What to Do If You Feel Underpaid as a Long-Term Helper

Many domestic helpers dedicate years of hard work and loyalty to a family, only to feel overlooked when a newly hired helper is offered a higher wage. If this sounds familiar, or if you fear it might happen to you, here’s a practical guide on what you can do.

Understand the situation

First, it’s important to separate feelings of unfairness from the real employment terms:

• Helpers are employed under private contracts in Singapore; there is no mandatory minimum wage for domestic work. Pay is typically negotiated between you (or your agency) and the employer.
• Employers may offer different salaries to new hires based on current market demand or agency recommendations. This doesn’t necessarily mean the employer is being unethical but it can feel hurtful.

1. Start a calm conversation

If you’re hurting over a pay gap with a new helper, the first and most constructive step is to talk with your employer.

• Choose a quiet moment and explain how you feel professionally not emotionally.
• Highlight your years of service and the responsibilities you manage daily.
• Ask if they would be open to reviewing your wage, especially if your workload has increased.

Many employers appreciate honest communication and might simply not have realised how this made you feel. Others may be willing to negotiate a salary review if they respect your work.

2. List your responsibilities

Before you talk to your employer, prepare a work summary:

• Your daily tasks (cleaning, cooking, errands, childcare).
• Tasks that are above and beyond what was agreed.
• Any additional responsibilities taken on since the other helper left.

Presenting this list shows professionalism and helps employers see how much you contribute which can strengthen your case for a pay raise. This strategy was also suggested by others in similar discussions on domestic helper forums.

3. Check your contract and legal rights

Contracts vary but it’s worth reviewing yours:

• What salary did you originally agree to?
• Does the contract include provisions for salary review at renewal?
• Are daily duties clearly defined?

Understanding your contract terms gives you clarity and prevents misunderstandings.

While there’s no mandatory pay increase schedule for helpers, the Singapore Ministry of Manpower recommends employers give periodic raises to reward performance and loyalty.

4. Ask for support

If talking directly with your employer feels too difficult, consider these options:

• Your agency: They can advise you on market rates and help you negotiate.
• Experienced friends or fellow helpers: They may share how they handled similar situations.
• Support groups: Many helpers find encouragement and practical advice online or in community forums.

Remember: you don’t have to go through this alone.

5. Know when to move on

If you’ve tried to address the issue respectfully and nothing changes and you genuinely feel undervalued, you may choose to look for a new employer.

Many helpers do this when they feel their contributions aren’t recognised. It’s not a failure, it’s a professional step to a better situation. Especially if your health, well-being or quality of life is affected, it’s worth exploring other opportunities.

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