Raising a child can be costly, but Singapore’s Baby Bonus Scheme helps ease financial stress by providing cash payouts and savings support through the Child Development Account (CDA). As part of the Marriage and Parenthood Package, this initiative aims to help parents manage early childhood expenses more effectively.
For 2025, higher payouts and increased CDA contributions have been introduced, especially for larger families. If you are expecting a child or recently welcomed a newborn, here’s everything you need to know about eligibility, payout schedules, and application steps.
Baby Bonus 2025 – Key Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Cash Gift | Up to S$13,000 per child |
| CDA First Step Grant | S$5,000 (increased to S$10,000 for third and subsequent children) |
| Government Co-Matching | Up to S$15,000 for the Child Development Account (CDA) |
| Eligibility | Singapore Citizen children born on or after 14 February 2023 |
| Application Platform | LifeSG (Online registration portal) |
| First Payout Timing | Within 7 to 10 working days after application approval |
With enhanced benefits and higher savings contributions, the Baby Bonus 2025 ensures families receive financial support for their child’s upbringing.
What is the Baby Bonus Scheme?
The Baby Bonus Scheme consists of two main components:
1. Baby Bonus Cash Gift – Direct Payouts for Parents
Parents receive a cash gift in multiple installments, helping cover early childhood expenses.
| Age of Child | 1st & 2nd Child (S$) | 3rd & Subsequent Children (S$) |
|---|---|---|
| At Birth | S$3,000 | S$4,000 |
| 6 Months | S$1,500 | S$2,000 |
| 12 Months | S$1,500 | S$2,000 |
| 18 Months | S$1,000 | S$1,000 |
| Every 6 Months (Up to Age 6.5) | S$400 | S$400 |
This staggered payment schedule ensures that families receive continuous financial support throughout their child’s early years.
2. Child Development Account (CDA) – Matched Savings for Your Child
The CDA is a special savings account where the government matches parental contributions dollar-for-dollar up to a specific limit.
| Birth Order | CDA Matching Limit (S$) |
|---|---|
| First Child | Up to S$4,000 |
| Second Child | Up to S$7,000 |
| Third & Fourth Child | Up to S$9,000 |
| Fifth Child & Beyond | Up to S$15,000 |
Additionally, from 18 February 2025, the CDA First Step Grant for third and subsequent children increases from S$5,000 to S$10,000, providing greater financial support for larger families.
Who is Eligible for the Baby Bonus Scheme?
To qualify for Baby Bonus benefits, families must meet the following criteria:
- The child must be a Singapore Citizen at birth or obtain citizenship within 12 months.
- Parents must be legally married at the time of application (except for CDA, which is available to all eligible children).
- Children born on or after 14 February 2023 qualify for the latest payout rates.
How to Apply for the Baby Bonus Scheme?
Eligible parents can apply online through LifeSG, a government platform designed to streamline birth registration and financial benefits.
Step 1: Register the Child’s Birth
- Visit the LifeSG website or download the LifeSG app.
- Log in using Singpass and complete the birth registration process.
Step 2: Apply for Baby Bonus Benefits
- While registering the birth, select Baby Bonus Scheme enrollment.
- Provide details such as:
- Parents’ bank account details for cash payouts.
- Choice of CDA bank (DBS, OCBC, or UOB).
Step 3: Receive Your First Payout
- The first S$3,000 cash gift will be deposited within 7 to 10 working days.
- The CDA First Step Grant will be credited within 2 weeks after opening the account.
Baby Bonus 2025 Payout Schedule
| Payout Type | Timing |
|---|---|
| First Cash Payout | Within 7 to 10 working days after application approval |
| CDA First Step Grant | Within 2 weeks of account opening |
| Subsequent Cash Payouts | Every 6 months until the child turns 6.5 years old |
| CDA Matching Funds | Deposited within 2 weeks of parental contributions |
Maximizing Your Baby Bonus Benefits
To make the most of the Baby Bonus Scheme, parents should:
- Apply early via LifeSG to receive first payouts quickly.
- Utilize CDA matching by contributing early to maximize government co-matching funds.
- Choose an eligible bank (DBS, OCBC, or UOB) to ensure seamless CDA transactions.
- Keep track of payout dates to plan for child-related expenses.
The Bottom Line
The Baby Bonus 2025 Scheme provides significant financial support to help parents manage the costs of raising a child in Singapore. With higher cash payouts, increased CDA grants, and additional benefits for larger families, this initiative aims to make parenthood more affordable.
Eligible parents should apply early through LifeSG to secure their benefits on time and maximize CDA co-matching contributions.
If you’re welcoming a newborn in 2025, this is the best time to take advantage of the Baby Bonus Scheme and ensure your child’s financial well-being from the start.
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Aanchal is a passionate writer with a keen interest in storytelling, content creation, and creative expression. She enjoys exploring diverse topics and crafting engaging narratives that captivate readers.