Lower-income caregivers can look forward to a new support programme to alleviate the cost of living and other financial pressures.
The NTUC Care Fund (Caregiver Support) programme, launched on 8 March 2025, will support two groups of lower-income caregivers: those with special needs children and single caregivers of young children and elderly parents. Through the programme, caregivers of special needs children can receive $1,000 per child in government SPED (Special education) schools. Meanwhile, single caregivers of young children and elderly dependents can receive $350 per school-going child and $200 per elderly dependent.
Applications will open in mid-April 2025, and $5.4 million has been set aside for the programme over the next three years.
NTUC understands the challenges faced by caregivers who juggle their caregiving responsibilities with their professional duties, said NTUC Secretary-General Ng Chee Meng, who unveiled the programme at an International Women’s Day Celebrations event.
Mr Ng added: “That is why we have committed $5.4 million through the NTUC Care Fund (Caregiver Support) to lighten their load and provide meaningful support to help them better balance work and caregiving. By uplifting caregivers, we are supporting individuals and strengthening families to build a more inclusive society.”
The Labour Movement expects to help over 4,000 beneficiaries yearly.
NTUC developed the programme in response to feedback gathered during NTUC’s #EveryWorkerMatters Conversations, which identified the challenge of balancing work and caregiving as a significant concern for workers.
The initiative aligns with the recommendations in the ‘Take Action for Women in Singapore’ joint paper by the People's Action Party (PAP) Women’s Wing and Young PAP, which called for enhanced caregiver support.
NTUC Assistant Secretary-General and NTUC U Women and Family (U WAF) Director Yeo Wan Ling said that caregivers, especially women, often bear the dual responsibility of caring for someone while pursuing their careers.
Ms Yeo added that the support programme is part of NTUC’s continued efforts to strengthen the caregiving ecosystem, empowering caregivers to thrive both at home and at work.
To celebrate International Women’s Day, U WAF and the People’s Action Party Women’s Wing jointly organised the International Women’s Day celebrations. Over 1,000 union leaders, U WAF partners, PAP Women’s Wing members, and their families and friends attended the celebrations.
The event began with a walk from Gardens by the Bay to the NTUC Centre.
After the walk at NTUC Centre, participants were provided with refreshments and were given more information on programmes for women and caregivers provided by various women’s organisations.
They also enjoyed family-friendly activities and refreshments at the partner booths set up at NTUC Centre.
For more information on the NTUC Care Fund (Caregiver Support) programme and application details, visit the OneCare website.
