Maintenance of Parents
Written in plain language for general understanding. This is educational content, not legal advice. Based on Singapore Acts of Parliament, subsidiary legislation, and official government guidance.
Singapore National Law
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 should you do?
- 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.
Legal Resources
We may earn a commission if you use these services — at no extra cost to you. This supports our mission to make legal information free for everyone.
LawDepotCreate separation agreements, custody documents, prenuptial agreements, and wills. Lawyer-reviewed templates ready in minutes.Create Family Documents →OurFamilyWizardThe co-parenting app trusted by families and courts. Shared calendars, expense tracking, and messaging.Try Free →LegalNatureCreate prenuptial agreements, child custody agreements, and family legal documents. State-specific and attorney-drafted.Create Family Documents →