An Affiliate of the National Trades Union Congress (NTUC)
NTUC will increase support for caregivers and lower-income union members in 2026 by raising income eligibility and expanding caregiving help, reaffirming its commitment to ensure workers and families are not left behind as living costs rise.
The enhanced measures were announced at the NTUC Care Appreciation Dinner 2026, held on 21 January at PARKROYAL on Beach Road.
The event gathered beneficiaries, union leaders, tripartite partners, donors and community groups to recognise the collective effort behind the NTUC-U Care Fund and NTUC’s Care agenda.
Income eligibility raised to support more lower-income families
To better reflect current cost-of-living realities, NTUC will raise the Gross Household Income (GHI) threshold for its NTUC Care assistance programmes from $3,800 to $4,300, which aligns with the 20th percentile of resident household income.
With this change, about 4,500 more union members and their families are expected to qualify for support in 2026.
NTUC Secretary-General Ng Chee Meng said the move helps workers manage growing work, family and financial pressures.
“Caregiving responsibilities are becoming more complex and demanding, especially for our lower-income union members.
“With support from our NTUC-U Care Fund, we are raising the income eligibility of our NTUC Care assistance programmes, and strengthening support for caregivers. This is so that we can help even more lower-income union members and families more effectively, allowing them to continue caring for their loved ones while staying in work,” he said.
Stronger support for caregivers and children with special needs
NTUC will also enhance caregiver support to address families’ evolving needs.
For single caregivers, assistance will now extend beyond secondary school to children in ITEs, polytechnics and universities.
This change recognises that caregiving and education expenses often continue into a child’s early adulthood.
The revised criteria for single caregivers are expected to benefit an additional 350 young dependants.
Support for children of members with special needs will also be strengthened.
Along with existing help for students in Special Education (SPED) schools, NTUC will expand coverage to children in the Early Intervention Programme for Infants and Children (EIPIC).
About 500 more children are expected to benefit in 2026.
To read the full article click here:
https://www.ntuc.org.sg/uportal/news/NTUC-boosts-support-for-caregivers-and-lower-income-members-in-2026/