Having a baby changes everything. Overnight, your priorities shift from weekend plans to diapers, milk powder, childcare, and medical visits. In Singapore, those costs add up fast. That’s why the Baby Bonus Scheme 2026 continues to play a big role for families welcoming a new child.
For children born on or after 18 February 2025, the scheme remains enhanced, offering both immediate cash help and longer-term savings support. It’s not just about one payout. It’s about giving parents some breathing space during the most expensive early years.
Why the Baby Bonus Scheme 2026 Matters
Here’s the honest truth. Raising a child isn’t cheap, especially in the first few years when expenses arrive before you’ve had time to adjust your budget.
The Baby Bonus Scheme 2026 tackles this in two ways:
- Cash to help with daily and short-term costs
- Savings support to prepare for childcare, healthcare, and education
It doesn’t cover everything, but it reduces the financial shock many parents feel after childbirth.
Baby Bonus Cash Gift: What Parents Receive
The Baby Bonus Cash Gift is paid out in stages, starting soon after birth and continuing through early childhood. This helps parents manage expenses as they arise, instead of receiving everything at once.
| Birth Order | Total Cash Gift | How It’s Paid |
|---|---|---|
| First and second child | S$11,000 | Up to S$9,000 in first 18 months, then S$400 every six months until age 6.5 |
| Third and subsequent child | S$13,000 | Same schedule, higher total support |
These amounts apply to eligible Singapore Citizen children under the Baby Bonus Scheme 2026.
Child Development Account (CDA): The Long-Term Support
Beyond cash, the Child Development Account (CDA) is where long-term planning happens.
Once the CDA is opened, a First Step Grant is deposited automatically:
- S$5,000 for first and second child
- S$10,000 for third and subsequent child born from 18 February 2025
On top of that, the government matches parents’ savings dollar-for-dollar, up to a cap based on birth order. CDA funds can be used for approved expenses like childcare fees, medical bills, and education costs.
Think of it as a savings boost that grows faster because the government contributes alongside you.
Eligibility and How to Apply
Eligibility is straightforward:
- The child must be a Singapore Citizen
- At least one parent must be a citizen at birth
If citizenship is obtained later, benefits are adjusted accordingly. Most parents apply during birth registration through LifeSG. You’ll also select a bank, DBS or POSB, OCBC, or UOB, to open the CDA.
How to Maximise Your Baby Bonus Benefits
Timing matters. Open the CDA early so the First Step Grant is credited quickly. Make regular deposits to unlock the full government matching. Even small monthly amounts add up over time, especially with matching contributions.
When combined with childcare subsidies and other family schemes, the Baby Bonus Scheme 2026 helps build a solid financial base for your child’s early years.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Baby Bonus Scheme 2026 automatic?
Most benefits are processed automatically once you register your child’s birth and apply through LifeSG. However, parents still need to open the CDA with a participating bank to receive the grants and matching contributions.
Can CDA money be withdrawn as cash?
No. CDA funds are restricted to approved uses such as childcare, healthcare, and education expenses. This ensures the money directly benefits the child’s development.
Does the scheme differ for large families?
Yes. Under the Large Families Scheme, third and subsequent children receive higher cash gifts and a larger CDA First Step Grant, offering stronger support for bigger households.