How to Apply for Maintenance

Parents must strive for conciliation at the Commissioner's Office first before filing a claim to the Tribunal.

 

Criteria

To file an application,

  • You must be domiciled and resident in Singapore (this is in line with the Maintenance of Parents Act)
  • you must be 60 years old and above and unable to support yourself adequately

Step 1: Filing

  1. The applicant is required to make a formal application to the Tribunal for the Maintenance of Parents Registry. If you are unable to do so due to health or other reasons, an application can be made on your behalf by:
    • any member of your family
    • a person who is caring for you
    • a person or organisation looking after you. The person or organisation must apply to MSF before filing an application on your behalf.

  2. Documents required to be submitted:
    • NRIC of the parent
    • NRIC of person applying, if you authorised another person or organisation to file the application on your behalf.
    • Letter of authorisation, if you authorised another person or organisation to file the application on your behalf.
    • The names, last known addresses and/or NRICs of the children whom you wish to file for a Maintenance Order against
    • Your bank account passbook or bank statement
    • Information on your living expenses
    • Information on your assets and savings
    • Your medical reports, if any.

      To file an application, please call the Office of the Tribunal for the Maintenance of Parents at 1800-111-2222 (say "TMP" when prompted by the virtual assistant) or via Contact Us Form: https://go.gov.sg/cmptmp

  3. Your children may file an Answer to your application within 14 days from the date of the Notice of Application.

 

Step 2: Mediation

The Tribunal will refer both parent and children to a mediator within 4 weeks. The mediator will assist the parties in discussing the dispute and exploring the possibility of resolving the matter amicably.

For more information, please read Mediation.

 

Step 3: Hearing

If the parent and children do not achieve a settlement, an application will be made for a Tribunal hearing. Both parent and children must be present at the hearing.

The Tribunal may do any of the following:

  • Make a Maintenance Order on the application
  • Dismiss the application
  • Adjourn the hearing on the application

For more information, please visit Tribunal Hearing or visit FAQs on How to Apply for Maintenance.