Widening the circle of care: More support for more NTUC members in 2026

NTUC remains committed to standing behind every worker in Singapore, providing support through all milestones of their life and career.

To better the welfare of lower-income union members and their families, NTUC has significantly expanded the eligibility and scope of its Care assistance programmes, ensuring that more members can benefit from financial aid and essential resources during challenging times. You can explore all available programmes here to find support that suits your specific needs.

The following is an overview of the core programmes under the NTUC Care suite and the significant enhancements taking effect in 2026.

1. Hardship Grant

This grant provides immediate financial relief to union members who are facing unexpected personal crises or severe financial distress.

•             MAJOR ENHANCEMENT: To ensure a stronger safety net, the monthly gross household income threshold has been dramatically raised from $1,800 to $4,300, significantly increasing the number of members who can qualify for aid during a crisis.

2. NTUC Care (U-Stretch) & Special Assistance

These programmes provide e-vouchers and/or cash for groceries and daily essentials, helping members manage the rising cost of living and stretch their household dollar.

•             ENHANCED: Eligibility has been broadened for both schemes by increasing the household income threshold from $3,800 to $4,300.

3. NTUC Care (Back-to-School)

Specifically designed for the end-of-year period, these vouchers assist parents in covering the costs of school supplies and uniforms for their children for the upcoming academic year.

•             ENHANCED: The qualification criteria for these seasonal vouchers now utilise the higher $4,300 household income threshold to support more families.

4. NTUC Care (Education Awards) – Tertiary

This programme provides funding support and awards to recognise and assist students who are pursuing higher education.

•             ENHANCED: The income threshold for these tertiary awards has been adjusted upward from $3,800 to $4,300.

5. Education Co-Funding Scheme – Non-Tertiary

This scheme offers a co-funding support to unions organising their education awards* to help lower-income families manage the educational expenses of children who are not yet in tertiary institutions.

•             ENHANCED: Like the other core financial aid schemes, the income threshold has been raised to $4,300 to include more families.

*Members may check with their Unions on the application details of the education awards for their children in non-tertiary institutions.

6. NTUC Care (Youth Enable)

This fund focuses on providing support and opportunities for the children of union members, helping them navigate their educational journeys even during times of adversity.

•             SCOPE EXPANSION: Coverage has been widened to include pre-tertiary students, specifically those in Secondary schools, Junior Colleges (JC), and Millennia Institute (MI).

7. NTUC Care (Caregiver Support) for Single Caregivers

This programme is designed to assist single caregivers with common costs associated with different life stages for their eligible dependents.

•             SCOPE EXPANSION: Support has been extended to include caregivers of tertiary students attending ITE, Polytechnics, and Universities. You can read more about Single Caregiver support here.

8. NTUC Care (Caregiver Support) for Caregivers of Children with Special Needs

This assistance aims to alleviate the unique financial burdens faced by families raising children who require additional support and specialised care.

•             SCOPE EXPANSION: Beyond those in Special Education (SPED) schools, coverage now includes younger children enrolled in Early Intervention Programme for Infants & Children (EIPIC) centres. More details are available on the Special Needs Caregiver support page.

How to Apply

Members can submit their applications for these enhanced programmes through the OneCARE System. For step-by-step guidance on the application process, please refer to the official OneCARE System Application Guide available on the NTUC portal.

Not a member yet? Become an NTUC member today to gain access to these exclusive care initiatives and support for every milestone in your life.