To hire a helper in Singapore you must be at least 21. MOM sets no upper age limit for employers, but it does require the mental capacity to carry out your duties. Older employers have three main proxy routes: the Sponsorship Scheme for citizens and PRs aged 60 and above who are not earning, a family member appointed to act for you in FDW eService, and, in set cases, a representative who attends the Employers' Orientation Programme for you.
Age rules for employers
- 21 years old and above.
- Not an undischarged bankrupt.
- Mental capacity to fully understand and discharge your responsibilities. MOM gives Alzheimer's, dementia and schizophrenia as examples of conditions that may impair supervision of a helper.
Source: Employer requirements for hiring an MDW.
Proxy route 1: Sponsorship Scheme (seniors)
If you are a Singapore citizen or PR aged 60 or above, not earning an income and not living with working adults, you can apply based on the income of up to 2 sponsors. Sponsors can be your children or their spouses, grandchildren or their spouses, or your siblings. Sponsors share responsibility for the helper's upkeep and well-being and for paying levy on time. MOM says the elderly person remains the employer, so they can get the levy concession if eligible. Source: Apply under a special scheme.
Proxy route 2: a family member acting for you
A spouse, sibling, child, grandchild, niece or nephew (or their spouse) can apply to act on your behalf in FDW eService. They can check and pay levy, set up GIRO, apply for waivers and refunds, pay penalties, extend a pass short-term and renew a pass.
- One family member per employer; one person can act for up to 2 employers.
- Both of you complete a consent form, which the family member uploads in FDW eService.
- MOM takes up to 3 working days. There is no expiry; the family member can stop at any time.
Source: Notify MOM of changes: act on behalf of the employer.
Proxy route 3: a representative at the EOP
First-time employers must attend the Employers' Orientation Programme. MOM may allow a representative or sponsor to attend instead if, for example, you are 60 or above and suffer physical discomfort, have a chronic medical condition, or cannot walk. New or expectant mothers within 1 month of delivery can send their spouse. Keep the supporting documents for at least 3 months. Source: Employers' Orientation Programme.
Age rules for the helper
For comparison, MOM requires helpers to be 23 to below 50 at application, and helpers aged 50 and above can only renew until they turn 60.
Related guides
- Employer eligibility without young children
- Can employers with medical conditions hire an MDW?
- MDW levy concession: employer guide
This is a practical guide, not MOM. Rules and fees change, so confirm the current position on mom.gov.sg before you act. Last reviewed: 11 October 2026.
