NTUC boosts support for caregivers and lower-income members in 2026

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 20^th 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.

NTUC-U Care Fund continues to make a real difference

At the dinner, NTUC Care and Share Committee Chairman Raymond Chin highlighted the impact enabled by strong donor and partner support.

“Because of your heart for our workers and their families, the NTUC-U Care Fund raised close to $7 million in 2025. That is no small feat. It reflects a community that chooses to care, to give, and to lift others up,” he said

He added that the support has made a tangible difference to families on the ground.

“Together, we reached over 47,000 beneficiaries—families who were struggling with rising costs, caregivers stretched thin, and children trying their best to pursue their dreams,” said Mr Chin, who is also general secretary of the Union of Security Employees.

In 2025, the NTUC-U Care Fund provided about $5.5 million in assistance to the 47,000 beneficiaries, providing timely, targeted support during financial strain, caregiving stress, or hardship.

NTUC Care beneficiary Lydia Indranee (third from left) and family with NTUC Secretary-General Ng Chee Meng.

One of the beneficiaries is Lydia Indranee, who has been receiving assistance from NTUC Care for more than 10 years.

A single mother of 3 children, the 40-year-old has received help, ranging from the NTUC Back to School vouchers to caregiver support.

The Healthcare Services Employees Union (HSEU) member said she appreciates the help she has been receiving from NTUC all these years.

"Being a single parent is like a non-stop race. We have a lot of challenges but we just have to keep going," she said.

She encourages everyone to join NTUC as its benefits are wide-ranging.

"You can go for courses, receive rebates at NTUC FairPrice, and they will also look after you like how they have looked after me," she added.

Caring forward together in 2026 and beyond

NTUC said it will further strengthen and expand its Care assistance programmes to ensure that support keeps pace with workers’ needs.

“This is part of our commitment to walk alongside caregivers—to lighten their load, recognise their sacrifices, and help ensure that no family faces these challenges alone,” said Mr Chin.

Through these enhanced measures, NTUC reaffirmed its commitment to a caring Labour Movement, supporting workers at work and at home, where family and financial pressures intersect.

Click here for more information on all NTUC Care assistance programmes.

To help those in need, you can donate to the NTUC-U Care Fund.