Singapore’s ageing population has led to rising demand for sustainable long-term care solutions. To support this, the government introduced MediSave Care—a scheme that allows eligible individuals to withdraw up to $200 per month from their own MediSave account or their spouse’s MediSave, to help cover recurring care expenses.
If you or your loved one is facing severe disability and requires long-term care, here’s how MediSave Care can offer consistent monthly financial support.
What Is MediSave Care?
MediSave Care is part of Singapore’s larger long-term care financing framework. Launched in October 2020, the scheme enables monthly withdrawals from MediSave for severely disabled individuals aged 30 and above, to help offset the cost of ongoing care needs at home or in the community.
It complements other financial support schemes like ElderFund, CareShield Life, and Interim Disability Assistance Programme for the Elderly (IDAPE).
How Much Can You Withdraw?
Eligible individuals may withdraw up to $200 per month from:
- Their own MediSave account
- Their spouse’s MediSave account, with consent
The withdrawal amount depends on the MediSave balance. To ensure sustainability, a minimum balance of $5,000 must be maintained in the MediSave account after each withdrawal.
Who Is Eligible?
To qualify for MediSave Care withdrawals, individuals must:
- Be Singapore Citizens or Permanent Residents
- Be aged 30 or above
- Be severely disabled, i.e., unable to perform at least 3 out of 6 Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) such as washing, feeding, dressing, toileting, mobility, and transferring
Eligibility is assessed through MOH-accredited disability assessors, and successful applications allow withdrawals for as long as the disability persists.
How to Apply for MediSave Care
- Book a disability assessment with a MOH-accredited clinic or doctor
- Submit the application to Agency for Integrated Care (AIC) through their online portal or via hardcopy forms
- Once approved, the payout begins automatically every month
There’s no need to reapply unless your condition improves and no longer meets the disability criteria.
Use of Funds
The funds withdrawn from MediSave Care can be used flexibly to support a wide range of care needs, including:
- Hiring home caregivers or domestic help
- Paying for nursing home fees
- Purchasing medical equipment or daily care essentials
- Supplementing CareShield Life or other insurance payouts
The monthly cash flow can help families ease the financial strain of long-term care over time.
Government’s View
MediSave Care reflects the government’s continued commitment to making long-term care more affordable and accessible for Singaporeans. By enabling withdrawals from MediSave, families have the option to use their existing savings to meet current care needs—without depending solely on insurance or subsidies.
As Health Minister Ong Ye Kung stated, “Our goal is to ensure that no Singaporean faces long-term care needs alone or without financial support. MediSave Care is one way we provide flexibility and dignity in care financing.”
Final Thoughts
MediSave Care offers a practical monthly support system of up to $200, tapping into existing MediSave savings to help individuals and their families manage the high costs of long-term care. Whether used for home-based support or nursing facilities, the scheme provides meaningful financial relief—especially for the elderly and those with chronic disabilities.
If you or your loved one may qualify, contact the Agency for Integrated Care (AIC) or visit the official MediSave Care site to learn more and begin your assessment.