Having a baby is a joyful experience, but it can also be very expensive. To help parents manage these costs, the Singapore government has introduced the Baby Bonus Scheme. This program gives families cash gifts and savings to help support their children’s early years.
The Baby Bonus is not just about money at birth. It provides regular payments as your child grows, plus a special savings account where the government matches what parents deposit. It is meant to make raising children easier, especially in their first few years of life.
In 2025, the scheme has been improved to give even more support, especially for bigger families. If your child is a Singapore citizen and meets the conditions, you could receive up to $13,000 in cash and thousands more in savings account benefits.
What Is the Baby Bonus Scheme?
The Baby Bonus Scheme helps families with young children by offering:
- Cash Gifts that are paid over time.
- Child Development Account (CDA) that includes government grants and matching deposits.
This scheme makes it easier for parents to cover everyday costs like baby items, school fees, and medical bills. Parents also get a Child Savings Account (CSA) where the cash gifts are deposited directly for easy access.
Who Can Qualify for Baby Bonus Support?
To be eligible for the Baby Bonus, your child must meet a few rules:
- Must be a Singapore Citizen.
- Parents need to be legally married.
- The child should be born on or after 14 February 2023.
- Higher payouts apply to children born on or after 18 February 2025.
- Children who become Singapore citizens after birth may still get some support.
You can use the online Check Eligibility tool on the LifeSG website to see what your child qualifies for.
Baby Bonus Cash Gift Amounts (Up to $13,000)
The Baby Bonus cash gift is not a single payment. It is given out in parts as your child grows, helping with different expenses along the way.
This setup makes sure that parents have help during the most important years of their child’s life.
Child Development Account (CDA) – Saving for the Future
The CDA is a special account where the government helps parents save for their child’s needs. Here’s how it works:
- Each child gets a First Step Grant when the CDA is opened.
- Parents can add money to the account, and the government will match it dollar-for-dollar up to a set amount.
From 18 February 2025, children from the 3rd child onwards receive a higher First Step Grant of $10,000 under the Large Families Scheme.
Parents can use CDA money for:
- Preschool and childcare
- Doctor visits and healthcare
- Special education
- Medical supplies
Easy Way to Sign Up for the Scheme
Applying for the Baby Bonus Scheme is now quick and simple. From 1 July 2024, parents can apply using:
- The LifeSG Website
- The LifeSG Mobile App
It is best to apply soon after your baby is born. This helps you get all the benefits early and start receiving support without delays.
Extra Help for Larger Families
The Large Families Scheme gives extra benefits to families with three or more children. Starting 18 February 2025:
- The CDA First Step Grant for the 3rd child and above increases from $5,000 to $10,000.
This extra help is meant to make life easier for bigger families, giving them more support as they raise more kids.
Why the Baby Bonus Scheme Is Important
Raising children costs money—whether it’s diapers, school fees, or doctor visits. The Baby Bonus Scheme helps parents handle these costs while planning for their child’s future.
With cash gifts and savings that grow over time, this program shows the Singapore government’s strong support for families. It also encourages parents to save wisely and prepare for their child’s education and health needs from the very beginning.