Year-End Checklist for Employers with a Live-In Helper
December is a good time to review your helper arrangement: levy, insurance, work permit, and year-end bonus norms.
December is the right time to do an annual review of your helper arrangement. Between school holidays, travel, and festive preparations, small admin items are easy to overlook, and a quiet check now can prevent problems in the new year.
Use this checklist to make sure your paperwork is in order, your helper feels appreciated, and your household is ready for the year ahead.
Check your work permit expiry date
Look at the expiry date on your helper's work permit. If it expires in the next 6 months, initiate renewal now rather than waiting for the MOM notification. Renewals need a medical check and processing time, and December holidays can slow down clinic appointments.
Review insurance coverage
Confirm that your helper's personal accident insurance and medical insurance are still active and adequate. Check the policy end date, the coverage amounts, and that the details match her current work permit.
- ●Policy is valid through the next 12 months.
- ●Coverage meets MOM minimum requirements.
- ●You know where the policy documents are kept.
Levy status
Confirm that your GIRO arrangement for the monthly levy is active and that no arrears are outstanding with CPF Board. Unpaid levy can block a work permit renewal, so it is worth a quick check on your account.
Year-end bonus
A year-end bonus is not legally required in Singapore, but it is culturally common and deeply appreciated. One month's salary is a typical norm, adjusted for how long she has been with you and how well she has performed.
- ●Consider a partial bonus if she joined during the year.
- ●A thoughtful gift or a sincere thank you note also goes a long way.
- ●Remit the bonus in a way that is easy for her to send home.
Review the employment contract
Pull out the employment contract and check whether it still reflects reality. Over a year, duties often creep and routines change.
- ●Are rest days still being given as agreed?
- ●Is the salary still accurate, and is a raise appropriate?
- ●Do her duties still match what was agreed, including any new family members or pets?
Have an honest check-in conversation
Take 20 minutes to sit down and ask how she is doing. Is she happy? Is there anything she needs? Is there anything she finds difficult or would like to learn?
A relaxed, two-way conversation shows respect and often brings up small issues before they become big ones.
Update emergency contacts and household guide
If anything has changed, update it now. This includes emergency contact numbers, doctor and school details, medication lists for elderly family members, and any new house rules.
- ●Add new family contact numbers.
- ●Refresh the household guide with routines and preferences.
- ●Make sure your helper knows who to call and where to find key documents.
Frequently asked questions
Is a year-end bonus mandatory for domestic helpers in Singapore?
No, it is not legally required. However, it is common practice and helps with retention of a good helper.
What is the standard year-end bonus amount?
One month's salary is the most common amount, though this varies by employer and helper performance.
What if I want to make changes to the arrangement in the new year?
Contact us and we can advise on whether changes require a contract amendment or MOM notification.
Need advice on your helper arrangement?
Whether it is a contract change, a renewal, or a question about the new year, our team is happy to help.