Faq

A sponsor is required to attend the Employers’ Orientation Programme (EOP) on the legal employer’s behalf only if the employer is a first-time employer and has a valid reason for not being able to attend, e.g. physical disability.

question-marks-on-paper-cutouts

General Questions About Hiring a Maid in Singapore

You must meet MOM’s eligibility requirements, hire a helper with a valid work permit, purchase the required insurance, and ensure proper accommodation and care. Many families prefer working with a licensed maid agency to handle matching, paperwork, and compliance.

Yes, you may hire directly, but you will be responsible for screening, work permit applications, arranging travel, and ensuring all MOM regulations are met. For most families, a helper agency singapore provides safer, smoother, and more reliable support.

Employers must be at least 21 years old, not an undischarged bankrupt, financially able to support a helper, and be a Singapore Citizen, PR, or eligible work-pass holder. These guidelines ensure a stable and safe environment for the helper.

First-time employers must attend the EOP. This short course helps you understand your responsibilities, legal obligations, and best practices when hiring a domestic helper.

Domestic helpers must be between 23 and 50 years old at the time of application. They must also meet MOM’s education and training requirements before starting work in Singapore.

No. It is illegal to hire a full-time foreign domestic worker for part-time or hourly work. Helpers can only work for their registered employer and must live in the employer’s household.

She can transfer to another employer with MOM approval. If the transfer is mutually agreed, your agency can assist with the arrangements. Otherwise, you may need to repatriate her and cancel the work permit according to MOM guidelines.

Work Permit, Salary & Legal Requirements

Monthly salaries typically range from S$500 to S$800, depending on the helper’s nationality, skills, and experience. Helpers with childcare, elderly care, or specialised training may command higher salaries. It’s helpful to discuss expectations openly before confirming employment.

The monthly maid levy ranges from S$60 to S$300, depending on eligibility for concessions (e.g., households with seniors, children, or persons with disabilities). Employers must also purchase maid insurance, which usually costs S$250 to S$500 per year and covers medical, accident, and hospitalisation expenses.

Most employers are required to place a S$5,000 security bond (waived for Malaysian helpers). This bond acts as a guarantee that you will comply with MOM regulations and take responsibility for your helper’s welfare and repatriation if necessary. Many insurance packages include bond coverage for added protection.

Once all documents are submitted, MOM typically processes a work permit within about one week. Additional time may be needed for travel arrangements, medical checks, or mandatory training.

If the work permit is cancelled, the helper must be repatriated unless she is transferring to a new employer with MOM approval. Employers must settle all outstanding salary, arrange her departure, and ensure her safe return home according to MOM guidelines.

Maid Profiles, Languages & Training

Yes. Many families have preferences based on cultural familiarity, communication style, or past experience. JForce works with helpers from approved countries and guides you on choosing someone whose strengths and background suit your home’s needs.

You may request helpers who speak English, Mandarin, Bahasa Indonesia, or other common dialects. While exact matches are not always guaranteed, we do our best to shortlist candidates who can communicate comfortably with your family.

Yes. Many of our helpers undergo focused training in elderly care, childcare, household management, mobility support, and daily hygiene routines. We match families with helpers who already have relevant experience or specialised training.

Depending on nationality and MOM requirements, helpers complete mandatory training such as the Settling-In Programme, as well as skill-based courses like caregiving, infant care, first aid, and home safety. Additional training is provided for families with elderly or special-care needs.

We guide employers through interviews, compatibility checks, and skill evaluations. You may review her experience in childcare, elderly care, housekeeping, communication comfort, and work attitude. JForce’s matching process ensures you meet helpers who fit your home’s routines and expectations.

Elderly Care Maids

Elderly care maids support daily living needs. These include hygiene, bathing, meals, mobility assistance, medication reminders, simple exercises, companionship, and keeping the home safe and tidy. Their goal is to help seniors age comfortably at home.

A maid is suitable for seniors who are still relatively independent but need help with daily routines and supervision. A live-in caregiver is better for parents who require closer monitoring, night support, dementia care, or help with medical-related tasks.

Yes. JForce can match families with helpers who have experience in dementia support, stroke aftercare, mobility challenges, and behavioural reassurance. For more intensive needs, we may recommend a trained live-in caregiver.

Many helpers undergo practical training in hygiene care, safe transfer techniques, meal preparation for seniors, fall-prevention, and basic caregiving routines. Additional training can be arranged for dementia care, wheelchair assistance, and simple therapy exercises.

A domestic helper focuses on daily household tasks and general supervision, while a professional caregiver is specially trained in mobility support, dementia management, medical reminders, and higher-touch care. Caregivers typically cost more due to their specialised skill set.

Transfer Maids, Direct Hire & Fresh Maids

A transfer maid is already in Singapore and seeking a new employer, while a direct hire is selected from overseas and brought into Singapore after approval. Transfer maids often adapt more quickly as they are already familiar with local routines and expectations.

Yes. JForce encourages employers to interview shortlisted helpers through video calls or in-person meetings. This helps you assess her communication style, experience, and compatibility with your household. Check out the services we provide.

Transfer maids can start work sooner, understand Singapore’s work culture better, and often require less adjustment time. Employers can also interview them more easily and review their past experience with local families.

Transfer maids can typically start within 1 to 2 weeks, depending on MOM approval, employer handover arrangements, and any required medical checks. JForce manages the process to ensure a smooth, timely transition.

Replacements, Contracts & Disputes

If the helper is not a good fit, JForce will work closely with you to understand the issues and propose suitable alternatives. We offer replacement options to ensure your household receives the right support.

Yes. If circumstances change or the match is not ideal, you may request a replacement. JForce will assist with the transition, including interviews, paperwork, and MOM requirements.

We continue supporting employers and helpers throughout the employment period. This includes guidance on communication, performance concerns, administrative matters, and any challenges that may arise at home.

No. MOM strictly prohibits employers from holding a helper’s passport or restricting her access to her mobile phone. Helpers must be allowed personal time, communication, and freedom of movement during rest hours.

Cost Comparison & Government Subsidies

For light cleaning needs, part-time services may be cheaper. However, hiring a full-time maid is more cost-effective for families who need daily help with cooking, cleaning, childcare, or elderly care. A live-in helper provides fuller support at a consistent monthly cost.

Families caring for seniors or persons with disabilities may qualify for the Home Caregiving Grant (HCG), which helps offset caregiving expenses. Those hiring a migrant domestic worker may also benefit from the FDW Levy Concession.

Yes. Besides the HCG, families may access subsidies under schemes such as the Assistive Technology Fund or Seniors’ Mobility Fund for equipment and aids that support home-based elderly care.

Hiring a maid is generally more affordable than nursing home placement or professional live-in caregiving. A maid supports daily living needs at a lower monthly cost, making it a practical option for seniors who can remain safely at home with supervision and routine assistance.

FAQs About JForce Employment Services

Yes. JForce is fully licensed maid agency by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) and adheres to all Singapore regulations for the recruitment and placement of domestic helpers.

We are known for our strict screening, verified credentials, and deep understanding of each family’s unique needs. JForce places strong emphasis on proper training, caregiver sensitivity, and compassionate matching to ensure a smooth and long-lasting placement.

Absolutely. We manage the full process, including work permit applications, insurance, travel arrangements, medical checks, and arrival procedures. This allows families to enjoy a seamless, worry-free hiring experience.

JForce has three conveniently located branches across Singapore:

  • Boon Keng – 23 Bendemeer Rd, #01-515, Singapore 330023
  • Ang Mo Kio – Blk 725 Ang Mo Kio Ave 6, #01-4140, Singapore 560725
  • Jurong East – 345 Jurong East St 31, #01-13, Singapore 600345

Simply reach out to us for a consultation. Whether you need help with childcare, housekeeping, or elderly care, our team will guide you through matching, selection, and onboarding to find the right helper for your home.

Settling-In Programme. It is only apply to FDW that have not work in Singapore previously. They should attend SIP Within 3 days of FDW’s arrival, excluding Sunday and public holidays. SIP is a one-day programme to orientate first-time FDWs to working and living in Singapore. The SIP will consist of five modules, including: introduction to Singapore, conditions of employment, safety at home, safety in other areas, and relationship and stress management. The SIP is conducted in the FDWs’ native languages to maximise understanding and retention.

Yes, if this is your first time to employer FDW.

A sponsor is required to attend the Employers’ Orientation Programme (EOP) on the legal employer’s behalf only if the employer is a first-time employer and has a valid reason for not being able to attend, e.g. physical disability.

The sponsor does not have to attend the EOP if the legal employer attends the programme, or if the sponsor or the sponsor’s spouse has employed a foreign domestic worker before.

All employers of non-Malaysian Work Permit holders, including Foreign Domestic Workers, are required to deposit a $5,000 Security Bond with MOM. The security bond must be furnished prior to the foreign worker’s arrival in Singapore, failing which entry into Singapore will not be allowed. However, $5000 deposite could be avoided by purchasing an insurance policy with various options from us

The FDW has to undergo and pass a medical examination by a Singapore registered doctor within 14 days of arrival (including Sunday/Public Holidays) in Singapore. The Work Permit will only be issued if the worker passes the medical examination. FDWs who are unable to pass the medical examination, which includes those who have been diagnosed with active pulmonary Tuberculosis and/or HIV will have to be repatriated.

According to MOM regulation, employers are responsible for the costs of providing medical treatment for your FDWs regardless of whether the conditions are work-related. Employers are required to: (i) Purchase mandatory medical insurance of at least $15,000 per year. This provides basic cover for hospitalisation expenses; (ii) Purchase mandatory Personal Accident Insurance (PAI) with minimum sum assured of $40,000, with compensation payable to the FDW or her beneficiaries; and (iii) Bear the cost of medical expenses in excess of or not covered by medical insurance or PAI.

The Levy is $265 per month. However, you would entitle for levy concession for $60 if :

  • You are a Singapore Citizen
  • have children?aged less than 16 years old or / and
  • Live with elderly persons aged 65 years old or above
  • Under the same address

You can waive your FDW levy if she:

  • Is on overseas leave for at least 7 consecutive days.
  • Capped at 60 calendar days per calendar year.
  • Is on hospitalisation leave issued by Singapore hospitals.
  • Capped at 60 calendar days per calendar year.
  • Does not return to Singapore after overseas leave.
  • Is under police custody or is housed at the embassy.
  • Passed away.

You are eligible to hire a second foreign domestic worker (FDW) if you have any of these family members living with you:

  • At least 2 children below 18 years old.
  • A parent or parent-in-law over 60 years old.

You may have a space constraint in a 2-room HDB flat with only 1 bedroom. We will consider your eligibility and need to employ a foreign domestic worker (FDW). You will also have to ensure sufficient privacy and sleeping space in the house where the FDW will be staying.