Leonard Ng | Updated: April 1, 2026
Hiring a full-time live-in domestic helper isn’t the right fit for every household. If you live alone, have a small flat, or just need a few hours of help each week, a part-time helper is often a better match and a significantly cheaper one.
This guide covers everything employers need to know: what part-time helpers are legally allowed to do, what they cost, and where to find a reliable one in Singapore.
A part-time helper (also called an ad-hoc or hourly maid) is someone who comes to your home for a set number of hours, typically two to eight hours per session, to help with household tasks like cleaning, cooking, or laundry.
Unlike a Foreign Domestic Worker (FDW), part-time helpers are not sponsored by you as an employer. They work independently or through a cleaning agency and are responsible for their own taxes and CPF contributions (if applicable).
| Full-time FDW | Part-time helper | |
|---|---|---|
| Work permit | Required (you sponsor) | Not required |
| Lives in your home | Yes | No |
| Monthly cost | SGD 1,000-1,500+ all-in | SGD 300–600 depending on hours |
| MOM levy | Yes (SGD 300 or SGD 60 concessionary) | No |
| Security bond | SGD 5,000 if helper runs away | No |
| Insurance | Mandatory | No |
| Best for | Families, full household needs | Singles, couples, small households |
For a full breakdown of what hiring a full-time FDW costs, see our guide on hidden costs of hiring a domestic helper in Singapore.
Most part-time helpers are hired for:
What they typically cannot do: childcare, eldercare, or overnight stays – these arrangements require a properly licensed FDW on a work permit.
Rates vary depending on whether you hire through an agency or directly, the helper’s experience, and the tasks involved.
Typical hourly rates:
| Type | Rate per hour |
|---|---|
| Agency-sourced | SGD 25–35/hour |
| Independent / direct | SGD 18–28/hour |
| Specialised (deep clean, post-reno) | SGD 35–55/hour |
Typical package rates:
Most agencies offer block packages – for example, four sessions of four hours per month. This usually works out cheaper than ad-hoc bookings.
A typical monthly spend for two sessions per week (roughly eight sessions/month, three hours each) runs between SGD 300-600.
There are no MOM levies, security bonds, or insurance premiums to pay – which is where the cost savings vs a full-time FDW become significant. For context, the maid levy alone for a standard employer is SGD 300/month.
Yes, as long as you hire through a legitimate channel.
Part-time helpers who are Singapore citizens or Permanent Residents can work freely. Those on Dependant Passes or Long-Term Visit Passes may be eligible to work part-time, but their pass conditions must allow it. It is your responsibility as the hirer is to verify this before engaging them.
What is not legal: hiring someone on a tourist visa (Social Visit Pass) to work in your home. This applies even for short-term arrangements or “just a few hours.” The penalties fall on both the employer and the worker.
To get the most out of a part-time helper session:
Part-time helpers typically work independently, unlike a live-in FDW, there’s less daily communication and training involved. Setting clear expectations from session one matters more.
1. Cleaning agencies The most common route. Agencies like Helpling, Sendhelper and Luce SG handle vetting, scheduling, and replacement if a cleaner cancels. You pay a premium for this convenience, but there’s less operational friction.
2. Online platforms and apps Apps like Helpling and Sendhelper allow you to book on-demand. Rates are slightly higher than direct hire but lower than traditional agencies.
3. Facebook groups and community forums Groups like “Singapore Expats” or neighbourhood groups on Telegram and Facebook often have independent helpers advertising their services. Rates are lower, but vetting is entirely your responsibility.
4. Referrals from friends or neighbours Still one of the most reliable channels. A helper who has worked well for someone in your network comes with an implicit reference check already done.
Note: If you’re also considering a full-time live-in helper, EmployHelpers lets you browse and directly contact FDW candidates without agency fees.
A part-time helper makes sense if:
A full-time FDW makes more sense if:
For help deciding and understanding the full hiring process for a live-in helper, read our complete guide to hiring a domestic helper in Singapore.
Some do, some don’t, do clarify this before the first session. Agency bookings usually include supplies; independent helpers may charge extra.
Agency arrangements may pay CPF to the part-time helpers. As employers, you do not have to worry about this.
Agency arrangements typically include a free replacement policy. For independent helpers, you simply stop engaging them, there’s no contract or notice period required.
Yes, cooking is a common task. Be clear in advance about the cuisine, skill level expected, and whether you want them to shop for ingredients or use what’s already in the kitchen.
Leonard started Employhelpers.com to make hiring a domestic helper simpler, fairer, and more affordable. He helps families skip agency markups by connecting directly with domestic helpers.
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