Means-test is a method to calculate the subsidies you will receive from the government when you use care services. It ensures that patients from lower-income households receive more subsidies than those from higher-income households.

It considers the household monthly income per person.

By family members living in the household, it refers to all related family members (i.e. related by blood, marriage or legal adoption) staying at the same residential address with the patient or care recipient, as indicated in their NRICs.

This includes in-laws, siblings, grandchildren, uncles, aunts, nephews, nieces, cousins, step and legally adopted children, among others.

By total monthly gross earnings, it refers to:

For salaried employees - average monthly employment income received over the last available 12-month period, including bonuses.

For self-employed: (a) the monthly income derived from the last available net trade income as assessed by IRAS within the last two assessment years OR (b) the income declared to the CPF Board or the income assumed under the CPF laws within the last two years.

For households with no income, the annual value their residence will be considered instead. This situation could arise for instance, in the case of an elderly retired couple whose children have moved out into homes of their own.

For details of the means-test assessment, please refer to the Household Means-Test Declaration Form.