From the moment a child is born, parents’ priorities shift overnight. Diapers, milk powder, medical check-ups, and childcare quickly replace leisure and late nights. In a country like Singapore, these early years can be financially overwhelming. That’s where the Baby Bonus Scheme 2026 steps in.
Revamped and enhanced for children born on or after 18 February 2025, this scheme provides both immediate financial support and long-term savings. It’s more than just a one-time handout—it’s a strategic support system that helps parents cope with rising costs from the very beginning.
Why the Baby Bonus Scheme 2026 Is So Important
Raising a child has never been cheap, and in Singapore, it often involves high upfront costs even before parental leave ends.
To ease that burden, the Baby Bonus Scheme 2026 offers two key types of financial support:
- A Baby Bonus Cash Gift, disbursed in stages over the first few years
- A Child Development Account (CDA) with an automatic grant and savings matching
Together, they provide short-term relief and long-term planning tools for families navigating early childhood costs like healthcare, childcare, and education.
Baby Bonus Cash Gift: Stage-Based Support for Everyday Costs
Instead of issuing one large lump sum, the Baby Bonus Cash Gift is paid in instalments, helping parents manage costs gradually as the child grows.
Here’s how it works:
| Birth Order | Total Cash Gift | Payment Breakdown |
|---|---|---|
| First and second child | S$11,000 | Up to S$9,000 over first 18 months, plus S$400 every six months until age 6.5 |
| Third and later child | S$13,000 | Same schedule, with higher total payout |
This staged approach ensures that parents receive consistent help throughout early childhood, rather than front-loading support when expenses haven’t fully developed yet.
Child Development Account (CDA): Building Long-Term Support
The CDA is a special savings account that grows alongside your child—and it comes with government bonuses.
Here’s what you can expect:
- First Step Grant:
- S$5,000 for first and second child
- S$10,000 for third and subsequent children born on or after 18 February 2025
- Dollar-for-dollar matching of parental savings, up to a cap based on the child’s birth order
Funds in the CDA can be used for approved expenses, such as:
- Preschool and childcare fees
- Vaccinations and medical expenses
- Early education and enrichment classes
The CDA helps parents save more effectively, as every dollar they contribute is matched by the government up to the limit.
Eligibility Criteria: Who Can Receive the Baby Bonus?
Eligibility for the Baby Bonus Scheme 2026 is straightforward and inclusive for most Singaporean families.
To qualify:
- The child must be a Singapore Citizen
- At least one parent must be a Singapore Citizen at the time of birth
- If the child becomes a citizen after birth, adjusted benefits apply
Most families register for the Baby Bonus automatically during birth registration via the LifeSG app. During this process, parents also choose one of the participating banks—DBS/POSB, OCBC, or UOB—to open the CDA.
How to Make the Most of Your Baby Bonus Benefits
Timing plays a key role in maximising your support.
- Open the CDA early to receive the First Step Grant without delay
- Start regular deposits (even small ones) to unlock full government matching
- Use CDA funds wisely on approved expenses to stretch your child’s benefits
- Pair the Baby Bonus with other schemes like childcare subsidies, MediSave top-ups, or NTUC U Care supports for optimal savings
Even modest monthly contributions can grow significantly when matched dollar-for-dollar by the government.
The Baby Bonus in Numbers: Combined Support Breakdown
For a third child born after 18 February 2025, a family could receive:
- S$13,000 in cash payouts
- S$10,000 First Step Grant
- Up to S$9,000 in matched CDA savings
That’s S$32,000 of support potential—a meaningful cushion that reduces the stress of early parenthood.
For first and second children, the total support remains substantial at up to S$25,000.
Why 2026 Parents Should Take This Seriously
The 2026 Baby Bonus Scheme is more than a symbolic gesture—it’s a financial investment in the future of Singapore’s families.
It recognises the growing costs of raising children, and it offers practical solutions that go beyond cash, encouraging responsible financial planning, early education, and healthcare access from infancy.
With inflation and cost-of-living pressures still present, this support could make the difference between financial stability and constant strain during the most transformative years of a family’s life.
(5) Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Who qualifies for the Baby Bonus Scheme 2026 in Singapore?
Children born on or after 18 February 2025 are eligible if they are Singapore Citizens, and at least one parent is a citizen at the time of birth.
Q2. How much cash will I receive under the Baby Bonus Scheme?
Parents can receive S$11,000 for their first and second child, and S$13,000 for their third and subsequent child, paid in stages from birth through age 6.5.
Q3. What is the Child Development Account (CDA), and how does it work?
The CDA is a government-linked savings account where parents get a First Step Grant and receive dollar-for-dollar matching of their savings, usable for approved education and healthcare expenses.
Q4. How do I apply for the Baby Bonus and CDA?
Most parents apply during birth registration via LifeSG. You’ll also choose your preferred participating bank—DBS/POSB, OCBC, or UOB—to open the CDA.
Q5. Can I maximise the Baby Bonus benefits with other schemes?
Yes. Combine the Baby Bonus with childcare subsidies, MediSave grants, and other government assistance to enhance your total support and savings.