Financial Matters and Support

Unless an agreement or court order says otherwise, parents must support their children. This means providing reasonable accommodation, clothing, food, and education, based on what the parent can afford and their standing in life, or covering the cost of these items.

The court may, on due proof that a parent has neglected or refused to provide reasonable maintenance for his or her child (below 21 years old) who is unable to maintain himself or herself, order that parent to pay monthly sums or a lump sum for the maintenance of that child.

You can apply to the Family Justice Courts for a maintenance order.

You can refer to the SG Courts website for a guide on how to file an application for maintenance for your child: https://www.judiciary.gov.sg/family/file-maintenance-application. 

In making an order for maintenance, the court may consider factors such as the child's needs and disability, the financial resources of both parents, and the standard of living enjoyed by the child before the parent neglected or refused to provide reasonable maintenance.

You may be able to file a claim for maintenance from your children if you meet the eligibility criteria:

• You must be a Singapore citizen or Permanent Resident
• You must be 60 years old and above and unable to support yourself
• If you are below the age of 60, you must be able to prove that there are valid reasons for maintenance (such as health problems).

Parents seeking maintenance under the Maintenance of Parents Act 1995 must first attempt conciliation at the Office of the Commissioner for the Maintenance of Parents before filing a claim with the Tribunal, with limited exceptions (e.g. where the parent has a record of abandonment, abuse or neglect of the child, in which case Tribunal permission must be sought).

The Tribunal will refer both parent and children to a mediator to discuss the dispute and negotiate a settlement. If a settlement cannot be reached, an application will be made for a Tribunal hearing where the Tribunal may make an order for maintenance or dismiss the application.

An application has to be made in person at the Tribunal for the Maintenance of Parents Registry. If you are unable to do so due to health or other reasons, an application can be made on your behalf by any member of your family or a person caring for you.

You can refer to a guide on how to file a maintenance of parents application on the Ministry of Social and Family Development’s website here: https://www.msf.gov.sg/what-we-do/maintenance-of-parents/process/how-to-apply-for-maintenance.

There are various tax reliefs available to caregivers subject to qualifying conditions:

• Qualifying Child Relief (QCR)/Child Relief (Disability): For parents and parents of children who are physically disabled or mentally impaired.
• Working Mother's Child Relief (WMCR): For working mothers.
• Grandparent Caregiver Relief: For working mothers whose parent, grandparent, or parent-in-law look after their young child while they work.
• Sibling Relief (Disability): For siblings of dependants who are physically disabled or mentally impaired.
• Parent Relief/Parent Relief (Disability): For those supporting their parent, grandparent, or parent-in-law.

You should refer to the Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore’s website for the latest information on tax reliefs: https://www.iras.gov.sg/taxes/individual-income-tax/basics-of-individual-income-tax/tax-reliefs-rebates-and-deductions/tax-reliefs.

Find out more:

• Guide on filing a Women’s Charter maintenance application by SG Courts 
• Guide on filing a maintenance of parents application by the Ministry of Social and Family Development 
• Guide on tax reliefs by SupportGoWhere 
• Guide on tax reliefs by the Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore
• Guide on Money Matters by SG Enable 
• Guide on Disability Money Matters by SPD

Legal Guidance and Representation: 

• Legal Aid: Check what legal aid you can apply for here (Note: legal aid is for individuals unable to afford a lawyer, and the application process will likely involve means-testing).
• Find a Lawyer: If you do not qualify for legal aid, you may find a lawyer using the following directories:
  • Ministry of Law Directory
  • Law Society of Singapore Directory

Social assistance: 

• ComCare assistance: ComCare provides financial assistance and social support to individuals and families who need help with their daily living expenses such as food, transport and household bills. 
• SPED Financial Assistance Scheme: Provides financial assistance to lower-income families with children who are in MOE-funded Special Education (SPED) Schools.
• Home Caregiving Grant: Provides families with a monthly cash payout to help them manage the cost of caring for seniors or persons with disabilities at home. The grant can be used for care needs, such as hiring a helper, paying for home care services, or buying healthcare items.
• NTUC Care Fund (Caregiver Support): For caregivers of children with special needs. Supports primary caregivers of children with special needs by providing assistance for the educational, therapeutic, and daily needs of eligible children.