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SubsidiesUpdated August 2026 · 8 min read
The AIC Seniors' Mobility and Enabling Fund (SMF) is one of the most generous and underused government subsidies in Singapore. Eligible seniors can get up to 90% offassistive devices — walkers, wheelchairs, commodes, shower chairs, fall detection wearables and more. Yet most caregivers either don't know it exists or find the application process confusing. This guide walks you through everything, step by step.
Quick summary
✓ For Singapore Citizens or PRs aged 60+ (or assessed disability at any age)
✓ Covers walkers, wheelchairs, commodes, shower chairs, fall detection devices, hearing aids
✓ Up to 90% of the device cost, or the cap for that device, whichever is lower
✓ Requires OT or doctor assessment before purchase
— Does not cover grab bars — HDB installs those under EASE
The Seniors’ Mobility and Enabling Fund (SMF) is administered by the Agency for Integrated Care (AIC) — the same government body that manages community healthcare in Singapore. It was set up specifically to help elderly Singaporeans afford the assistive devices they need to live safely and independently at home.
Unlike the HDB EASE programme (which covers structural home modifications), SMF covers portable and wearable assistive devices — things you buy and use, not things bolted to your flat.
SMF is means-tested: the lower your household per capita income, the higher your subsidy. At the highest subsidy tier (household PCHI of S\$1,200 or below), eligible seniors pay as little as 10% of the device cost.
You must meet all of these criteria:
Not sure if your loved one qualifies? Use the HomeWise Subsidy Checker →
SMF covers a wide range of assistive devices. Here are the most commonly claimed categories:
Commodes & Toileting
Commodes, raised toilet seats, shower chairs
Walkers & Rollators
4-wheel rollators, quad canes, walking sticks
Wheelchairs
Manual, transit, and lightweight models
Fall Detection Devices
Smartwatches and GPS wearables
Shower Chairs
With and without armrests
Commode Chairs
Portable bedside commodes
Raised Toilet Seats
With and without armrests
Hearing Aids
Certain approved models only
Note: SMF covers devices purchased from AIC-approved vendors only.
AIC funds up to 90% of the device cost, or the maximum subsidy cap for that device, whichever is lower. Both halves of that sentence matter: a device with a low cap can leave you paying more than a tenth of the price even at the highest subsidy rate.
To qualify, a household needs household monthly income of S$4,800 or less per person, or an Annual Value below S$21,000 if there is no household income. The exact percentage depends on the means-test result. AIC does not publish the income bands, so confirm your own case on 1800 650 6060.
Scheme details checked against aic.sg on 12 September 2026. Government subsidy conditions change — confirm your own case on 1800 650 6060 before you buy anything.
Get a professional assessment
Visit a polyclinic, restructured hospital, or AIC-appointed community provider. An occupational therapist (OT) or doctor will assess your loved one’s needs and recommend specific devices. Keep this recommendation — you’ll need it for the application. Call the AIC hotline at 1800-650-6060 for help finding an OT.
Choose an AIC-approved vendor
SMF only covers purchases from AIC-approved vendors. This includes Rainbow Care, Bion, and Lifeline Corp, as well as some online sellers. Ask the vendor explicitly: ‘Are you AIC-approved for SMF?’ before purchasing.
Submit the SMF application
Most AIC-approved vendors will help you process the application directly. You’ll need: the OT/doctor recommendation letter, the senior’s NRIC, proof of household income (latest NOA or CPF contribution history), and a completed SMF application form.
Wait for AIC approval
Processing takes up to 15 working days. AIC may contact you for additional documents. Do not purchase the device before approval — the subsidy only applies to approved purchases.
Receive the device at subsidised price
Once approved, you pay only your co-payment share to the vendor. The vendor claims the subsidised amount directly from AIC. Keep the receipt and approval letter for your records.
Yes — SMF and HDB EASE are completely separate subsidies and can be used together. SMF covers devices you purchase; EASE covers structural home modifications. Many Singapore caregivers use both.
No — but you rarely need to. The two schemes cover different things, so you use each for what it is meant for rather than claiming twice.
Grab bars go through EASE, whoever buys them. HDB supplies and installs them in HDB flats; for private property, EASE (Private) has been run by BCA since April 2026. SMF is for the devices you buy and carry — a walker, a wheelchair, a commode, a shower chair. Families often draw on both schemes in the same year, but never on both for the same item.
Tell HomeWise your situation — we’ll identify which products qualify under AIC SMF and HDB EASE, and what the subsidised price looks like for your income level.
Check My Eligibility →