To encourage family growth and reduce the financial pressures of raising children, the Singapore government continues to offer the Baby Bonus Scheme in 2025, a robust support package that includes cash gifts, Child Development Account (CDA) contributions, and First Step Grants. Designed to ease early childhood costs, the scheme supports Singaporean parents through every major developmental stage—from birth to pre-school.
Baby Bonus Scheme 2025
Overview
| Key Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Total benefit value | Up to $24,000 per child, depending on birth order |
| Eligibility | Singaporean children born to married parents (or legally adopted) |
| Components | Cash Gift, CDA First Step, CDA Dollar-for-Dollar Matching |
| Payout schedule | Staggered over 18 months and up to child’s 12th birthday |
| Application requirement | Yes – via LifeSG app or Baby Bonus Online |
| Official portal | www.babybonus.msf.gov.sg |
Why This Scheme Exists
Singapore continues to face declining birth rates and increasing child-raising costs. The Baby Bonus Scheme is a vital part of the Marriage and Parenthood Package, offering direct financial support to offset medical bills, infant care, childcare, and educational expenses.
The government aims to reduce the early financial burden on new families while promoting a child-friendly, pro-family society.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the Baby Bonus Scheme in 2025:
- The child must be a Singapore citizen
- The child must be born on or after 1 January 2015
- The parents must be lawfully married (exceptions apply for certain adoption cases)
- For the CDA component, the child must be enrolled in the scheme via Baby Bonus Online
Children born overseas to Singaporean parents may also be eligible, provided they obtain citizenship within 12 months of birth and fulfill registration requirements.
Breakdown of Baby Bonus Benefits
The scheme consists of three major components:
- Baby Bonus Cash Gift
- $11,000 for the first and second child
- $13,000 for the third and subsequent children
- Disbursed in 5 staggered payments from birth to 18 months
- CDA First Step Grant
- A one-time $5,000 grant deposited into the child’s CDA upon account opening
- No matching required by parents
- CDA Dollar-for-Dollar Matching
- Government matches every dollar parents deposit, up to:
- $4,000 for the first child
- $7,000 for the second child
- $9,000 for the third and fourth child
- $15,000 for the fifth and subsequent child
- Matching continues up to the child’s 12th birthday
- Government matches every dollar parents deposit, up to:
Total Potential Benefits (Per Child):
| Child Order | Cash Gift | CDA First Step | CDA Matching | Total Support |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st Child | $11,000 | $5,000 | $4,000 | $20,000 |
| 2nd Child | $11,000 | $5,000 | $7,000 | $23,000 |
| 3rd+ Child | $13,000 | $5,000 | $9,000–$15,000 | $27,000–$33,000 |
Payment Timeline
Cash Gift Disbursement:
- $3,000 at birth registration or within 7–10 days of applying
- $1,500 at the child’s 6th, 12th, and 15th months
- $2,000 at the child’s 18th month
CDA benefits begin as soon as the account is opened, and the First Step Grant is credited immediately after enrollment. Matching contributions are made within 2 weeks of each deposit by the parent.
Automatic vs Manual Disbursement
- Cash Gifts are automatically credited after successful enrolment in the Baby Bonus Scheme
- CDA First Step Grant is disbursed once the account is set up
- Dollar-for-dollar matching happens only when parents voluntarily contribute
Note: Parents must open a CDA with any of the participating banks (POSB/DBS, OCBC, or UOB) and link it through the Baby Bonus system.
How to Apply and Check Status
You can apply via:
- The LifeSG app (recommended for seamless access to all parenthood benefits)
- Baby Bonus Online Portal at www.babybonus.msf.gov.sg
Application steps:
- Log in with Singpass
- Provide child’s birth certificate and parent NRIC details
- Select preferred CDA bank
- Track application and payout status via portal or app
Application should ideally be made within 3 months of birth to ensure timely payouts.
Tips on Using the Benefits Wisely
The Baby Bonus components are meant to reduce child-raising costs. Smart ways to use the benefits include:
- Paying for infant care or childcare services
- Covering vaccinations, health checkups, and baby supplies
- Using CDA funds for approved uses such as medical expenses, pre-school fees, special education, and healthcare institutions
Parents should also consider saving CDA funds gradually to maximize government matching.
A Long-Term Commitment to Families
The Baby Bonus Scheme is part of Singapore’s larger national strategy to make parenthood more affordable and rewarding. Alongside schemes like the Parenthood Tax Rebate, childcare subsidies, and enhanced maternity/paternity leave, it plays a major role in building confident, financially supported families.
As costs rise, the government has pledged to periodically enhance the scheme so families can continue welcoming children without hesitation about the financial burden.
FAQs
Q1: Can single parents apply for the Baby Bonus Scheme?
A: The scheme is generally for married couples, but certain exceptions apply. Visit the official portal for full guidelines.
Q2: Is there a deadline to open the CDA?
A: Yes. To receive full matching, the CDA must be opened before the child turns 12. Earlier is better.
Q3: Can I open the CDA at any bank?
A: No. Only DBS/POSB, OCBC, and UOB are approved CDA banks.
Q4: What if I miss a payout?
A: You can log into the Baby Bonus portal to check for delays or errors. Most issues are resolved quickly.
Q5: Can foreigners or PRs get the Baby Bonus?
A: No. The scheme is strictly for Singaporean children only.