Dementia care subsidies in Singapore: a caregiver's funding guide

How much does dementia activities care cost in Singapore?

Fees for therapist-led dementia activity sessions vary widely — typically S$60 to S$150 per half-day session before subsidies. The good news: most Singaporean families qualify for at least one form of government support, and many qualify for several.

What subsidies and schemes can help with dementia care?

There are five main schemes worth understanding. Each works differently, and most can be stacked.

1. AIC (Agency for Integrated Care) means-tested subsidies

The Agency for Integrated Care administers Ministry of Health subsidies for community-based care, including dementia day-activity programmes. Subsidy levels are based on the per-capita household income of the participant's household:

• Up to 80% subsidised at the lowest income tier
• Sliding scale all the way up to 0% for higher household incomes

Most AIC-funded community partners can guide families through the means-test application — typically with the help of a Medical Social Worker (MSW) from the hospital or polyclinic.

2. CHAS (Community Health Assist Scheme)

CHAS cards (Blue, Orange, Green, Merdeka, Pioneer) primarily subsidise GP and dental visits, but they also unlock subsidised rates at participating chronic-disease clinics. If your loved one's dementia is being managed by a GP partner of CHAS, the consultations and follow-ups linked to that care can be heavily subsidised.

3. ElderShield / CareShield Life

CareShield Life (the successor to ElderShield) provides monthly cash payouts to Singaporeans assessed as having severe disability — usually defined as being unable to perform 3 of 6 Activities of Daily Living (ADLs). For families caring for someone in moderate or late-stage dementia, this monthly payout (currently from S$662/month and rising annually) can be used to offset activity-care fees.

4. MediSave Care

MediSave Care lets Singaporeans aged 30+ withdraw up to S$200/month from their own or spouse's MediSave account if they meet the severe-disability test. Like CareShield Life, it's available for moderate-to-late-stage dementia care.

5. Pioneer Generation & Merdeka Generation packages

If your loved one was born on or before 31 December 1949 (Pioneer) or between 1 January 1950 and 31 December 1959 (Merdeka), they receive additional outpatient and chronic-care subsidies on top of CHAS, including subsidised assistive devices and home-help.

Where do I start applying?

The fastest path is usually:

1. Speak to a hospital or polyclinic Medical Social Worker — they assess your household financial situation and start the AIC means-test on your behalf.
2. Get a CareShield Life severity assessment from a CareShield-approved assessor (your GP or geriatrician can refer you).
3. Apply for CHAS if you don't already hold a card (singpass.gov.sg/chas).
4. Confirm what your chosen activities provider accepts — not every provider is AIC-subsidised. MS Care can walk you through what we accept and what we don't.

What's not usually covered

• Premium private-pay providers without AIC partnership status (subsidies don't apply).
• Transport to and from sessions — though some districts have separate subsidised transport schemes.
• Out-of-pocket items like new clothes, personal-care products, or family meals.

A practical first step

Don't try to map this all out alone. Singapore's eldercare funding system is layered for a reason — to flex around different family situations — but that layering can feel impossible to navigate. Most MSWs and AIC contact centres will walk you through it for free. We'll do the same in your first conversation with us.

This guide is general information, not financial advice. Subsidy amounts, eligibility, and schemes change — always check the latest at aic.sg.