Singapore will expand healthcare support for seniors under Budget 2025, with new measures including dollar-for-dollar Medisave matching, home safety upgrades, and higher long-term care subsidies.
Watch a full recap of the Budget 2025:
Prime Minister Lawrence Wong announced the initiatives on February 18, during his Budget 2025 speech in Parliament, outlining efforts to help seniors stay active, independent, and financially secure as the population ages.
“With a rapidly ageing population, we have to work hard to manage the increases in long-term care costs, and ensure a good mix of funding support between individual co-payment, government subsidies and insurance”, shared PM Wong with parliament.
Here are five key changes you should know:
1. EASE Programme Extended to Private Property Owners
The Enhancement for Active Seniors (EASE) programme, which previously catered only to HDB residents, will now be available to seniors living in private properties. This extension will last for three years, until 2028, giving more elderly Singaporeans access to subsidised home safety improvements.
The programme provides financial assistance for installing essential safety features, such as grab bars, foldable shower seats, and anti-slip flooring. The cost borne by homeowners will vary depending on their property’s type, ensuring the scheme remains equitable and accessible to those who need it most.
“Our priority is to empower our seniors to stay active and healthy,” said PM Wong. “Our plans include creating a more conducive living environment for our seniors.”
2. Dollar-for-Dollar Medisave Matching for Lower-Income Seniors
As part of Budget 2025, the government will roll out a new Medisave matching scheme aimed at helping lower-income seniors build up their healthcare savings. Under this initiative, seniors aged 55 to 70 who make voluntary contributions to their Medisave accounts will receive a dollar-for-dollar match, capped at $1,000 per year for five years.
To qualify for this scheme, individuals must meet the following criteria:
- Have an average monthly income of $4,000 or less
- Own no more than one property, with an annual value of $21,000 or less
- Maintain a Medisave balance below half the Basic Healthcare Sum, which will be $75,500 in 2025
This initiative is designed to complement the existing Matched Retirement Savings Scheme (MRSS), which has also seen changes this year. In 2025, the MRSS’s annual matching cap will increase from $600 to $2,000, with a lifetime limit of $20,000.
“The contributions from both the Government and their loved ones will better support their retirement and healthcare needs, and give them greater assurance as they age,” PM Wong emphasised.
3. Higher Long-Term Care Subsidies for Frail Seniors
Frail and elderly Singaporeans who rely on long-term care services will soon receive more substantial financial assistance. Budget 2025 introduces higher subsidies for both residential care facilities and community-based care options, helping families manage the costs associated with chronic illnesses and ageing.
The government will increase subsidies by up to 15 percentage points across various care categories. The adjustments will vary depending on the senior’s birth year:
For seniors born in 1969 or earlier:
- Up to 20% more in subsidies for residential care services
- Up to 25% more for home and community care services
For seniors born after 1969:
- Up to 15% more in residential care subsidies
- Up to 10% more for home and community care
To further improve accessibility, the qualifying per capita household income ceiling will rise from $3,600 to $4,800. This change ensures that more families can access essential care services without significant financial strain.
These adjustments reflect the government’s proactive efforts to prepare Singapore’s healthcare system for the nation’s demographic shift, prioritising both affordability and quality of care for seniors in need.
4. Increased Cash Grants for Home-Based Care
Families caring for seniors at home will receive more financial support. The monthly cash grant will increase from $400 to $600, with the qualifying household income cap also raised to $4,800.
At least 80,000 seniors are expected to benefit from these revised subsidies and grants. The government estimates the additional support will cost approximately $300 million in FY2026, with expenditure projected to increase further as the population ages.
These measures reflect Singapore’s ongoing efforts to enhance healthcare support for seniors, promoting active ageing while easing the financial burden on elderly citizens and their caregivers.
5. SG60 Package to Give Seniors $800 in Vouchers, Tax Rebates, and More
To commemorate Singapore’s 60th year of independence, Budget 2025 introduces the SG60 Package, a nationwide initiative designed to provide financial relief and encourage community participation. As part of this package, all Singaporeans aged 21 and above will receive $600 in SG60 vouchers, with seniors set to receive an additional boost.
Singaporeans who are 60 years or older will be eligible for an extra $200 in vouchers, bringing their total benefit to $800. These vouchers will function similarly to the existing CDC vouchers and can be used to offset everyday expenses.
Seniors will also get early access to claim their vouchers, allowing them to benefit from the package sooner.
Beyond the vouchers, the SG60 Package includes additional perks for all Singaporeans:
- $100 SG Culture Pass Credits: For individuals aged 18 and above, encouraging participation in local arts, heritage, and cultural activities.
- $100 SG60 ActiveSG Credits: Aimed at promoting active lifestyles by subsidising sports and recreation expenses.
Additionally, the government will introduce a 60% personal income tax rebate, with further details to be announced in the coming months.
These measures, alongside the healthcare initiatives announced earlier, are part of the government’s broader strategy to ensure Singapore’s seniors remain engaged, supported, and financially secure as the country marks its 60th year of independence.
