Singapore to broaden caregiver support eligibility for people with intellectual disabilities and autism

Some people with intellectual disabilities or autism can perform basic daily activities yet still require substantial care. Singapore plans to change its support rules so those needs no longer go unrecognized.

From 2027, four government schemes will use broadened eligibility criteria: the Home Caregiving Grant, the Migrant Domestic Worker Levy Concession for Persons with Disabilities, the Caregivers Training Grant and the Pioneer Generation Disability Assistance Scheme.

Health Minister Ong Ye Kung said current assessments rely partly on Activities of Daily Living, or ADLs. The Home Caregiving Grant, for example, currently supports people living in the community who need help with at least three ADLs. But, Ong said, “They may be able to perform the ADLs, but they have significant care needs and are not adequately reflected by an ADL assessment.”

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They may be able to perform the ADLs, but they have significant care needs and are not adequately reflected by an ADL assessment.

“We will therefore adjust the current policy, broaden the eligibility criteria to include such care needs of persons with intellectual disabilities or autism,” he said. Ong rejected a broader proposal to lower the grant threshold to two ADLs, saying that would expand the scheme multiple times and weaken its focus on people with greater functional impairment.

The government will also equip eight aged-care providers and Enabling Services Hubs with Caregiver Support Touchpoints from 2027. Five will be located in Tiong Bahru-Redhill, Toa Payoh, Bedok, Bukit Panjang and Yishun, while three will operate in Tampines, Punggol and Jurong. Caregivers can seek help there regardless of whether they care for an older person, someone with a disability, dementia, mental health challenges or a serious illness. Staff will assess needs, explain available support, make referrals and help caregivers develop self-care routines and contingency plans. The government hopes to expand the network and will introduce a common caregiver training framework in early 2027.

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We will therefore adjust the current policy, broaden the eligibility criteria to include such care needs of persons with intellectual disabilities or autism.