The National Trades Union Congress (NTUC) will be extending stronger support to lower-income union members and caregivers in 2026, with changes aimed at easing both financial pressures and caregiving responsibilities.
The updates were announced on Jan 21 at the NTUC Care Appreciation Dinner 2026, held at PARKROYAL on Beach Road. The event brought together beneficiaries, union leaders, tripartite partners and community organisations to recognise collective efforts in supporting lower-income families through the NTUC-U Care Fund.
Income eligibility raised to reflect cost-of-living pressures
A key change is the increase in the income eligibility threshold for NTUC Care assistance programmes.
From 2026, the gross household income threshold will be raised from $3,800 to $4,300, aligned to the 20th percentile of resident household incomes. This adjustment is meant to better reflect current income distribution realities, recognising that some families face real financial strain despite previously falling just outside eligibility limits.
With the revised threshold, around 4,500 more lower-income union members and their families are expected to benefit from NTUC Care assistance programmes in 2026.
NTUC Secretary-General Ng Chee Meng said the changes come as caregiving demands continue to grow.
“Caregiving responsibilities are becoming more complex and demanding, especially for our lower-income union members. With support from our NTUC-U Care Fund, we are raising the income eligibility of our NTUC Care assistance programmes, and strengthening support for caregivers. This is so that we can help even more lower-income union members and families more effectively, allowing them to continue caring for their loved ones while staying in work.”
Support expanded for single caregivers
NTUC will also be expanding caregiver support for single-income households.
Previously, assistance covered dependants only up to secondary school. From 2026, support will be extended to include children pursuing post-secondary education in ITEs, polytechnics and universities.
This recognises that caregiving responsibilities and education-related expenses often continue well into a child’s early adulthood, especially for single caregivers. With the revised criteria, around 350 more young dependants are expected to qualify for support.
More help for families with children who have special needs
Support for caregivers of children with special needs will also be expanded.
NTUC will continue providing $1,000 per child for those enrolled in Special Education (SPED) schools, and will extend eligibility to include children in Early Intervention Programme for Infants and Children (EIPIC) programmes.
The move reflects broader trends such as earlier identification of developmental needs and increased uptake of early intervention. By extending support to EIPIC programmes, NTUC aims to reach families earlier in a child’s developmental journey. An estimated 500 additional children are expected to benefit in 2026.
NTUC Assistant Secretary-General and Director of the NTUC Care Division Melvin Yong said the Care Appreciation Dinner highlighted what the labour movement can achieve through strong partnerships, and that the NTUC-U Care Fund will continue enhancing and expanding its assistance programmes to better support lower-income union members.
He also added that many of these members are also caregivers, including single parents and families caring for children with special needs, and stressed NTUC’s commitment to ensuring families facing real challenges receive timely support and do not have to cope alone.
NTUC-U Care Fund continues strong backing
In 2025, the NTUC-U Care Fund raised close to $7 million, with almost $5.5 million disbursed to more than 47,000 beneficiaries.
Looking ahead, NTUC said more enhancements under its Care assistance programmes will be shared progressively as they are rolled out over the year, building on existing measures to ensure support remains timely, relevant and inclusive.
At the appreciation dinner, unions, employers and partners were also recognised for their sustained contributions to the NTUC-U Care Fund, highlighting the collective effort behind strengthening support for lower-income workers and their families.
