- Yes, you must pay your helper's salary while she is housed at the agency for training, as long as she is employed by you (MOM)
- Salary is due every month, no later than 7 days after the salary period ends
- You cannot deduct compulsory training costs from her salary; MOM says full salary means no such deductions
- Before she is placed with an employer, the agency pays her upkeep and accommodation
- The one-day Settling-In Programme for first-time helpers costs about S$76 to S$93, paid by the employer (MOM, checked Oct 2026)
Friends, here is a question I get more often than you would think.
"My helper is staying at the agency for a few days of training... do I still pay her?"
Short answer: yes. Below is what MOM says, who pays for what, and how to plan for it.
Do I Have to Pay My Maid's Salary When She Is Training at the Agency?
- The test is employment, so where she sleeps does not change it.
- Count those training days as working days in her salary period.
- Pay the full amount you declared to MOM.
Who Pays What: Employer or Agency?
Swipe left or right to see the full table on mobile.
| Stage | Who pays upkeep | Salary owed by you? |
|---|---|---|
| Arrived, not yet placed | Agency (upkeep and accommodation until she is placed) | No, she is not yet your employee |
| Employed, sent to agency for training | Agree this with the agency in writing | Yes, full salary |
| Settling-In Programme (first-timers) | Employer pays the course fee | Yes, no deductions |
Source: MOM FAQs on agency responsibilities and training, MOM salary guidelines (checked Oct 2026).
Can I Deduct Training Fees From My Helper's Salary?
- No. MOM defines full salary as the entire declared amount, without deductions for medical expenses, repatriation or compulsory training.
- Her meals, accommodation and medical care are your responsibility as employer.
- Pay by bank transfer if she asks for it, and keep the record.
How Much Does the Settling-In Programme Cost?
First-time helpers attend a one-day Settling-In Programme (SIP). MOM lists these fees, inclusive of GST and borne by the employer:
Indicative fees from MOM's SIP page, checked Oct 2026. Confirm with the provider before booking.
How Should I Plan for the Training Period?
Where Can I Read MOM's Rules?
- MOM FAQ: salary during agency training
- MOM FAQ: what the agency is responsible for
- MOM salary guidelines
- MOM: paying your helper on time and in full
- MOM: Settling-In Programme
Training makes a good helper better, and paying her for it is the rule.
Happy hiring, Friends.
Ray
P.S. Paid training days are the cheapest way to get better cooking at home.
