Assistive devices like wheelchairs, hearing aids, and hospital beds can significantly improve quality of life for seniors—but they can be expensive. Singapore's Seniors' Mobility and Enabling Fund (SMF) provides subsidies of up to 90% on approved equipment. This guide explains how to access these benefits.
What is the Seniors' Mobility and Enabling Fund?
The SMF is a government fund that helps seniors and persons with disabilities purchase assistive devices and home healthcare items. It aims to make essential equipment affordable for all eligible residents.
Subsidy Rates
Subsidies range from 50% to 90% based on household income. Lower-income households receive higher subsidies.
What Equipment is Covered?
SMF covers a wide range of assistive devices and consumables. Items must be prescribed or recommended by a healthcare professional.
Note
Spectacles and dentures are NOT covered under SMF. These may be covered under other schemes like CHAS.
- Mobility aids: wheelchairs, walking frames, canes, crutches
- Hearing devices: hearing aids, amplifiers
- Vision aids: magnifiers (not spectacles)
- Daily living aids: shower chairs, raised toilet seats, grab bars
- Hospital beds and pressure-relieving mattresses
- Consumables: incontinence supplies, wound care products
Eligibility Requirements
Both the applicant and the type of item requested must meet specific criteria.
Subsidy Tiers
PCHI ≤ $800: up to 90% subsidy<br/>PCHI $801-$1,400: up to 75% subsidy<br/>PCHI $1,401-$2,600: up to 50% subsidy
- Singapore Citizen or Permanent Resident
- Age 60 and above, OR any age with disability
- Item must be prescribed by a doctor or therapist
- Purchase from an SMF-approved provider
- Subsidy amount depends on household income (PCHI)
How to Apply for SMF
Application is straightforward and can be done through healthcare providers or community organizations.
Quick Tip
Many hospitals process SMF applications directly. Ask the medical social worker or patient service center about SMF when your loved one is prescribed equipment.
- Step 1: Get a prescription from a doctor or therapist
- Step 2: Visit an SMF-approved provider (hospital, polyclinic, or approved retailers)
- Step 3: Submit application with supporting documents
- Step 4: Means testing will determine your subsidy tier
- Step 5: Pay the subsidized amount and receive your equipment
Where to Get SMF-Approved Equipment
Equipment must be purchased from SMF-approved providers to qualify for subsidies.
- Public hospitals and polyclinics
- Approved medical equipment retailers
- Senior Activity Centres and Community Clubs
- Selected pharmacies (Guardian, Unity, Watsons at hospitals)
- Voluntary Welfare Organizations (VWOs)
Other Equipment Support Options
Beyond SMF, other schemes and organizations can help with equipment costs.
Combination of Support
SMF can often be combined with MediFund for families facing financial hardship. Medical social workers can help you access all available support.
- MediFund: For those who can't afford equipment even with SMF
- Community Health Assist Scheme (CHAS): Subsidized healthcare at clinics
- EASE programme: HDB home modification subsidies
- Equipment loan schemes through hospitals and VWOs
- Charitable organizations for specific conditions
Key Takeaways
- 1SMF provides 50-90% subsidy on assistive devices and equipment
- 2Coverage includes wheelchairs, hearing aids, hospital beds, and daily living aids
- 3Equipment must be prescribed and purchased from approved providers
- 4Apply through hospitals, polyclinics, or community organizations
- 5Additional support available through MediFund and charitable organizations