If you’re considering employing a Foreign Domestic Helper (FDW) in Singapore but are not currently earning an income, it’s essential to understand the available options. Whether through the Joint Income Scheme or the Sponsorship Scheme, you may still qualify to apply for an FDW to assist with your household needs.

Work Permit Application for FDWs:
When assessing Work Permit applications for FDWs, the employer’s income is a primary consideration. 

If you are working, you can submit a standard application for Foreign Domestic Helper work permit application.

If only your spouse is working, you can also submit the standard application using your spouse income.  In this case, you can still be the employer of your Foreign Domestic Helper.

Alternatively, non-working individuals and senior citizens have specific schemes tailored to their unique situations.

The family member for income combination can be a sibling, parent, child, or relative. It’s essential that you do not have medical conditions that impair supervision and decision-making.

 The Joint Income Scheme:
This scheme allows you to combine your income with a family member residing with you, excluding your spouse. To qualify, you must:

• Be a Singapore citizen or permanent resident aged 21 or above.
• Not be an undischarged bankrupt.
• Have a family member living with you to combine incomes, with yourself earning more than the family member.
• Be mentally capable of understanding your responsibilities as an employer.

The family member for income combination can be a sibling, parent, child, or relative. It’s essential that you do not have medical conditions that impair supervision and decision-making.

 The Sponsorship Scheme:
If you are 60 years or older, not earning an income, and living without working adults, you might be eligible under the Sponsorship Scheme. To qualify, you must:

• Be a Singapore citizen or permanent resident
• Not earning an income
• Not staying with any working adults
• Have the mental capacity to fully understand and discharge your responsibilities as an employer

You can apply based on the combined income of up to two sponsors, who can be your children, their spouses, grandchildren, their spouses, or siblings. Sponsors must contribute to a sufficient combined income to meet application standards.

Responsibilities and Considerations:
As a joint applicant or sponsor, you’ll share responsibilities similar to an employer’s, including the upkeep and well-being of the helper and timely payment of the monthly levy. 

Although a $3000 monthly income is a estimated guideline for successful application, there are no explicit minimum income rules, and all applications are assessed case by case.

Understanding these pathways ensures that even if you’re not working, you can still apply for a foreign domestic helper through structured support systems. Reach out to potential sponsors or consider your family’s collective income to find the best approach for your situation.