Understanding CareShield Life: Long-Term Care Insurance for Singaporeans

As our population ages, the risk of severe disability — and the need for long-term care — increases. CareShield Life is a national insurance scheme designed to provide financial support for individuals who become severely disabled and require ongoing care. This article explains what CareShield Life is, who qualifies, and how it can help families manage care costs — including hiring a live-in domestic helper.

What is CareShield Life?

CareShield Life is a long-term care insurance scheme launched by the Singapore government. It provides monthly payouts for life to Singaporeans who become severely disabled. These payouts are meant to help cover long-term care expenses, such as home nursing, caregiving services, or hiring a domestic helper.

Key Features

• Lifetime coverage once enrolled
• Monthly payouts for life if the person becomes severely disabled
• Payouts start from $650/month in 2020, increasing over time until a claim is made
• Government subsidies and premium support available for eligible households

Who is Covered?

• Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents
• Anyone born in 1980 or later is automatically enrolled when they turn 30
• Those born in 1979 or earlier can choose to opt in if they are not already covered under ElderShield

What Counts as “Severely Disabled”?

To qualify for CareShield Life payouts, the insured person must permanently require help with at least 3 out of 6 Activities of Daily Living (ADLs):

1. Feeding
2. Dressing
3. Toileting
4. Washing
5. Walking or moving around
6. Transferring (e.g., from bed to chair)

How to Make a Claim

To make a CareShield Life claim:

1. Visit an appointed assessor for an official disability assessment.
2. Submit the claim via the Agency for Integrated Care (AIC) or through your insurer.
3. Once approved, you’ll begin receiving monthly payouts for as long as the disability persists.

You can use these payouts to cover:

• Hiring a foreign domestic helper for daily care needs
• Medical supplies and equipment
• Home care or nursing services

How CareShield Life Supports Families Hiring Domestic Helpers

If your loved one becomes severely disabled, CareShield Life payouts can help fund the cost of hiring a helper to provide personal care at home. Combined with the Home Caregiving Grant, families can significantly reduce the financial burden of caregiving.

At Teo Express Employment Services, we specialise in helping families find the right domestic helper trained in elder care or disability support. Whether you’re applying for CareShield Life payouts or planning ahead, we’re here to assist with every step — from choosing a helper to understanding subsidies and grants.

Need help finding a trained caregiver for a loved one?
Contact Teo Express today for trusted, professional support.

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