Maintenance of Parents in Singapore
Reviewed by the Commoner Law Editorial Team. Sourced from Singapore Acts of Parliament, subsidiary legislation, and official government guidance. Written in plain language for general understanding — this is educational content, not legal advice. Our editorial standards
What is this right?
Singapore is one of the few countries with a law requiring adult children to maintain their elderly parents:
- Who can claim: A parent aged 60 or above who is unable to maintain themselves adequately.
- Who is liable: Any child who is not a minor (below 21) and who is able to maintain the parent. This includes adopted children and stepchildren (who were accepted as a member of the family).
- Process: The parent applies to the Tribunal for the Maintenance of Parents. Mandatory mediation is attempted first by the Commissioner.
- Amount: The Tribunal considers the parent's financial needs, the child's financial capacity, and the reasonableness of the claim.
When does it apply?
- Your parent is aged 60 or above and unable to adequately maintain themselves.
- An approved organisation (e.g., a social service agency) can also apply on behalf of the parent.
What to Do If You Are an Elderly Parent in Singapore Unable to Support Yourself and Your Children Are Not Helping
- Try to resolve it within the family first — the Tribunal strongly encourages reconciliation.
- If a claim is made against you, attend the mediation session — about 80% of cases are settled at this stage.
- If mediation fails, the Tribunal will hold a hearing and may order monthly maintenance.
- The maximum order is currently $300 per month per child (per the Maintenance of Parents Tribunal guidelines), but the Tribunal can exceed this in appropriate cases.
What should you NOT do?
- Don't ignore a summons from the Tribunal — failure to attend can result in a maintenance order being made in your absence.
- Don't assume you have no obligation — the duty applies regardless of the quality of the parent-child relationship (though the Tribunal considers this).
- Don't breach a maintenance order — enforcement proceedings can follow.
Common Questions
Can elderly parents claim maintenance from their children in Singapore?
Yes. Under the Maintenance of Parents Act (Cap. 167B), a parent aged 60 or above who is unable to maintain themselves adequately can claim maintenance from any child who is 21 or older and financially able. This includes adopted children and stepchildren accepted as family members — Singapore is one of the few countries with such a law.
How much maintenance can a Singapore parent claim from a child?
The maximum order is currently S$300 per month per child under the Maintenance of Parents Tribunal guidelines, though the Tribunal can exceed this in appropriate cases. The Tribunal considers the parent's financial needs, the child's financial capacity, and the reasonableness of the claim.
How does the Maintenance of Parents Tribunal work in Singapore?
The parent applies to the Tribunal for the Maintenance of Parents, and mandatory mediation is attempted first by the Commissioner — about 80% of cases are settled at this stage. If mediation fails, the Tribunal holds a hearing and may order monthly maintenance. An approved organisation, such as a social service agency, can also apply on behalf of the parent.
When does it apply — maintenance of parents?
Your parent is aged 60 or above and unable to adequately maintain themselves.An approved organisation (e.g., a social service agency) can also apply on behalf of the parent.
What should I do if I am an elderly parent in Singapore and my adult children are refusing to provide financial support?
Try to resolve it within the family first — the Tribunal strongly encourages reconciliation.If a claim is made against you, attend the mediation session — about 80% of cases are settled at this stage.If mediation fails, the Tribunal will hold a hearing and may order monthly maintenance.The maximum order is currently $300 per month per child (per the Maintenance of Parents Tribunal guidelines), but the Tribunal can exceed this in appropriate cases.
What should you NOT do — maintenance of parents?
Don't ignore a summons from the Tribunal — failure to attend can result in a maintenance order being made in your absence.Don't assume you have no obligation — the duty applies regardless of the quality of the parent-child relationship (though the Tribunal considers this).Don't breach a maintenance order — enforcement proceedings can follow.