Singapore’s 2025 Baby Bonus Expansion, Is Your Child Now Eligible for $24,000 in Perks?

Raising children is expensive, and many couples delay or reconsider starting a family because of the financial burden. Singapore, like many developed nations, has been struggling with a declining birth rate for years. To help ease the costs of having and raising children, the government has introduced a major upgrade to its Baby Bonus Scheme in 2025, and it’s the biggest change since the program was first launched.

If you’re expecting a baby or recently had one, this update could make a real difference in your household budget. Let’s break it all down in detail.

1. Bigger Cash Gifts to Support the Early Years

One of the most exciting improvements is the increase in direct cash gifts to parents. From 2025 onwards, parents can receive between $13,000 and $15,000 in cash, depending on whether it’s their first child or a subsequent one.

Here’s how it works:

• Parents will receive a Baby Bonus Cash Gift of up to $11,000, which is paid out in several installments over the first 18 months of the child’s life.
• In addition to that, families will receive a First-Step CDA Grant of $4,000, which is automatically credited into the child’s development account.

To make life easier during the critical first few months after birth, the government has decided to front-load the payments. This means parents will now receive larger sums earlier, helping them manage expenses like:

• Hospital delivery bills
• Infant formula and baby food
• Diapers and baby clothes
• Vaccinations and doctor visits
• Early childcare or confinement nannies

Example: A couple welcoming their second child could receive $15,000 in total, with a significant portion arriving within weeks of the baby’s birth. That money can go a long way in reducing financial stress during what is already a very demanding period.

2. CDA Co-Matching Limit Raised to $9,000

Apart from cash gifts, the government is encouraging parents to save for their child’s future by raising the Child Development Account (CDA) co-matching limit.

Previously, the government would match parental savings in the CDA dollar-for-dollar up to a maximum of $6,000. Now, that cap has been increased to $9,000 for the second child onwards.

This means if parents deposit $9,000 into their child’s CDA, the government will contribute another $9,000. That’s a total of $18,000 available for the child’s needs.

What can CDA funds be used for?

• Paying preschool and childcare fees
• Buying MediSave-approved health insurance
• Covering healthcare expenses at polyclinics or hospitals
• Purchasing educational materials

This increase encourages parents to plan ahead and build a strong foundation for their children’s education and well-being.

3. Faster and Easier Enrolment Process

Applying for the Baby Bonus Scheme is now much simpler. Parents no longer need to deal with lengthy paperwork or wait weeks for approval.

• Applications can be done completely online through the LifeSG app or the Baby Bonus Portal.
• Approvals are now processed in less than five working days, compared to the longer waiting times in the past.
• Cash disbursements start within two weeks of the child’s birth registration.

Parents also do not need to submit separate bank details or physical forms, making the entire process more seamless and efficient.

4. Inclusive Benefits for All Families

Another major change is that the Baby Bonus Scheme has been expanded to include unmarried mothers and adoptive parents, who previously did not receive the same level of support as married couples.

This policy shift reflects Singapore’s growing commitment to family inclusivity and ensures that every child, regardless of their parents’ marital status, gets the same start in life.

Lower-income families will also benefit more because they can now use the Baby Support Grant to top up CDA contributions, which will then be matched by the government. Additional help is being provided for:

• Babies born prematurely
• Children with developmental delays or special needs

This ensures that families who need more support receive it when it matters most.

5. Why You Should Apply Quickly

If you are expecting a child in 2025 or recently gave birth, it is important to check your eligibility and register as soon as possible. With the enhanced scheme, a family could receive up to $24,000 per child, which can significantly reduce the financial pressure of parenthood.

The funds can help pay for essential items, offset healthcare costs, and provide a cushion for unexpected expenses. More importantly, it allows parents to focus on bonding with and caring for their baby rather than worrying about money.

Example: Sarah and Daniel, a young couple in Singapore, welcomed their first child in March 2025. By enrolling in the Baby Bonus Scheme early, they received $13,000 in cash gifts and saved an additional $9,000 in their child’s CDA, which was matched by the government. That’s a total of $22,000 in support to help them through the early years.

Final Thoughts

The 2025 Baby Bonus enhancement is more than just financial aid. It’s a bold investment in Singapore’s future, aimed at making parenthood more affordable and encouraging couples to have children.

With higher payouts, faster approvals, and more inclusive eligibility rules, this scheme will provide families with the resources they need during one of the most important stages of life.

If you or someone you know is having a baby this year, visit the LifeSG app or Baby Bonus Portal today. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to give your child the best possible start.

FAQs