Singapore’s $5500 Sibling Disability Relief 2025, Check Full Eligibility and Claim Process

Caring for a sibling with a disability is both a responsibility and a sacrifice. It demands emotional strength, time, and often significant financial resources. To recognize this commitment and ease the financial pressure on families, the Singapore government has introduced the \$5,500 Sibling Disability Relief Payment for 2025.

This tax relief initiative directly benefits caregivers by reducing their taxable income, allowing them to keep more of what they earn and redirect funds toward essential expenses such as food, medical care, and rent. Unlike some dependent-related benefits, the scheme applies broadly to siblings of different family relationships—biological, adoptive, step, or even siblings-in-law—reflecting inclusivity in policy design.

Below is a comprehensive breakdown of how the relief works, who qualifies, and why it matters for families in Singapore.

What Is the Sibling Disability Relief Payment?

The Sibling Disability Relief Payment 2025 is a tax deduction scheme that allows caregivers who support siblings with disabilities to claim up to S\$5,500 in tax relief for the Year of Assessment 2025.

This reduction in taxable income means caregivers ultimately pay less tax, freeing up financial resources that can be used for caregiving responsibilities.

Key highlights include:

• Covers siblings by birth, adoption, step-relation, or marriage (siblings-in-law).
• Disability must be certified by a licensed medical practitioner.
• Caregiver must either live with the sibling or provide at least S\$2,000 in annual support if living separately.
• If caregiving duties are shared among family members, the S\$5,500 relief can be split between them.

This is not a direct cash payout but a tax relief measure designed to ease long-term financial burdens for caregiving households.

Why This Support Matters

Disability caregiving is often invisible in society yet deeply demanding. The new relief is significant for several reasons:

1. Acknowledges family caregiving – It highlights the crucial role siblings play in supporting disabled family members, complementing parental and institutional care.
2. No income restriction on the sibling – Unlike some schemes, there is no income cap on the sibling with a disability, making it accessible even if the disabled sibling has earnings.
3. Encourages shared caregiving – By allowing multiple siblings to split the relief, it fosters collective responsibility within families.
4. Eases financial strain – Lower taxable income means more disposable funds available for medication, therapy, or home modifications.

In a country where family remains the cornerstone of social responsibility, this initiative reinforces Singapore’s commitment to inclusive policies that value caregiving roles.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the \$5,500 Sibling Disability Relief, caregivers must meet specific conditions.

Caregiver Requirements

• Must be a tax resident of Singapore for the assessment year.
• Must be supporting a sibling with a certified disability.
• Support can be through co-residence (living together) or financial contribution of at least S\$2,000 annually if living apart.

Sibling Definition

The scheme covers:

• Biological siblings
• Adoptive siblings
• Step-siblings
• Siblings-in-law

Disability Certification

• The sibling must be certified with either a physical disability or a mental impairment that significantly impacts daily living.
• Acceptable documentation includes medical certificates, reports, or official disability letters from registered professionals.

Shared Relief

• If multiple family members contribute to caregiving, the S\$5,500 deduction can be shared.
• However, only one form of dependent relief can be claimed for the same sibling per year.

This ensures that the relief is fairly distributed and not duplicated.

How to Claim the Relief

Claiming the Sibling Disability Relief Payment 2025 is simple, thanks to Singapore’s digital tax infrastructure.

Step-by-Step Process

1. Log into the myTax Portal – Use your Singpass credentials.
2. Navigate to “Deductions, Reliefs, and Rebates” – This is where all tax-related claims are listed.
3. Add sibling details – Input your sibling’s name, NRIC, and disability details.
4. Upload documents – Provide supporting evidence such as medical certificates or disability verification letters.
5. Submit application – Ensure all details are correct before submission.

Important Deadlines

• Paper submissions – Must be filed by April 15, 2025.
• Electronic submissions – Must be completed by April 18, 2025.

For those who claimed the relief in previous years, the system will pre-fill details, which can be updated if necessary.

Key Benefits of the Scheme

The Sibling Disability Relief Payment 2025 is more than a tax break—it represents social recognition and practical support.

Financial Advantages

• Reduces taxable income by up to S\$5,500.
• Ensures caregivers retain more disposable income to meet essential costs.
• Can be shared among siblings, promoting fairness.

Social Impact

• Encourages shared responsibility in caregiving roles.
• Reinforces the value of family-based care alongside institutional and community services.
• Recognizes siblings as an often-overlooked caregiving group.

Long-Term Value

• Supports families in planning for sustained caregiving needs.
• Aligns with Singapore’s broader policies on inclusivity and social responsibility.

Why Timing Matters in 2025

The rollout of this scheme in 2025 is especially critical. Singapore’s population is aging, and the demand for caregiving support is increasing. By introducing the Sibling Disability Relief now, the government is proactively addressing the growing need for financial support in family caregiving.

It also aligns with broader measures such as CPF reforms, retirement age adjustments, and disability support initiatives, forming part of a larger safety net for vulnerable groups.

What Families Should Do Next

To make the most of the relief:

1. Check eligibility – Confirm sibling’s disability certification and financial contribution requirements.
2. Prepare documents early – Gather medical reports and financial records.
3. Submit before deadlines – Avoid last-minute delays by applying in advance.
4. Coordinate with family members – If caregiving is shared, discuss how to split the relief.
5. Review annually – Ensure claims remain accurate and updated.

Being proactive ensures families fully benefit from the S\$5,500 tax relief without administrative setbacks.

5 Relevant FAQs

Q1: Who qualifies for the \$5,500 Sibling Disability Relief Payment 2025?
Any Singapore tax resident supporting a sibling—biological, adoptive, step, or in-law—with a certified disability qualifies.

Q2: Does my sibling’s income affect eligibility?
No. There is no income cap for the sibling with a disability.

Q3: Can multiple siblings share the relief?
Yes. The S\$5,500 relief can be divided among siblings providing support.

Q4: How do I apply for the relief?
Log into the myTax Portal with Singpass, enter sibling details, upload medical certification, and submit under “Deductions, Reliefs, and Rebates.”

Q5: What are the deadlines for claiming the relief?
Paper submissions close by April 15, 2025, while electronic claims close by April 18, 2025.