Four JKM programs that most families don't know about — including monthly cash for low-income elderly and a monthly carer allowance paid directly to families looking after bedridden relatives at home.
✓ Monthly cash — BWE (verify rate with JKM)
Carer allowance — BPT (RM500/month)
Free day centres (PAWE)
Free home help (KBDR)
⚠️ Most families are missing out on assistance they qualify for
The four JKM (Jabatan Kebajikan Masyarakat) programs below cost nothing to apply for. Many families caring for a parent at home — including those with a bedridden parent — qualify for monthly cash and free services but have never been told these exist.
Use the eligibility checker below to find what applies to your situation, or scroll down to read the full breakdown of each program.
Sources: Official JKM program pages at www.jkm.gov.my. Last reviewed May 2026 — verify current payment rates with JKM directly, as amounts are subject to annual budget revisions.
Check your eligibility — 4 questions
Answer these to see which programs your family may qualify for. Results appear immediately — no signup needed.
Programs you may qualify for:
This is an indicative guide only. Final eligibility is determined by a JKM officer after a home visit and assessment. Income thresholds and criteria can vary by district. When in doubt, go to your nearest JKM office and ask — there is no penalty for applying.
Compiled by the NursingHomeGuide.my Research TeamResearchers, eldercare specialists, and medical advisors
The BPT program — which pays RM500/month directly to the family carer of a bedridden person — is the most consistently overlooked welfare entitlement we found in our research. It is not charity; it is a formal government recognition that family caregivers perform a critical function. The money goes to the carer, not the patient, and does not affect the patient's eligibility for other assistance. If you are caring for a parent who cannot move without help, check BPT first.
The free PAWE activity centres are similarly underused. A parent who is mobile but socially isolated can attend five days a week at zero cost. Structured social engagement at this stage is one of the best-evidenced interventions for slowing cognitive decline and reducing depression in older adults — two of the primary drivers of premature nursing home admission.
At a glance — the four main JKM programs * amounts subject to annual budget revision — verify with JKM before applying
Program
Amount
Who it's for
Who receives it
BWE Bantuan Warga Emas
RM500–600/mo*
Low-income elderly aged 60+ living in the community
The elderly person directly
BPT Bantuan Penjagaan Terlantar
RM500/month
Family caring for a bedridden or severely disabled person at home
The carer (family member)
PAWE Pusat Aktiviti Warga Emas
Free
Mobile, medically stable elderly aged 60+
The elderly person (attends centre)
KBDR Khidmat Bantu Di Rumah
Free
Elderly or disabled persons living at home with limited support
The elderly person (home visits)
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Bantuan Warga Emas (BWE) — Elderly Financial Assistance
Monthly Cash Assistance for Low-Income Elderly (BWE)
Household income falls within the Garis Kemiskinan Tegar (Hardcore Poor Poverty Line) — RM1,169/month for Peninsula Malaysia, RM2,018 for Sabah/Labuan, RM1,785 for Sarawak (based on a 3-person household; EPU 2022 Poverty Line Income)
Currently living in the community (not in a government-funded residential institution or hospital)
Does not already receive another JKM residential placement
Complete Borang Permohonan Bantuan Am (available at the JKM office or via the e-Bantuan portal)
Bring: MyKad (original + photocopy), proof of income, bank account details — if your parent has no bank account, a BSN account can be opened at the time of application
A JKM officer will conduct a home visit to verify living conditions
Processing takes approximately 4–8 weeks; payments go monthly into your parent's bank account
You are a Malaysian citizen caring full-time at home for a family member (spouse, parent, child, sibling) who is bedridden or severely disabled
The person being cared for is bedridden due to stroke, dementia, cancer, or severe disability — cannot bathe, dress, eat, or toilet independently — and has a medical letter confirming this
The person being cared for is living at home — not in a nursing home or hospital
Household income generally below RM3,000–RM5,000/month — JKM weighs total expenses; heavy care costs can allow qualification at higher incomes
How to apply
Get a medical letter from your parent's doctor confirming their diagnosis and bedbound status — do this first, as it is the most common missing document
Visit the nearest JKM district office (find your office) — BPT cannot be done online; a home visit is required
Bring: MyKad for both carer and patient, medical letter, proof of household income
A JKM officer visits your home to verify — if approved, RM500/month goes into the carer's bank account (not the patient's)
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Pusat Aktiviti Warga Emas (PAWE) — Government Senior Activity Centres
Free Government Day Centres for Mobile Seniors — Nationwide
Health screening — some centres offer basic blood pressure and health checks
Nutritious meals — some centres provide subsidised meals
Typically open Monday to Friday, 8am–5pm
Who qualifies & how to find a centre
Malaysian aged 60 years or above
Medically stable and mobile — can travel to the centre independently or with family
No income requirement — open to all elderly Malaysians regardless of income
Search for your nearest PAWE on the JKM website at www.jkm.gov.my (search "PAWE") or call the JKM hotline 03-8000 8000 (Mon–Fri, 8am–5pm)
Register through the centre directly — bring MyKad and a recent passport photo
Important limitation
PAWE centres are activity and socialisation centres, not medical day care. They cannot accommodate dementia with behavioural symptoms, incontinence, or regular medical procedures. If your parent needs supervision plus medical care during the day, a licensed private day care centre is the appropriate option — see our facility directory.
A JKM social worker will assess the situation and match a volunteer
Realistic expectations
KBDR is a supplementary support service — it is not a substitute for a paid carer, nurse, or day care centre. Visits are typically a few times per week, not daily. The service is best used alongside other support: a family member who provides care in the evenings and weekends, with KBDR filling gaps during the week. If your parent requires daily medical care, professional home nursing (from a private agency) or a day care centre will be necessary.
Other programs worth knowing
Rumah Seri Kenangan (RSK) — Government residential care homes
Government-operated residential homes for elderly Malaysians with no family support or income. Subsidised or free for those who qualify. Very limited capacity and long waiting lists. Apply through your nearest JKM district office. Not suitable as a short-term solution due to wait times. RSK programme page →
Tabung Bantuan Perubatan (TBP) — Medical relief fund
Covers serious medical conditions including cardiac, renal, and neurological diseases. Requires a referral from a government hospital doctor — applied through the hospital's medical social worker (pegawai kebajikan perubatan). More at jkm.gov.my →
Skim Mesra Usia Emas (SMUE) — Selangor state scheme
For Selangor residents aged 60+ (MyKad address must be in Selangor). Provides grocery aid and assistance — check the current benefit amounts directly with YAWAS as these are subject to change. Apply online at e-mesra.yawas.my or at your DUN service centre. YAWAS main site: www.yawas.my. YAWAS Careline: 03-5481 8800.
📋 Sources & Official References
All payment amounts and eligibility criteria on this page are drawn from official Malaysian government sources. These are reviewed annually — always verify the current rates directly with JKM before applying. This page is not a government publication.
JKMJabatan Kebajikan Masyarakat (Dept. of Social Welfare) — BWE, BPT, PAWE, KBDR, RSK: www.jkm.gov.my
Last reviewed: May 2026. NursingHomeGuide.my is not affiliated with JKM, EPU, MOH, or YAWAS. All specific program details should be confirmed with the relevant government department before relying on them.
Frequently asked questions
BWE goes to the elderly person themselves; BPT goes to their carer. These are two different recipients. In principle, if a low-income elderly person is receiving BWE and becomes bedridden and requires a carer, their carer may separately apply for BPT. Both applications are assessed independently. Confirm at your local JKM office, as rules may be interpreted differently by district.
Having a domestic helper does not automatically disqualify you from BPT or KBDR — JKM assesses the overall care situation and household finances. However, if your household income is above the threshold, you are unlikely to qualify for BPT. KBDR is generally targeted at households without regular carer support.
Yes. PAWE (free government senior activity centres) has no income requirement — any elderly Malaysian aged 60+ who is mobile can attend. If your parent is in Selangor, the SMUE scheme from YAWAS is open to all Selangor residents aged 60+ regardless of income — check current benefits at www.yawas.my. The Tabung Bantuan Perubatan also applies for significant medical expenses even at moderate income levels, depending on the condition.
Once your documentation is complete and the JKM home visit is done, processing typically takes 4–8 weeks. Payments are made monthly via bank transfer. Delays are usually caused by incomplete documentation — the most common missing item for BPT is the medical letter from a doctor confirming bedridden status. Prepare this in advance.
Search for "Pejabat Kebajikan Masyarakat" followed by your district name (e.g. "Pejabat Kebajikan Masyarakat Petaling Jaya"). You can also call the JKM national hotline at 03-8000 8000 or visit www.jkm.gov.my for the district office directory. Walk-in visits are accepted during office hours (8am–5pm, Monday to Friday).
Looking for a nursing home, day care centre, or home care service?
Browse our directory of verified facilities across Johor, Kuala Lumpur, and Selangor — with pricing, photos, and care details for each one.