Costs Of Hiring A Domestic Helper
Hiring a domestic helper is a practical solution for many households in Singapore, especially for working adults balancing career and family responsibilities. If you require help in child care, care for the elderly, at-home cleaning, or other domestic services, hiring a domestic helper full time will provide you with more time and less worry. However, the cost of hiring a domestic helper in Singapore is crucial to understand. This goes hand in hand with the salary, which includes additional costs, one-time or periodic. In this article, we will discuss the costs of hiring a maid in Singapore and offer advice on choosing the right one.
Hiring a maid through an agency in Singapore is usually the most straightforward process for most initial employers. A professional Singapore maid agency will shortlist the applicants and even apply for work permits on your behalf, so you don’t have to go through the process alone.
Maid agency fees in Singapore usually go as low as $2,000 to as high as $5,000, depending on the help they offer. These fees usually cover:
- Screening and interviewing potential helpers.
- Arranging for medical examinations.
- Handling work permit applications and insurance.
- Coordinating transportation and accommodation for the helper.
Application and Acquisition of Working Permit
By law, an employer of helpers is required to apply for and obtain a work permit for the helpers through MOM. The current application fee is $35, and the additional fee when the permit is issued is also $35. This process can be done directly by the maid agency or the employer.
Settling-In Programme (SIP)
If your helper works in Singapore for the first time, he/she must complete the Settling-In Programme, which costs $76.40 (including GST). This program ensures the helper adapts to the Singapore work environment and knows their roles and responsibilities.
Maid Insurance
Employers must get domestic helper insurance, which is personal accident insurance of not less than $60,000 per year. In addition, medical expenses, hospitalization, emergency medical evacuation, and repatriation of remains are also planned for under sound health cover. The standard insurance plan reaches $425.10 for 26 months. An extra contingent of putting a strong insurance plan in place helps to safeguard you and your helper in the case of the unexpected.
The wage of a domestic worker in Singapore depends on country of origin, previous employment, and proficiency level. The average salary for an FDW in Singapore is about $480 – $700 per month. These helpers may need a specialized skill set to perform their tasks, such as eldercare or childcare experience, and such helpers will be paid reasonable wages.
Here is a guideline based on the minimum wages set by the helper’s home country:
- Myanmar: $480
- Indonesia: $550
- Philippines: $600
Ensuring they are paid a fair wage will also ensure they adhere to MOM’s rules and regulations and motivate the helper.
Maid Levy
Employers are bound to pay levy once a month to MOM. The standard levy is $300 per month, but you may qualify for a concessionary rate of $60 if the helper is caring for a:
- Children below the age of 16 years.
- A patient who is 67 years old or above.
- A person with disabilities.
Living Expenses
Employers are responsible for covering their helper’s living expenses, which include:
- Food and Utilities: Approximately $150 per month.
- Public Transport: Roughly a hundred dollars monthly for basic chores.
Your helper’s accommodation should cost about $250 per month. These costs enable a Singaporean host to live with a maid.