Guide to Hiring Part-time Maid in Singapore
Having an extra pair of hands to keep your house clean is essential nowadays, especially if you’re fully employed and living in Singapore. Even though a full-time maid is a great option and many times becomes a necessity for families here, some people don’t require a live-in maid to work for them six days a week. This is where reliable part-time cleaners come in.
While hiring a part-time maid in Singapore is a great alternative to live-in maids and is more cost-effective, there are still legal requirements and conditions that you have to keep in mind when hiring one. In essence, you can only hire a part-time maid if:
- She is a citizen of Singapore
- She is a permanent resident
- She is a holder of a dependant pass
What this also means is foreign domestic workers (FDW) in Singapore are not allowed to work as a part-time maid. In fact, these FDWs are only allowed to work for the person indicated in their work permit. It is also for this reason that most maid insurance in Singapore like MSIG's maid insurance do not provide cover for part-time maids. But fret-not, these part-time maids are still protected by their agencies via an employee insurance. So, it is important to understand these legal requirements and hire licensed part-time maids.
If you’re still undecided on hiring a part-time maid, here’s a guide that will help you understand everything you need to know about part-time maids in Singapore.
Why Hire A Part-Time Maid?
Whether you simply need an extra pair of hands around the house or just wants to Netflix and chill on weekends instead of doing household chores, hiring a part-time maid can be a blessing. Here are some other reasons why you should hire a part-time cleaner:
- Cheaper than a full-time maid since you’ll only pay them for the hours and days they’ve worked (no insurance, no bonds, no added expenses!)
- Privacy as you don't have someone else living with you
- You can hire part-time cleaners at your convenience or whenever you need them (great for your annual spring cleaning pre-CNY!)
- Having an extra help with the household chores leaves you more time to do things you love (Netflix and chill, maybe?)
- Since most part-time maids are hired and vetted by agencies, you can be assured of professionalism as well as your safety.
What Does a Part-time Maid Do?
Unlike full-time maids who take care of almost everything for you, part-time maids have more defined tasks. Whether you're hiring from an agency or an independent helper, the tasks of a part-time maid mainly includes:
- Vacuuming and mopping of floors
- Emptying the trash
- Cleaning the shower and bathtub
- Wiping the countertops
- Wiping off specks of dust on electrical appliances
- Changing bed covers and pillowcases
- Cleaning the sink and toilet bowl
Here are some of the additional chores part-time helpers can do but may require extra charges:
- Laundry
- Ironing of clothes
- Wiping the windows (from the inside)
- Cleaning the inside of your fridge or oven
- Rearranging furniture
Where Do You Find Part-Time Maid in Singapore?
There are a few places where you can find a part-time maid. One way is to post ads on job platforms where you indicate that you’re looking for a part-time cleaner. Another way, which is also the best tip, is to ask your family, relatives or friends if they know any part-time helpers who can legally work for you. These maids will provide house cleaning services twice a week or depending on the agreement.
Part-time maid agency
You can choose to hire a part-time cleaner through an agency if you are willing to pay more. Besides, a helper from an agency tends to be more reliable and is professionally trained. Another advantage of employing a maid from an agency is that when your current part-time cleaner is unable to carry out her tasks, the maid agency will send a replacement maid. Not all maids have the same personalities and skills. If you’re unsatisfied with their work, you can request a change of helper from the maid agency. Many of these agencies also have apps or websites where you can easily book a part-time maid. Here are some examples:
Independent house cleaning services
Although a cheaper option, employing an independent house cleaner may have its risks. These part-time helpers tend to be individuals who are looking for extra work. Thus, they may not be adequately insured in the event of an accident. Plus, there is also not guarantee that are professionally trained. So, just be careful where you get your recommendations from. You can find these part-time helpers in online platforms and by word of mouth from families and friends. If you’re lucky, you might find an experienced and trustworthy maid. Some people have had bad experiences with their independent home cleaners. Such experiences include maids suddenly cancelling the task at the scheduled cleaning day and the maids slacking off while their boss is not supervising them. So, do vet your potential hire carefully and ensure you're prepared for the risks.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Part-Time Helper in Singapore?
Depending on the size of your home, a part-time maid typically charges between $18 to $30 per hour. If you are looking for more regular cleaning services, do ask if these part-time maids or agencies provide a discounted package. Such packages may range between $230 to $480 a month for a weekly 4-hour cleaning services.
In comparison, hiring full-time maids may cost you around $500 to $700 a month. However, if you are a working mom who requires help to care for your young children or you have elderly parents to care for, you may look out and apply for certain government subsidies to help lighten the costs.
If you do not require help all the time, we suggest you get a part-time helper as it more cost-effective. If you are still unsure if a part-time maid or a full-time maid is what you need, perhaps, this article comparing the pros and cons of hiring part-time maids versus full-time maids might help.
What's The Cost of a Maid Agency in Singapore?
The cost of using a maid agency in Singapore usually ranges between $800 to $2,000. There’s no fixed price for how much a maid agency costs as they charge differently. If you ever stumble upon an agency that charges lower than $100, it’s best to expect additional fees throughout the hiring process.
When hiring a full-time maid through an agency, you can expect to pay around $7,000 and higher but it usually comes with start-to-end services like the processing of work permit, security deposit, and other essential paper works.
So, whether to hire a part-time maid or a full-time maid truly depends on your needs and requirements. For singles or young couples without young children to care for, hiring a part-time maid may be the more cost-effective and convenient solution. However, for families who requires more help around the house, hiring a full-time maid will definitely help lighten your load.
No matter which route you choose, always take note of the legal requirements, conditions and even subsidies available so you can make the most out of your finances, time and help. If you are hiring full-time maids, do ensure that your maids have proper protection too like MSIG maid insurance. If you are hiring part-time maids, just ensure that the agency you are hiring from provides the adequate protection for your part-time maids since most maid insurance do not cover them.
