Ten government schemes can help — from device subsidies and monthly cash support to lifelong healthcare subsidies, long-term care payouts and a lower helper levy. Know what you may qualify for before your OT appointment.
A few short questions covering all ten schemes. A guide, not a decision — AIC, HDB, MOH, MOM and CPF Board decide eligibility. Nothing you enter is saved, sent or tracked.
Different schemes have different rules for PRs.
The SMF provides means-tested subsidies to help Singapore seniors offset the cost of assistive devices and home healthcare items. Up to 90% of the device cost is covered, subject to maximum caps per device category.
Visit your GP, specialist, occupational therapist or physiotherapist. Tell them you need a home safety assessment and want to apply for SMF.
Your qualified assessor will assess which devices you need and complete the required documentation. They will recommend specific device categories.
Apply online via Singpass, through your care provider's social worker or therapist, or call AIC at 1800 650 6060. You can also visit any AIC Link.
Buy from an AIC-approved vendor to qualify for the subsidy. Subsidy covers up to 90% of the device cost, subject to maximum subsidy caps per device category.
HDB's EASE programme subsidises home modifications in your HDB flat to make it safer and more accessible for elderly family members. HDB appoints and manages the contractors — you just apply and they handle the rest. Households in HDB rental blocks pay nothing: EASE improvements are fully covered by the government.
Confirm your household qualifies — HDB flat owner or tenant, with a family member aged 65+ or 60–64 with ADL needs.
If your family member is aged 60–64, get a Functional Assessment Report from your GP or an approved healthcare professional. You pay the assessment fee.
Apply via the EASE (Direct Application) e-Service on HDB InfoWeb or through the Mobile@HDB app. You can also apply as part of HDB's Home Improvement Programme (HIP).
HDB replies within 14 working days and arranges a pre-condition survey and installation. Works are completed within 10 weeks. You do not buy products yourself — HDB's contractors install everything.
Two AIC-administered grants support the family member doing the caring: monthly cash support (HCG) and subsidised caregiver training (CTG). Figures read from aic.sg on 2026-10-15. Eligibility is assessed by AIC.
None of these pays for a product or a grab bar. They lower healthcare bills, add cash each quarter, or pay a monthly sum when daily living needs help. Two are automatic. Figures read from the official MOH and CPF Board pages on 2026-10-17; the checker above says which may apply. How we check the figures.
A quick reference guide for HomeWise products and their subsidy eligibility. Always confirm with your OT or social worker.
| Product | AIC SMF | HDB EASE | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grab bars & handrails | — | ✓ | HDB supplies and installs them in HDB flats. Not covered by SMF. |
| Foldable shower seat (wall-mounted) | — | ✓ | EASE only — HDB fits it to the wall. A free-standing shower chair is SMF instead. |
| Slip-resistant floor treatment | — | ✓ | EASE treats the existing floor. Loose anti-slip mats are not covered by either scheme. |
| Ramps at the entrance or bathroom | — | ✓ | EASE — part of the fittings HDB installs. |
| Shower chair or stool | ✓ | — | SMF after an assessment by an approved healthcare professional. |
| Raised toilet seat | ✓ | — | SMF after an assessment by an approved healthcare professional. |
| Toilet safety frame | ✓ | — | SMF after an assessment by an approved healthcare professional. |
| Commode chair | ✓ | — | SMF — AIC lists commodes under home care items. |
| Walking stick | ✓ | — | SMF after an assessment by an approved healthcare professional. |
| Quad cane | ✓ | — | SMF after an assessment by an approved healthcare professional. |
| Walker or rollator | ✓ | — | SMF after an assessment by an approved healthcare professional. |
| Wheelchair (manual) | ✓ | — | SMF after an assessment by an approved healthcare professional. |
| Motorised scooter | ✓ | — | SMF, with extra conditions — AIC assesses whether a manual chair can be used instead. |
| Bed rail | ✓ | — | SMF — ask your OT to include it in the assessment. |
| Hospital bed | ✓ | — | SMF — AIC lists hospital beds under home care items. |
| Pressure relief cushion or mattress | ✓ | — | SMF — AIC lists these under home care items. |
| GPS tracking pendant | — | — | Not on AIC's SMF device list (checked 27 Sep 2026). Self-funded. |
| Fall detection watch | — | — | Not on AIC's SMF device list (checked 27 Sep 2026). Self-funded. |
| Hearing aids | ✓ | — | SMF — a category of its own on AIC's list. |
| Spectacles and vision aids | ✓ | — | SMF — a category of its own on AIC's list. |
| Adult diapers, underpads and other home healthcare items | ✓ | — | SMF home healthcare items, up to 80%, only for seniors on home nursing, home medical, home palliative or day hospice care. Ordered through Vertis Health Marketplace, not Shopee or Lazada. |
| Loose anti-slip bath mat | — | — | Neither scheme. EASE treats the floor itself instead of supplying a mat. |
| Stairlift | — | — | Neither scheme. |
| Motion sensor lights | — | — | Neither scheme — a self-purchase. |
| Nutritional supplements | — | — | Neither scheme for everyday supplements. Milk feeds for seniors on home nursing or home medical care are SMF home healthcare items. |
Common questions Singapore caregivers ask about elderly care subsidies.
Seniors' Mobility and Enabling FundHDB EASEEASE (Private)Home Caregiving GrantCaregivers Training GrantCareShield LifeSilver Support SchemePioneer and Merdeka GenerationMaid levy concessionElderFundIDAPE
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