Singapore offers a comprehensive array of financial assistance schemes to support its ageing population. These initiatives aim to alleviate healthcare costs, enhance mobility, and ensure a dignified retirement for seniors. Below is an overview of 20 essential schemes available to Singapore citizens.
1. ABSD Concession for Single Singapore Citizen Seniors
From 16 February 2024, single Singapore citizens aged 55 and above who purchase a second residential property to right-size their living arrangements can apply for a refund of the Additional Buyer’s Stamp Duty (ABSD) paid, provided they sell their first residential property within six months of acquiring the second one.
2. Assistive Technology Fund
The Assistive Technology Fund (ATF) provides subsidies of up to 90% for assistive technology devices, capped at a lifetime limit of $40,000. This fund supports the acquisition, replacement, or repair of devices such as wheelchairs, hearing aids, and medical equipment, enhancing the independence and quality of life for seniors.
3. Assurance Package
The Assurance Package offers financial support to mitigate the impact of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) increase. Eligible seniors receive cash payouts ranging from $200 to $300 and a MediSave top-up of $150 between 2023 and 2025.
4. Caregivers Training Grant
Caregivers of seniors can access an annual $200 subsidy under the Caregivers Training Grant (CTG) to attend approved training courses. This initiative equips caregivers with the necessary skills to provide better care for their loved ones.
5. CareShield Life
CareShield Life is a long-term care insurance scheme providing monthly payouts to individuals who become severely disabled. The scheme offers lifetime coverage and ensures that those requiring assistance with activities of daily living receive financial support.
6. Chronic Disease Management Programme
The Chronic Disease Management Programme (CDMP) allows patients with chronic conditions to use MediSave for outpatient treatments. Patients with complex conditions can utilise up to $700 annually, while others can use up to $500, subject to a 15% co-payment.
7. ComCare Long-Term Assistance
ComCare Long-Term Assistance (LTA) provides monthly cash assistance to individuals permanently unable to work due to age, illness, or disability, and who lack family support. As of April 2025, a one-person household receives $760 monthly.
8. ComCare Short-To-Medium-Term Assistance
This scheme offers temporary financial assistance to individuals or families facing unforeseen circumstances, such as illness or unemployment. Support includes monthly cash assistance, help with household bills, and referrals to employment services.
9. Community Health Assist Scheme
The Community Health Assist Scheme (CHAS) offers subsidised medical and dental services at approved clinics. Seniors with chronic conditions benefit from reduced healthcare costs under this scheme.
10. CPF LIFE
Retired Singaporeans receive payouts every month from the lifelong annuity scheme of CPF LIFE. The amount received depends on the individual’s CPF savings and chosen plan, ensuring a steady income stream in later years.
11. ElderFund
ElderFund offers financial assistance to lower-income seniors who are severely disabled and require long-term care. The scheme provides monthly cash payouts to support their care needs.
12. Enhancement for Active Seniors
This initiative supports seniors in staying active and engaged in the community. It includes funding for community programmes, infrastructure improvements, and services that promote active ageing.
13. ElderShield
ElderShield is a severe disability insurance scheme providing monthly cash payouts to individuals who become severely disabled. It offers basic financial protection for long-term care needs.
14. ElderShield and CareShield Life Supplement
These supplements enhance the coverage provided by ElderShield and CareShield Life, offering higher payouts and additional benefits to policyholders.
15. Foreign Domestic Levy Concession
Households employing foreign domestic workers to care for seniors receive a concession on the monthly levy, reducing it from $300 to $60. This support eases the financial burden of caregiving.
16. GST Voucher
The GST Voucher scheme provides lower- and middle-income Singaporeans with cash payouts, MediSave top-ups, and U-Save rebates to offset GST expenses. Seniors benefit from these vouchers, which help manage living costs.
17. Home Caregiving Grant
The Home Caregiving Grant offers a monthly cash payout of $200 to families caring for seniors with permanent moderate disability. This grant supports caregiving expenses and can be used for various care services.
18. Interim Disability Assistance Programme for the Elderly
This programme provides financial assistance to seniors who became severely disabled before the launch of ElderShield in 2002 and are not covered under any long-term care insurance schemes. Eligible individuals receive monthly cash payouts to support their care needs.
19. Lease Buyback Scheme
The Lease Buyback Scheme allows seniors living in HDB flats to monetise their housing assets by selling part of their flat’s lease back to the government. This provides them with a stream of income while allowing them to age in place.
20. Majulah Package
Announced in Budget 2025, the Majulah Package aims to enhance retirement adequacy for seniors. It includes a Retirement Savings Bonus, MediSave Bonus, and Earn and Save Bonus, benefiting lower- to middle-income Singaporeans aged 50 and above.
21. Matched MediSave Scheme
The Matched MediSave Scheme is designed to encourage lower-income Singaporeans to actively save for their future healthcare needs. Under this scheme, the government matches voluntary MediSave contributions dollar-for-dollar, up to a cap annually. This is especially beneficial for self-employed individuals and those with irregular income streams who may not have consistent MediSave contributions.
22. Matched Retirement Savings Scheme
To improve retirement adequacy, the Matched Retirement Savings Scheme provides Singapore citizens aged 55 to 70 with a government matching grant of up to $600 per year. This is available to those whose Retirement Account balances fall below the Basic Retirement Sum. Contributions from family members can also be matched, offering a way for family support systems to play a direct role in improving a loved one’s financial security.
23. Medical Fee Exemption Card
For those with long-term medical conditions or who require frequent hospital visits, the Medical Fee Exemption Card is a valuable form of financial assistance. Seniors holding this card are exempt from selected outpatient consultation fees and treatment charges at public hospitals and polyclinics.
24. MediSave Care
MediSave Care allows seniors to withdraw up to $200 per month from their MediSave accounts to support long-term care expenses. This includes payments for home care, nursing homes, and community-based care services. To qualify, individuals must be unable to perform at least three activities of daily living and meet medical assessment requirements.
25. Merdeka Generation Package
The Merdeka Generation Package provides comprehensive support for Singapore citizens born between 1950 and 1959. It includes MediSave top-ups, outpatient care subsidies under the Community Health Assist Scheme (CHAS), and additional disability assistance under CareShield Life.
26. Mobile Access for Seniors
To bridge the digital divide, the Mobile Access for Seniors programme offers subsidised smartphones and mobile plans to low-income seniors. This initiative enables seniors to stay connected with family, access telehealth services, and use mobile banking and government e-services.
27. National Silver Academy
Lifelong learning is key to an active and engaged lifestyle. The National Silver Academy provides a variety of short courses in areas such as health, technology, and personal development for seniors aged 50 and above. Many courses are subsidised or offered free of charge.
28. Pioneer Generation Disability Assistance Scheme
The Pioneer Generation Disability Assistance Scheme (PioneerDAS) offers a monthly cash payout of $100 to seniors from the Pioneer Generation who are moderately to severely disabled. To qualify, a Singapore citizen must be unable to perform at least three activities of daily living.
29. Pioneer Generation Package
In addition to PioneerDAS, the Pioneer Generation Package provides multiple benefits for Singapore citizens born in 1949 or earlier. This includes enhanced subsidies for medical treatments, special MediSave top-ups, and annual CHAS subsidies.
30. SG60 Vouchers
Launched as part of Singapore’s 60th birthday celebrations, SG60 Vouchers offer eligible seniors digital or physical vouchers that can be used at participating merchants and supermarkets. These vouchers help offset daily living expenses such as groceries, household items, and personal essentials.
This initiative reflects the nation’s commitment to ensuring affordability and supporting all households, especially those with limited or no trade income, in managing inflation and the rising cost of living.
31. Silver Housing Bonus
The Silver Housing Bonus allows seniors to monetise their HDB flats by right-sizing to a smaller flat and receive up to $30,000 in cash bonuses. At least part of the proceeds must be used to top up the CPF Retirement Account, boosting their CPF LIFE payouts.
32. Silver Support Scheme
The Silver Support Scheme provides quarterly cash payouts to lower-income Singaporeans aged 65 and above who had low lifetime wages and little family support. Payments are tiered based on household income and housing type, with eligible seniors receiving up to $900 every three months.
33. Seniors’ Mobility and Enabling Fund
The Seniors’ Mobility and Enabling Fund (SMF) is an essential component of Singapore’s support structure for those with mobility issues. It subsidises the cost of mobility aids like walking sticks and wheelchairs, as well as home healthcare items and home modifications such as ramps and grab bars.
34. Senior Priority Scheme
The Senior Priority Scheme gives seniors priority when applying for new HDB flats that are located near their current homes or their children’s homes. This promotes multi-generational living, allowing for mutual care between seniors and family members.
Conclusion
Navigating the wide range of financial assistance schemes in Singapore can be challenging, but they offer vital support for the senior population. These schemes help address the full spectrum of care needs — from healthcare and disability assistance to housing and digital inclusion.
Whether you are a caregiver, a family member, or a Singapore citizen preparing for retirement, understanding these schemes can empower you to make informed decisions for your loved one or yourself. From MediSave top-ups and home care support to mobility and enabling fund SMF applications, every scheme is designed to ensure dignity, independence, and a better quality of life in the golden years.
If you are exploring more dedicated care options, such as assistance with activities of daily living, consider engaging a live-in caregiver. This personalised care service can be especially beneficial for seniors requiring consistent support in the comfort of their own home.
Alternatively, for families evaluating longer-term residential care options, a private nursing home in Singapore may offer the right blend of professional medical care and daily living support.
For more information on eligibility for the following schemes, visit official portals or consult with care coordinators. Singapore remains committed to building an inclusive society where all citizens, regardless of age or income, have the support they need to thrive.