MWD (Helper) Levy Calculator
Calculate your monthly Foreign Domestic Worker (FDW) levy and check for 2026 concession eligibility.
Last updated: April 2026
The Migrant Domestic Worker Levy
The Migrant Domestic Worker (MDW) levy is a pricing mechanism to regulate the number of foreign domestic workers in Singapore. Employers must pay this levy every month via GIRO.
The Concession: To support families with caregiving needs, the government offers a highly subsidized rate of S$60 per month for households with children, elderly members, or persons with disabilities.
How to use this calculator
- 1Household Review — Check if any of your immediate family members living with you meet the age or disability criteria.
- 2Verify Citizenship — Most concessions require the dependent family member to be a Singapore Citizen.
- 3Check Rate — The calculator instantly reveals your monthly and annual cost based on the 2026 schedule.
Formula & example
Levy = S$300 (Normal) or S$60 (Concession)
If you have a 3-year-old child and hire a helper, you pay S$60/month. Once the child turns 16, the levy automatically reverts to S$300/month unless another concession applies.
Benefits
Cost Budgeting
Account for the true monthly cost of home help beyond the helper's salary.
Identify Savings
Many employers forget to apply for the PWD concession which can save S$2,880/year.
Automatic Updates
Know when your levy will increase based on the age of your children.
Use cases
First-Time Employers
Calculate the total financial commitment of hiring a domestic worker.
Caregivers for Elderly
Determine the subsidy available when caring for elderly parents at home.
Frequently asked questions
How is the levy paid?+
The levy is strictly paid by GIRO. The deduction happens on the 17th of every month.
What happens if I don't pay?+
Late payment results in a 2% monthly penalty and potential cancellation of the helper's work permit.