Reviewing the 67-year Age Threshold for Concessionary Migrant Domestic Worker Levy for Younger Seniors Living Alone

Ms Diana Pang Li Yen asked the Minister for Manpower (a) whether the Ministry has assessed the impact of the age threshold of 67 years to qualify for the concessionary migrant domestic worker levy on Singapore citizens aged between 60 and 66 years who live alone and need a migrant domestic worker; and (b) whether a lower age threshold or additional means-tested concession will be considered for such seniors.

The age threshold to qualify for the Migrant Domestic Worker (MDW) levy concession for seniors was increased from 65 to 67 in 2019 in light of the increasing life expectancy and improving health of Singaporeans.

Seniors below 67 years old who require assistance with at least one activity of daily living (ADL) continue to qualify for the MDW levy concession for Persons with Disability, in view of their caregiving needs. ADLs include washing, dressing, toileting, feeding and walking or moving around.

We have no plans to lower the age threshold and will continue to monitor and review the levy concession eligibility to support households with genuine caregiving needs in a targeted manner.