Find out more about ElderShield, what it covers, and how to make claims.
What is “Severe Disability”?
It refers to the inability to perform at least three of the six activities of daily living (ADLs).
Activities of Daily Living (ADLs)
Understanding CareShield Life and ElderShield
CareShield Life is a long-term care insurance scheme that provides basic financial support to policyholders who are assessed to be of severe disability on account of them being unable to perform 3 or more of the 6 activities of daily living. These six activities are feeding, dressing, toileting, washing, walking or moving around, and transferring from bed to chair and vice versa. Its coverage is mandatory for Singaporeans born in 1980 or later, who are automatically covered by CareShield Life when they turn 30 years of age. For those before 1980, participation is optional. Policyholders may also choose to purchase privately offered Supplements for additional disability benefits and coverage beyond CareShield Life.
ElderShield, a severe disability insurance, was previously offered to all 40 year old Singaporeans with Central Provident Fund Board accounts, to risk-pool against the financial risks associated with developing severe disability. Enrolment into ElderShield has ceased with the introduction of CareShield Life in 2020.
In the event of severe disability, CareShield Life and ElderShield policyholders will receive a monthly cash payout for a period of time, depending on their insurance coverage.
| CareShield Life (Mandatory plan for people born in 1980 or later and Optional for people born in 1979 or earlier) | ElderShield 300 | ElderShield 400 |
Payout Amount | $662 / month in 2025 and increases over time | $300 / month | $400 / month |
Payout Duration | Lifelong | Up to 60 months (five years) | Up to 72 months (six years) |
CareShield Life and ElderShield payouts are made in the form of a monthly cash benefit. This provides flexibility to Singaporeans who require long-term care, by allowing them to choose the type of care they would like.
Find out more about CareShield Life here and ElderShield here.
Under CareShield Life, your monthly payouts will increase annually until age 67 or when a successful claim is made, whichever earlier. Once a successful claim is made, your monthly payout will remain fixed for the duration of your severe disability.
From 2020 to 2025, CareShield Life payouts will increase at 2% per year. Thereafter, payout increases and corresponding premium adjustments will be recommended by an independent CareShield Life Council.
CareShield Life Coverage
From 1 October 2020, Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents born in 1980 or later are automatically covered under CareShield Life when they turn age 30.
Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents born in 1979 or earlier may choose to opt in to CareShield Life. Those born between 1970 and 1979, insured under ElderShield 400, and who have not developed severe disability were automatically enrolled into CareShield Life from 1 December 2021.
All CareShield policyholders are covered for life.
ElderShield Coverage
Until 2019, all Singapore citizens and Permanent Residents were automatically enrolled in ElderShield at the age of 40, unless they opted out of the scheme. Policyholders are insured for life and can make claims at any age if they become severely disabled.
A small group of seniors who were not eligible for ElderShield when it was launched in 2002 because they were too old or had pre-existing disabilities are eligible for the Interim Disability Assistance Programme for the Elderly (IDAPE).
Related: Enhancement for Active Seniors (EASE)
Am I Covered Under CareShield Life or ElderShield?
Log on to the Central Provident Fund (CPF) Board website with your SingPass.
After logging in, hover over “my cpf” and clock on “Healthcare” under “My dashboards”. Click on “Long-term care insurance” on the anchor links or scroll down to the “Long-term care insurance” section.
If you are covered under CareShield Life or ElderShield, this section will inform you of the plan that you are covered under. If you are not covered under CareShield Life or ElderShield, this section will inform you that you are not covered under CareShield Life or ElderShield.
CareShield Life Premiums
CareShield Life premiums are pre-funded, with premiums paid during your working years and risk-pooled within your age cohort to cover your age cohort’s current and future claims.
Premiums are paid from the age you join CareShield Life until age 67. The premiums are fully payable by MediSave, and your family members (i.e., spouse, children, parents, siblings, and grandchildren) can also help to pay your premiums with their MediSave, or by topping up your MediSave with cash.
CareShield Life policyholders who are assessed to be severely disabled and qualify for CareShield Life payouts will not need to pay premiums for as long as they remain in severe disability.
ElderShield Premiums
ElderShield premiums are determined at the age of entry and paid annually until age 65. The premiums are fully payable by MediSave, and the amount will remain the same even as the policyholder grows older.
ElderShield policyholders who are assessed to be severely disabled and qualify for ElderShield payouts will not need to pay premiums for as long as they remain in severe disability.
Related: MediSave
How Much do I Pay for My Premiums?
Making a CareShield Life or ElderShield Claim
In the event of a severe disability, caregivers may help their loved ones make the claim for their CareShield Life or ElderShield payout.
Steps to Make Claim
1. Contact an MOH-accredited severe disability assessor for a severe disability assessment. You may obtain the list of assessors from AIC website at www.aic.sg/financial-assistance/Eldershield
The assessor will conduct the severe disability assessment and collect an assessment fee from you. If the care recipient is assessed to be severely disabled, the full assessment fee will be reimbursed to you with the first payout.
If the care recipient is residing in a nursing home, please approach the nursing home for assistance to submit a Resident's Assessment Form in place of the severe disability assessment.
2. Login to AIC's e-Service portal (eFASS) - https://efinance.aic.sg with your Singpass to submit an online application for yourself or on behalf of the care recipient.
3. If you are unable to submit your application using eFASS, please email AIC at apply@aic.sg or walk in to any of the AIC Link offices for assistance.
4. Care recipients in Nursing Homes may indicate in their application that they would like their CareShield Life or ElderShield payouts to be made to their Nursing Home to offset their bills.
Related: Community Hospitals
Supplements
Should you wish to have higher coverage (e.g. higher payouts or longer payout periods), you can consider purchasing Supplements from any of the three approved private insurers.
These supplements complement CareShield Life and ElderShield by offering additional benefits and/or coverage at different pricing levels. Premiums for Supplements can be paid using MediSave (up to an Annual Withdrawal Limit of $600 per person insured) or by cash.
Find out more about Supplements or contact any of the three insurers.
Related: MediFund and ElderFund
Long-term Care Financing Schemes
Caring for a loved one with long-term care needs can be challenging. Beyond CareShield Life and ElderShield, there are also other financing schemes to support Singaporeans who require long-term care.
Please visit the Singapore Agency for Integrated Care (AIC) for more details on these.
Related: Costs and Financing
Frequently Asked Questions
Have more questions? Check out these Frequently Asked Questions:
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