Maid Levy Singapore: FDW Rates, Concessions and Payment Guide 2026
Understanding Maid Levy Singapore costs is an important part of hiring a helper. The Foreign Domestic Worker (FDW) levy is a monthly tax employers must pay to the Ministry of Manpower (MOM). This guide explains the 2026 levy rates, concessions and payment methods.
Domestic Helper Levy Rates in Singapore
First domestic helper
$300/month
$9.87/day
Subsequent domestic helpers
$450/month
$14.80/day
Concessionary levy
$60/month
$1.98/day
The daily levy applies only for part-month employment (e.g. if a helper starts or ends her employment in the middle of a month).
How Much Can You Save With the Levy Concession?
$2,880
Annual Savings
The concessionary rate offers significant savings. By qualifying for the $60 concession instead of the standard $300 rate, you save $240 monthly. Over an entire year, this adds up to substantial household budget support.
Who Qualifies for the $60 Maid Levy Concession?
Young Child
Singapore Citizen child below 16 years old living at the same address.
Elderly Person
Singapore Citizen aged 67 years and above living at the same address.
Person With Disabilities (PWD)
Certified by a doctor to require help with at least one daily activity.
Can I Get the $60 Levy for Two Helpers?
Yes, if you have two eligible persons (e.g., two children under 16) living in your household, you can apply for the $60 concession for up to two helpers. If you only have one eligible person, the concession applies only to one helper, and you will pay the subsequent helper rate for the second.
When Does the Domestic Helper Levy Start?
The levy starts 2 days after the helper arrives in Singapore. If the helper is a transfer within Singapore, the levy starts on the day MOM issues the work permit. Levy billing ends on the day the work permit is cancelled or expires.
How and When Do I Pay the FDW Levy?
Levies are paid monthly via GIRO. The payment for each month is automatically deducted from your designated bank account on the 17th of the following month. You can check your levy bills and payment status online via MOM's CPF web portal.
What Happens If I Don't Pay the Levy?
- Late payment penalty: 2% per month or $20 (whichever is higher).
- Total helper work permit cancellation: MOM will revoke all existing permits.
- Banned from future hiring: You will be blocked from hiring another helper until all debts are paid.
- Legal action: Cases of prolonged non-payment may be referred for court recovery.
Can the Domestic Helper Levy Be Waived?
Under specific circumstances, you can apply for a levy waiver. This means you won't need to pay the levy for days when your helper is not actively working in your household. Common waiver scenarios include:
- Home Leave: When your helper returns to her home country for at least 7 consecutive days.
- Hospitalisation: If your helper is admitted to a Singapore hospital.
- Death: In the unfortunate event of a helper's passing.
- Deportation: If the helper is sent back and the work permit is cancelled.
Levy Concession vs Levy Waiver: What's the Difference?
Levy Concession
A permanent monthly reduction from $300 to $60 for qualifying households (based on children, elderly, or PWD).
Levy Waiver
A temporary refund or exemption for specific days when the helper is away (e.g., home leave or hospitalisation).
When Can My Levy Rate Change?
Your levy rate isn't fixed forever. It can change automatically based on household status or when you hire additional help. Common examples include:
- Child turns 16: The concession will end on the child's 16th birthday, reverting to the standard rate.
- Elderly person passes away: The concession ends in the month after the person passes.
- Hiring a second helper: The first helper remains at $300 (or $60), while the second starts at $450.
- Change of address: If your eligible elderly parent moves to a different address, you lose the concession at your address.
Frequently Asked Questions About Maid Levy in Singapore
Need Help Hiring a Domestic Helper in Singapore?
At Home Sweet Home, we understand that navigating MOM regulations and calculating levy costs can be overwhelming. As a trusted domestic staffing agency in Orchard, we assist employers every step of the way—from selecting the right helper to managing all paperwork and work permit applications.
Contact us today for a consultation or browse our database of experienced and qualified domestic helpers ready to support your family.
Note: Information provided is an educational guide. For official billing matters and legal advice, please visit the official website of the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) Singapore.