At a Glance
- If her job ends within the first 6 months, the agency must refund at least 50% of your service fee, if the refund conditions are met.
- This is law, under Rule 13A of the Employment Agencies Rules. It covers agency contracts signed on or after 1 June 2022.
- It applies whether you end the job or she does.
- You must tell the agency before you cancel her work pass, send her home or transfer her.
- The agency must pay within 14 working days of your written request or the work pass cancellation, whichever is later.
- Replacement guarantees are separate. They depend on your agency contract, so get them in writing.
Your new helper has been with you for three months.
It isn't working. Or she wants to leave.
You paid the agency good money. Do you get any of it back?
Often, yes. Here's how it works.
Can I Get a Refund If My Maid Leaves Within 6 Months?
Yes, in most cases. Since 1 June 2022, MOM requires agencies to refund at least half of the service fee you paid if her employment ends within six months.
- It doesn't matter who ends it, you or her.
- The agency cannot pro-rate it. MOM says agencies must not pay, say, 25% because she lasted three months.
- Agencies cannot set their own terms for qualifying.
- It covers up to three helpers placed with you by the same agency.
When Does the Agency Not Have to Refund Me?
MOM lists these exceptions.
No matching done
You found her yourself and paid the agency only for paperwork.
You broke the rules
You breached employment law or committed an offence against her.
You didn't warn the agency
You didn't tell them in reasonable time before cancelling, repatriating or transferring her.
Replacements used up
You already took up to two replacements and one lasted over six months, or a third replacement was provided.
Caregiving need ended
She was hired as a caregiver, and the person she cared for passed away or moved to other care.
What Counts as the "Service Fee"?
All fees you paid the agency for the placement, minus third-party costs.
Swipe left or right to see the full table on mobile.
| Counts toward refund | Excluded from refund |
|---|---|
| The agency's own fee for matching and placing her | Work permit application, Settling-In Programme, medical exam, serology tests |
| Other fees paid to the agency for this placement | Entry air or ferry ticket, home-country requirements, third-party training |
| Her placement loan (the "maid loan") |
What Happens to the Maid Loan If She Leaves Early?
The loan sits outside the refund rule. That's often the bigger loss.
- The loan is her placement fee, which you front and recover from her salary.
- The Singapore agency's share is capped at 1 month's salary per year of contract, up to 2 months.
- If she leaves before repaying, any refund of the unpaid part depends on your agency contract. MOM's rule doesn't cover it.
- Ask the agency, in writing, what happens to the unrecovered balance. (See our guide to maid loans for more.)
How Do I Claim the Refund?
1
Tell the agency first
Before you cancel her pass or send her home. They may want to speak to both of you.
2
Choose refund or replacement
You can take a replacement instead, if the agency offers one.
3
Ask in writing
Email or WhatsApp. The 14 working days start from your written request or the pass cancellation, whichever is later.
Is a Replacement Guarantee Required by MOM?
No. Only the 50% refund is law. Free replacements are something agencies offer in their own contracts.
- Terms vary: how many replacements, within what period, and any extra fees.
- MOM publishes a recommended service agreement for agencies and employers. Ask whether yours follows it.
- Whatever the salesperson promises, check it's in the signed contract.
What Should I Get in Writing Before I Pay?
- An itemised breakdown: which fees are service fees and which are third-party costs.
- Confirmation of the 50% refund within 6 months, with no pro-rating.
- Replacement terms: how many, how long, any cost.
- What happens to the unpaid maid loan if she leaves or transfers.
- Official receipts for every payment.
What If the Agency Refuses to Refund?
Swipe left or right to see the full table on mobile.
| Where | When to use it |
|---|---|
| MOM | The 50% refund is a legal duty. Agencies that fail to pay can get demerit points and have work pass accounts suspended. |
| CASE | Consumer disputes, like replacement promises or fees in the contract. |
| AEAS | An industry association that may help if your agency is a member. |
| Small Claims Tribunals | Contract claims, up to $20,000 (or $30,000 if both sides agree). |
The best refund is the one you never need
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