Short answerNot a domestic helper. MOM says it is an offence for a helper to take part-time work, with or without her employer's consent, so you cannot hire someone else's helper by the hour or on her rest day. For part-time or temporary help, MOM points households to companies on its Household Services Scheme (HSS). The company employs the worker, and you do not provide accommodation.
Why you cannot hire a helper part-time
A migrant domestic worker's work permit lets her do domestic chores only for her employer, at the residential address on her work permit card. MOM says it is an offence for her to take part-time work, with or without her employer's consent, and that this applies on her rest day too.
- The household that hires her: MOM lists this as illegal employment, with a fine of SGD 5,000 to SGD 30,000, up to 12 months in jail, or both.
- Her employer: letting her work for another person can bring a financial penalty of up to SGD 10,000, and a ban on employing helpers.
- The helper: MOM says she commits an offence under the Employment of Foreign Manpower Act too.
MOM told Parliament that between 2020 and 2024, an average of 12 helpers and 15 employers were fined each year for moonlighting offences.
The legal route: the Household Services Scheme
Under the HSS, approved companies hire migrant workers to provide part-time household services: home cleaning, grocery shopping, car washing and pet-sitting. MOM made the scheme permanent in 2021, and said in September 2025 that the number of HSS companies had grown from around 80 to 240.
- The company is the employer. MOM says HSS companies are the legal employers of their workers, so you book a service rather than employ anyone.
- No accommodation. The worker does not live with you.
- Cost. MOM says it can be more cost-effective than hiring a helper. Companies set their own rates, so ask for a quote.
- Alongside a helper. MOM says the two are not mutually exclusive: if you employ a helper, you can also book extra help from an HSS company.
How to find an HSS company
- Open MOM's list of companies on the scheme. The version checked for this guide is updated as of 1 September 2026.
- The list gives registered company names, which can differ from a brand name in an advert, so ask the company for its registered name and match it.
- Ask what is covered, when the worker comes and what happens if a visit is missed.
HSS companies are not employment agencies, so they are not in our directory of MOM-licensed agencies.
Help with an older parent
Since March 2023, selected HSS companies can provide basic elder-minding. MOM's list of these companies has 18 names, accurate as of 15 March 2026. MOM says the service is for households that need extra help now and then: for a higher level of care, such as home nursing, go to a specialised caregiving company. Ask about the worker's experience, qualifications and training, and have a family member present the first time. Basic child-minding stopped being supported under the scheme from March 2026, due to low demand.
For daytime care, MOM also suggests childcare or senior day care centres; for help with bathing, medication and other daily activities, Home Personal Care services; and for more intensive care for a limited period, Home-based Respite Care. See hiring for elderly care if you are weighing up a live-in helper for a parent.
Temporary help for a few weeks
MOM's answer for part-time or temporary help with household chores is the same: contact an HSS company. The worker comes for the hours you book, and nobody moves into your home.
If you need a live-in helper after all
A live-in helper works only for you, at your address, and you provide her room, food and medical care. MOM is not considering live-out helpers; see can a maid live out? When you are ready, see how to hire a maid, the cost of hiring a maid, or browse licensed agencies.
Sources, checked 15 Oct 2026: MOM FAQ, Part-time work by a helper; MOM, Your guide to employing an MDW (penalties); MOM, Employment rules for MDWs; MOM oral answer to PQ, 26 Sep 2025; MOM FAQ, Household Services Scheme; MOM, HSS companies (updated 1 Sep 2026); MOM, HSS elder-minding companies (15 Mar 2026); MOM press reply, 1 Jan 2026; MOM, Thinking of hiring an MDW; MOM written answer to PQ, 3 Oct 2023.
Common questions
Can I hire a part-time maid in Singapore?
Not a domestic helper on a work permit: MOM says part-time work by a helper is an offence, even with her employer's consent. For part-time help, book a company on MOM's Household Services Scheme, which employs its own workers.
Can my neighbour's helper clean for me on her rest day?
No. She may only work for her own employer, rest day or not. MOM lists hiring her as illegal employment, with a fine of SGD 5,000 to SGD 30,000, up to 12 months in jail, or both.
What is the Household Services Scheme?
A MOM scheme under which approved companies hire migrant workers to provide part-time home cleaning, grocery shopping, car washing and pet-sitting. Selected companies also offer basic elder-minding. MOM publishes the list of companies.
Do I need to give an HSS worker a room?
No. The HSS company employs the worker, and the worker does not live with you.
Can I get a temporary maid for 2 weeks?
Not a domestic helper. For part-time or temporary help with chores, MOM points households to companies on the Household Services Scheme.
Can HSS companies look after my children?
Basic child-minding is no longer supported under the scheme from March 2026. Selected companies still offer basic elder-minding; MOM lists 18 of them, accurate as of 15 March 2026.