HomeWise › Subsidies › ElderFund
Singapore scheme guideElderFund: monthly help for severe disability outside CareShield Life
Rules checked 24 October 2026 against Agency for Integrated Care
ElderFund is a discretionary government scheme, run by AIC, for lower-income Singapore Citizens aged 30 and above with severe disability who cannot benefit from CareShield Life or ElderShield. It pays up to $250 a month for as long as they meet the criteria.
The short answer
- Up to $250 a month, with no end date while the criteria are met.
- Singapore Citizens aged 30 and above.
- Household income per person of $1,500 or less, and a MediSave balance below $10,000.
- Full help needed with at least 3 of the 6 daily activities, confirmed by a severe disability assessment.
How much does ElderFund pay?
Up to $250 a month, for as long as the person meets the criteria.
The money can go to any long-term care need, such as hiring a helper, paying for care services or daily expenses. It can also be paid straight to a nursing home.
Who qualifies for ElderFund?
A Singapore Citizen who meets all of the conditions below.
- Aged 30 or above and living in Singapore.
- Household monthly income per person of $1,500 or less.
- A MediSave balance below $10,000. Check it by logging in to cpf.gov.sg with Singpass.
- Needs full help with at least 3 of the six activities of daily living (washing, dressing, feeding, toileting, moving from bed to chair, and walking or moving around).
- Not a CareShield Life or ElderShield policyholder (including supplement plans), not receiving their payouts, and not eligible for IDAPE.
Families above the income limit who still cannot afford the care needed can apply. AIC considers these case by case.
How is the severe disability assessment done?
By an MOH-accredited severe disability assessor. Your regular doctor can do it only if they are on that list.
The fee is $100 at the assessor's clinic or $250 for a home visit. You pay first, and it is refunded if the person is assessed as severely disabled.
A nursing home resident can ask the home to submit a Resident's Assessment Form instead.
Does dementia qualify for ElderFund?
Not automatically. The assessor looks at how memory or thinking problems affect the six daily activities, and decides from that.
What if my parent has CareShield Life or ElderShield?
Then ElderFund is not the route. A CareShield Life or ElderShield claim is.
AIC may still look at ElderFund case by case for someone who cannot meet long-term care costs even after those payouts. Speak to a medical social worker or to AIC.
How do I apply for ElderFund?
Online through AIC's eFASS with Singpass, which is faster than the paper form.
AIC takes up to four weeks to process an application and replies by mail. Payouts start the following month and may include the month you applied. Call AIC on 1800 650 6060 if you are unsure.
Related guides
CareShield LifeIDAPEElderFund vs IDAPE vs CareShield LifeHome Caregiving GrantMaid levy concession
Not sure which schemes fit your family?
Answer a few questions in the Subsidy Checker. It shows which schemes are worth asking about, and your answers stay on your device.
Check our subsidies