Singapore

Can a domestic worker claim WICA compensation?

Yes
Eligible?
All sectors
Coverage scope
2019
Act year
No cap
No salary cap
The Short Answer

Yes, a domestic worker in Singapore can claim compensation under the Work Injury Compensation Act 2019 if they suffer a work-related injury or disease.

What the Law Says

The Work Injury Compensation Act 2019 (WICA) extends protection to all employees in Singapore — including domestic workers — who suffer work-related injuries or diseases.

Under WICA, a 'worker' is defined broadly and includes any person employed under a contract of service — regardless of job type, industry, or salary level. Domestic workers fall squarely within this definition.

The Act removes previous exclusions: unlike earlier versions of the law, WICA 2019 does not exempt domestic workers, part-timers, or those earning above a certain threshold. This means full statutory coverage applies.

Employers of domestic workers must comply with WICA obligations — including reporting injuries, maintaining records, and ensuring compensation is paid where due.

Statutory Text

Work Injury Compensation Act 2019, s. 3

What to Do

1

Ensure your employer has registered you with the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) and has valid WICA insurance.

2

Report any work-related injury or illness to your employer immediately.

3

Seek medical treatment and keep all medical reports and receipts.

4

Your employer must submit a claim to the insurer within 10 days of being notified of the injury.

5

If your claim is disputed or delayed, contact MOM’s Work Injury Compensation Division for assistance.

Sources

Not legal advice. This article is general information based on publicly available sources, written for educational purposes. Laws change and individual situations vary. Consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction before acting on anything you read here. Last reviewed: 2026-06-08.