Every domestic helper Punggol families hire comes under the same MOM rules. Choose a licensed agency from MOM’s EA Directory, attend the Employers’ Orientation Programme if you are a first-time employer, buy the required insurance, and budget for the monthly levy (October 2026): $300 for a first helper, or $60 with a concession.
It is a big decision on both sides. Someone is leaving her own home to help run yours.
This page is part of eduKate Punggol’s Essential Information for Punggol, our quick answers and where-to-go lists for everyday life in Punggol. It covers how to check an agency, the steps from application to her first day, the costs MOM sets, rest days and where to get help.
Quick answer
- Agencies: use MOM’s EA Directory to check that the agency is licensed and the person serving you is registered. We could not verify a list of Punggol agencies from an official source.
- First-time employers: complete the Employers’ Orientation Programme (EOP) at least 2 working days before the Work Permit application goes in.
- Levy: $300 a month for a first helper, $450 for each additional helper, or $60 with a concession (MOM, checked October 2026).
- Insurance: medical insurance of at least $60,000 a year and personal accident cover of at least $60,000 a year, bought before she arrives.
- After she arrives: a first-time helper attends the Settling-in Programme (SIP) within 7 days and has a medical examination within 2 weeks.
- Help, day or night: the Centre for Domestic Employees (CDE) helpline, 1800 2255 233.
Where to Go When Hiring a Domestic Helper in Punggol
Most of the process is online or handled by your agency. The in-person stops are all outside Punggol.
| Who | Where | Contact | What for |
|---|---|---|---|
| MOM EA Directory | Online. | MOM e-service. | Checking an agency’s licence and registered staff, its retention rate and how many helpers it placed last year. |
| EOP providers | Online registration. | AAT Training Hub · Absolute Kinetics · Grace Management (eop.com.sg) | The course first-time employers must complete. |
| SIP: Absolute Kinetics Consultancy | 31/33/35 Hillview Terrace, Singapore 669249, or 1 Harrison Road, Singapore 369652. | 6690 5555 | Settling-in Programme. Fee $76.40 including GST. |
| SIP: Grace Management & Consultancy Services | 198 Geylang Road #03-01, Singapore 389263. | 6299 4333 | Settling-in Programme. Fee $92.65 including GST. |
| SIP: NTUC LearningHub | 260 Sims Avenue, ECM Building #03-01 and #04-01, Singapore 387604. | 6741 0689 or 8647 2959 | Settling-in Programme. Fee $77.00 including GST. |
| MOM Services Centre | 1500 Bendemeer Road, Singapore 339946. | By appointment. | Registering your helper after the Work Permit is issued (check live). |
| Centre for Domestic Employees | CDEConnect at Rex House, 73 Bukit Timah Road, Level 6, Singapore 229832. | 1800 2255 233 (24 hours) | Advice, mediation and counselling on domestic employment (CDE contact). |
Checked October 2026. The SIP and EOP details come from MOM’s SIP page and EOP page. The MOM Services Centre address comes from an older MOM guide, so confirm the current process with your agency or MOM.
Who Can Hire, and the Rules That Apply
- You: MOM requires employers to be 21 or older, not an undischarged bankrupt, and able to understand and carry out an employer’s responsibilities. MOM also considers your care needs and whether you can pay her and provide suitable accommodation (employer requirements).
- Her: MOM sets its own eligibility rules for helpers. Your agency will check them, and MOM’s requirements hub lists them.
- Measles: since 1 September 2025, if your household has a child under seven who is not fully vaccinated against measles, you must make sure your helper has measles immunity. You bear the cost.
- Where she works: only at the address on her Work Permit. Limited caregiving at a family member’s home is allowed if she agrees and is not made to do full housework in both homes.
- Windows: she may clean windows only with the grilles installed and locked, and with you or an adult representative present to supervise. Ground-floor windows and windows along common corridors are the exceptions.
- Part-time help is different: for occasional cleaning, use a Household Services Scheme company instead. See our home cleaning guide.
How to Hire a Domestic Helper, Step by Step
- Write down what you need. Childcare, care for an older parent, cooking, her own room and rest-day arrangements. A clear picture helps the agency and the helper.
- Choose an agency. Check it on the EA Directory, and match the staff member’s card (name, registration number, agency) against the directory. MOM’s guide says the service agreement must include a breakdown of costs and when refunds apply.
- Do the EOP if it is your first time. Finish it at least 2 working days before the application. Use exactly the same name and NRIC or FIN as on the Work Permit records.
- Apply and insure. The agency usually submits the Work Permit application. Buy medical and personal accident insurance before she arrives, and arrange the security bond MOM requires (see MOM’s security bond page).
- Book the SIP early. A first-time helper must attend within 7 days of arrival, not counting Sundays and public holidays, and not on her arrival day. She can start work only after completing it. She brings the full IPA letter, her passport, a copy of her educational certificate and a copy of her ICA digital arrival card.
- Arrange the medical examination. It must be done by a Singapore-registered doctor within 2 weeks of arrival. MOM issues the Work Permit only if she passes. Six-monthly examinations follow.
- Settle in together. Agree her rest day, keep salary records and set up levy payment.
Domestic Helper Costs in Punggol: What MOM Sets
| Levy rate | Monthly | Daily |
|---|---|---|
| Normal, first helper | $300 | $9.87 |
| Normal, each additional helper | $450 | $14.80 |
| Concessionary | $60 | $1.98 |
- When the levy starts: for a first-time helper, on the 5th day after arrival, counting the arrival date; otherwise, the day after arrival. Payment is due by the 17th of the following month. Missing two months in a row means the Work Permit is revoked (MOM levy page).
- The $60 concession: for a Singapore citizen child under 16, an elderly Singapore citizen aged 67 or above, eligible elderly PRs aged 67 or above, or a person with disabilities who needs help with at least one activity of daily living (with an AIC recommendation letter). One helper per eligible person, up to two per household. For children and older people, it is applied automatically once you qualify.
- Home Caregiving Grant: up to $400 a month through AIC, separate from the levy concession.
- Insurance: medical cover of at least $60,000 a year for inpatient care and day surgery, with every sub-limit also at $60,000. For claims above $15,000, the insurer pays 75% and you pay 25%. Personal accident cover must be at least $60,000 a year. You cannot pass these costs to your helper (MOM insurance page).
- Courses: EOP $29 to $76 and SIP $76.40 to $92.65, including GST, both paid by you.
- Agency fees: set by each agency. We could not verify any official cap.
Rest Days and Living Well Together
MOM’s rest day rules (updated January 2026) give her one rest day a week, on a day you agree together. At least one rest day each month cannot be swapped for pay. If she agrees to work on another rest day, you pay at least one day’s salary on top of her basic salary. A rest day can be a full day or two half days, and she may spend it at home.
Neighbour’s Tips for Hiring a Domestic Helper
- Check the person, not just the agency. Registered agency staff carry a card. Match it against the EA Directory before you sign anything.
- Compare track records. The EA Directory shows each agency’s retention rate and placements. It is a better guide than any advert.
- Book the SIP before she lands. Sundays, public holidays and the arrival day do not count, so the 7-day window is tighter than it sounds.
- Keep her work at home. Sending her to help in a shop or to clean another household is not allowed.
- Walk the neighbourhood in week one. Show her the clinic, the market, the playground and the MRT. Our Complete Punggol Guide makes a good map.
- Put her on the family calendar. School runs, tuition and rest days all fit in one plan. Our family calendar guide shows how.
- Plan for haze days. Our haze and household helpers guide covers safe chores and rest.
If You Need Help
- Problems at home, either side: call CDE’s 24-hour helpline on 1800 2255 233 for advice or mediation.
- Your helper is missing: inform the Police, then contact MOM or your agency promptly about cancelling her Work Permit. Check the deadline on MOM’s site.
- A medical emergency: call 995. For a crime in progress, call 999.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is the domestic helper levy?
On MOM’s page in October 2026: $300 a month for a first helper, $450 for each additional helper, and $60 at the concessionary rate.
Who qualifies for the $60 levy concession?
Households caring for a Singapore citizen child under 16, an elderly Singapore citizen aged 67 or above, eligible elderly PRs aged 67 or above, or a person with disabilities with an AIC recommendation. Up to two helpers per household can get it.
Do I have to attend the EOP?
Yes, if you are a first-time employer. The classroom version takes 3 hours ($35 to $76) and the online version 2 hours ($29 to $36), including GST.
When must my helper attend the SIP?
A first-time helper must attend within 7 days of arrival, excluding Sundays and public holidays, and not on the day she arrives. It is a one-day programme.
What insurance must I buy?
Medical insurance of at least $60,000 a year and personal accident insurance of at least $60,000 a year. Buy both before she arrives, and do not deduct the cost from her pay.
Can my helper work at my parents’ home?
Only limited caregiving, and only if she agrees. She must not be made to do full housework in both homes.
Are there maid agencies in Punggol?
We could not verify a list from an official source in October 2026. Whichever agency you consider, nearby or not, check it on MOM’s EA Directory first.
More Help on eduKate Punggol
- Haze and household helpers: safe work, rest days and fair family plans.
- Home cleaning and part-time cleaners in Punggol
- ComCare, Social Service Offices and Family Service Centres
- Singpass, LifeSG and digital government services
- Official: MOM: helper requirements · MOM: levy concession · MOM: medical examination
A Good Start for Everyone
Check the agency, follow the steps in order and keep the costs in view. Above all, give her a fair, clear and kind start. A helper who feels settled in a Punggol home makes the whole household calmer, children included.
And if your family is also looking for calm, small-group English, Mathematics or Science, eduKate Punggol teaches classes of three in Punggol. Come find out more: Book a consultation · Chat on WhatsApp
eduKate Punggol
Small-group English, Mathematics and Science
Primary and Secondary
By appointment · +65 8823 1234
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Checked October 2026. Addresses, opening hours, fees and rules change, so please confirm with the official source before you go.
