Hiring a second helper: eligibility and practicalities

By APEX Maids Agency Pte. Ltd. · MOM EA Licence 25C3180 · UEN 202547196H. Based in Jurong West and serving households across Singapore. Our website is apexmaids.sg and our phone is 8405 6661.

Four eligibility branches

MOM’s official FAQ lists the following criteria for employing a second helper:

1. You or your spouse is aged 60 or above.
2. You have two or more children below 18 living with you.
3. Your parent or parent-in-law aged 60 or above lives with you.
4. A household member has a disability assessed as eligible for the PWD levy concession through AIC’s assessment process.

Note: these age thresholds (60 for elderly, 18 for children) are different from the levy concession thresholds (67 for elderly, 16 for children). Do not confuse them.

MOM also considers financial ability and sufficient privacy and sleeping space for both helpers. Meeting one of the four branches does not guarantee approval.

What doubles

• Levy: a separate levy for each helper. The concession may apply to a second helper if two eligible persons in the household each meet the concession conditions. Check levy concession eligibility.
• Insurance and security bond: separate policies for each helper. The bond requirement depends on each helper’s nationality.
• Accommodation: adequate sleeping space for both, meeting MOM requirements. See accommodation.
• 6ME: separate medical schedules for each helper.
• Work Permit: separate applications, renewals and cancellations.

Practical management

• Divide duties clearly between both helpers in writing.
• Each helper has her own rest day arrangement.
• Manage each employment independently: separate salary records, medical schedules, WP renewal dates.

See cost breakdown for the per-helper cost structure.

Related planning guides

Explain the duties and how work will be shared before comparing candidates.

• Prepare the household interview brief