for unpaid caregivers—many of whom:

• Quit jobs or scale back work to provide care
• Experience emotional and physical burnout
• Feel socially isolated due to the 24/7 demands of caregiving

This grant is more than just financial help—it is an official acknowledgement that caregiving is hard work with real value. It represents a step toward supporting the “silent workforce” behind Singapore’s eldercare landscape.

What If You Miss the Deadline?

The 30 September 2025 deadline is firm for this year’s payout. If you fail to apply by then, you may miss out on the grant entirely. However, caregivers already connected to healthcare programs—such as those receiving the Home Caregiving Grant—will likely receive email or SMS reminders about the new grant.

To ensure you don’t miss your chance:

• Visit https://www.aic.sg early
• Prepare required documents in advance
• Ask for help from community care teams or medical social workers if you’re unsure

Late applications may not be accepted unless under exceptional circumstances

Where to Seek Help if You’re Unsure

If you’re unsure about eligibility or need help applying, assistance is widely available:

• Community care coordinators at eldercare centres
• Medical social workers in hospitals or outpatient clinics
• AIC support staff via hotline or walk-in centres

These teams can help:

• Verify your eligibility
• Submit applications on your behalf
• Appeal or clarify documentation issues

The process is meant to be inclusive and low-barrier, especially for those overwhelmed with full-time caregiving duties.

Is This a Sign of Bigger Changes Ahead?

The Caregiver Relief Grant marks more than a one-time payout—it reflects a deeper policy shift in Singapore’s social support system. Other countries, including Japan and South Korea, have begun recognising the financial value of unpaid caregiving and are implementing schemes to reduce caregiver stress.

This $400 grant could be the beginning of broader moves toward:

• Introducing monthly caregiver support allowances
• Strengthening home-based healthcare networks
• Providing respite care and mental health services for caregivers
• Formalising caregiving as a supported public role, not just a private family duty

By launching this scheme, Singapore is acknowledging that the care economy is crucial to its future—and caregivers deserve both recognition and relief.

Final Thoughts: Why the $400 Grant Matters

While S$400 may not seem like a huge sum, it can make a real difference to someone managing the financial and emotional costs of caregiving. More importantly, the grant signals a new level of recognition by the government: caregiving is not “just helping family”—it is real, unpaid labour that contributes to the nation’s social infrastructure.

Whether it’s used for a short break, transport to the doctor, or essential equipment, the Caregiver Relief Grant is a small but meaningful thank you to those who give so much without expecting anything in return.

If you or someone you know is an unpaid caregiver, don’t miss the chance to receive this support. Apply before 30 September 2025 and take a step toward feeling seen, supported, and valued

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