Hiring a Helper in Singapore: Complete Guide for First-Time Employers

The Big Decision: Do You Need a Helper?

Hiring a helper is one of the biggest decisions for Singapore families with young children. Here is when it makes sense:

Strongly consider a helper if:
• Both parents work full-time and have no family support nearby
• You have two or more young children
• Childcare logistics (pickup, drop-off, sick days) are unsustainable
• A family member with care needs lives with you
• The cost is comparable to or less than commercial childcare for multiple children

A helper may not be necessary if:
• One parent works from home with flexible hours
• Grandparents are available and willing to help
• You only have one child in full-day childcare
• You strongly prefer privacy in your home

The math: Full-day childcare for two children costs $1,400-$4,000/month (depending on government vs private). A helper costs $900-$1,400/month total and provides far more flexibility (sick days, school holidays, weekends, housework). For families with two or more children, a helper is often the more economical choice.

Understanding the Costs

One-Time Costs

Agency fee: $1,500-$3,000+ for a new helper from a source country, $500-$1,500 for a transfer helper already in Singapore. Some agencies charge the helper instead of the employer (check MOM regulations on this).

Air ticket: $300-$600 (one-way, for helpers from Philippines, Indonesia, or Myanmar)

Work permit application: $35

Security bond: $5,000 (a deposit, refundable when the helper leaves Singapore, typically covered by insurance for ~$50-$80/year)

Medical examination: $50-$80 (required within 14 days of arrival)

Settling-in programme (SIP): $30-$75 (compulsory for first-time helpers)

Employer orientation programme (EOP): Free (compulsory for first-time employers)

Insurance: $200-$300/year (personal accident + medical, $15,000 minimum coverage required by MOM)

Monthly Ongoing Costs

Salary: $600-$800 for new helpers, $700-$1,000 for experienced. Filipino and Myanmar helpers typically command slightly higher salaries than Indonesian helpers.

Levy: $300/month (concessionary rate for families with young children, elderly, or persons with disabilities) or $450/month (standard rate)

Food and daily expenses: $200-$300/month (if you provide a monthly food allowance instead of cooking for them)

Total monthly: $900-$1,400 (with concessionary levy)

Annual Costs

With the FDW Levy Relief ($60/month tax relief), your effective cost is reduced slightly.

The Hiring Process: Step by Step

Step 1: Complete the Employer Orientation Programme (EOP)

Required for first-time employers. Available online or in person. Takes about 3 hours. Covers your responsibilities, MOM regulations, and best practices.

Step 2: Choose an Agency or Direct Hire

Agency (recommended for first-timers):
• Handles paperwork, matching, and work permit application
• Provides replacement guarantee (typically 3-6 months)
• Look for MOM-licensed agencies on MOM's website
• Ask for referrals from friends and parent groups

Direct hire (transfer helpers):
• Find helpers whose contracts are ending through Facebook groups, Carousell, or helper matching platforms
• Lower cost (no agency fee for the helper side)
• You handle the work permit application yourself
• Interview the helper in person

Step 3: Interview and Select

Whether through an agency or direct, interview thoroughly:

Questions to ask:
• Experience with children (ages, responsibilities)
• Cooking abilities and dietary preferences
• Comfort with household tasks (cleaning, laundry, ironing)
• Rest day preferences (Sunday, compensated off days)
• Previous employer references (ask for contact)
• Health conditions or dietary restrictions
• Phone and social media usage expectations

Red flags:
• Agency pressuring you to decide quickly
• Unable to provide references from previous employers
• Helper's expectations on rest days or salary are very different from what you can offer

Step 4: Work Permit Application

Submit through MOM's Work Permit Online (WPOL) system. Required documents:
• Employer's NRIC
• Helper's passport details
• Employment contract details
• Insurance details
• Security bond

Processing time: 1-3 working days for approval.

Step 5: Settling In

The first month is critical. Set clear expectations from day one:

Create a written schedule: Include wake-up time, meal preparation times, childcare duties, cleaning schedule, and rest periods.

House rules document: Cover phone usage, cooking preferences, laundry routine, recycling, visitor policy, and emergency procedures. Put it in writing.

Communication: Establish how you will communicate (WhatsApp group, daily verbal check-in, weekly sit-down). Be patient with language barriers initially.

Rest day: Ensure one rest day per week (or compensation in lieu, agreed in writing). A rested helper is a better helper.

Legal Obligations You Must Know

As an employer, you are legally required to:

1. Pay salary on time - within 7 days after the end of each salary period 2. Provide adequate food - 3 meals a day, or a food allowance of at least $200/month 3. Provide acceptable accommodation - a room or a defined space with privacy. Cannot share a room with an adult male member of the household. 4. Ensure one rest day per week - or compensation in lieu if mutually agreed 5. Buy insurance - minimum $15,000 personal accident and medical coverage 6. Pay for medical treatment - bear the cost of medical care 7. Not retain the helper's passport - the helper must have access to their own passport 8. Not make the helper work in a hazardous environment - no cleaning external windows in high-rise apartments, no working at your place of business

Penalties for non-compliance: Fines up to $10,000 and/or imprisonment. MOM takes employer obligations seriously.

Tips from Experienced Employers

On managing expectations:
• Your helper is not a robot. They need rest, social interaction, and understanding.
• The first 3 months are an adjustment period for everyone. Be patient.
• Provide clear instructions. Do not assume they know how you want things done.

On the employer-helper relationship:
• Treat them with respect and dignity. A good relationship leads to better work.
• Give honest, specific feedback. "The floor is not clean enough" is more helpful than silent dissatisfaction.
• Praise good work. Everyone responds to positive reinforcement.

On childcare:
• If your helper is caring for young children, provide clear safety guidelines (no phone while supervising children, what to do in emergencies).
• Do not rely solely on the helper for your child's development. Parental engagement is irreplaceable.
• Consider enrolling your child in part-time childcare or enrichment to provide peer socialisation, even with a helper at home.

On cost management:
• The concessionary levy ($300 vs $450) saves $1,800/year. Ensure you are eligible.
• Cooking at home (with the helper) versus giving a food allowance can save $100-$150/month.
• Budget for the annual costs upfront so there are no surprises.

When Things Do Not Work Out

Sometimes the fit is wrong. If issues arise:

1. Communicate first: Many problems stem from miscommunication, not malice. 2. Document issues: Keep a written record of problems and discussions. 3. Contact your agency: If you hired through an agency, they may mediate. 4. Transfer, do not terminate: If you need to part ways, help the helper find a new employer rather than sending them home. Transfer is better for everyone. 5. MOM hotline: For serious issues (abuse, exploitation, contract violations), contact MOM at 6438 5122.

The typical adjustment period is 3-6 months. Give the relationship time before making a decision, unless there are safety concerns.

The Bottom Line

A good helper can transform your family's quality of life, especially if both parents work full-time. The key is to approach the relationship with clear expectations, mutual respect, and patience. Budget approximately $1,000-$1,400/month all in, and factor in the value of the flexibility and household support you receive.

For working parents weighing their childcare options, also read our guide on childcare options for working parents.