A single late levy payment is easy to fix. Repeated late or missed payments are more serious, and MOM spells out the consequences clearly. Here is what happens and how to get back on track.
The levy timeline
- The levy for each month is due by the 17th of the following month, or the next working day.
- With GIRO, the amount is deducted on that date. Funds must be in the account by 6pm one working day before.
- Without GIRO, you pay by PayNow QR by the same date.
What MOM says happens if you do not pay in full and on time
- A late payment penalty is charged, so your next bill may be higher than usual.
- Two consecutive months missed: your helper's Work Permit will be revoked the following month.
- You will not be allowed to apply for Work Permits while levy is outstanding.
- Legal action may be taken to recover the unpaid levy.
Common reasons payments fail
- Not enough funds in the GIRO account at 6pm the working day before.
- A GIRO limit lower than the bill, often after a rate change.
- A closed or changed bank account.
- A higher bill than usual, for example after a concession ends or a second helper starts.
How to recover quickly
- Log in to Check and pay foreign worker levy and view the outstanding amount.
- Pay it straight away by PayNow QR.
- Fix the cause: top up the account, raise the GIRO limit or apply for GIRO on your new account.
- Check the next bill to confirm the penalty and payment are reflected.
Preventing repeats
- Set a reminder a few days before the 17th each month.
- Keep a small buffer in the GIRO account.
- If you travel, appoint a family member who can pay the levy for you.
- Review your bill whenever your household changes.
See our guide to failed GIRO deductions, our MDW levy and concession guide and MOM's paying levy page.
If you are struggling to pay
If the levy has become hard to manage, check first whether you qualify for the concessionary rate, for example because a young child, an elderly parent or a person with disability lives with you. MOM grants many concessions automatically once the conditions are met, and the lower rate is backdated to when you qualified. If circumstances have changed for good, talk to your agency early about options, rather than letting bills build up.
Acting early keeps your helper's Work Permit safe and your future applications open.
Common questions
Will one late payment affect my helper's Work Permit?
MOM's revocation rule applies after two consecutive months of missed payments. One late payment adds a penalty, so pay it promptly.
Can I ask MOM to remove a late payment penalty?
The penalty is part of the levy rules. If you believe a bill is wrong, check the details in the eService and contact MOM through its official channels.
Last reviewed: September 2026. Procedures change, so confirm the current steps on mom.gov.sg or with your licensed employment agency.
