Singapore’s $16,000 Child Bonus 2025 – Full Eligibility and Payment Guide

As Singapore continues to encourage marriage and parenthood, the government has unveiled a major new incentive for larger families. From 18 February 2025, parents of their third or subsequent Singapore Citizen child will receive up to $16,000 in support under the enhanced Large Families Scheme (LFS).

This is a significant expansion of the well-established Baby Bonus scheme, aimed at easing the financial burden of raising children in one of the world’s most expensive cities. Here’s a complete breakdown of the package, eligibility rules, payment timelines, and how families can register to claim.

What Is the $16,000 Singapore Child Bonus?

The $16,000 Child Bonus is part of a government-backed scheme that provides financial support to Singaporean families with newborns. It is structured to cover early childhood costs such as healthcare, childcare, and education.

The package includes three main components:

• Cash Gifts – Direct cash disbursements to parents.
• Child Development Account (CDA) Benefits – Government-matched contributions for approved child expenses.
• Baby Bonus Support – Long-term assistance for essentials and family planning.

The 2025 enhancement strengthens the financial aid already available, ensuring that larger families receive substantial additional support.

Eligibility Criteria for the $16,000 Child Bonus

To qualify for the new bonus, families must meet the following requirements:

• The child must be a Singapore Citizen born on or after 18 February 2025.
• The baby must be the third or subsequent child in the family.
• The child must be born to legally married parents.
• Under the Large Families Scheme, extra benefits such as the MediSave Grant and LifeSG Credits only apply to children born from the eligibility date onwards.

This design ensures that support is targeted at larger households, where financial needs are typically greater.

Breakdown of the $16,000 Support

The total $16,000 package is not a single lump sum but is delivered through multiple channels:

• $5,000 Large Family MediSave Grant – Credited directly into the mother’s MediSave account to help cover medical expenses.
• $5,000 CDA First Step Grant – Automatically deposited into the child’s Child Development Account when opened.
• Up to $6,000 in LifeSG Credits – Paid out as $1,000 annually until the child turns six, providing consistent support throughout early childhood.

Together, these components form the $16,000 support framework, giving families a mix of immediate and ongoing benefits.

Payment Dates and Disbursement Schedule

The official payment date for the $16,000 bonus has not yet been confirmed, but the government has outlined the disbursement process:

• Cash Gifts are paid into the nominated bank account of parents after registration.
• CDA contributions are matched once the CDA is set up.
• MediSave Grant is credited directly into the mother’s account.
• LifeSG Credits of $1,000 per year will be issued automatically until the child reaches age six.

This staggered system ensures both immediate relief and ongoing support for families.

How to Apply for the $16,000 Child Bonus 2025

Applying for the scheme involves a few key steps:

• Register the Birth and sign up for the Baby Bonus Scheme through the LifeSG app or website.
• Choose a participating bank (DBS/POSB, OCBC, or UOB) to set up your child’s CDA account.
• The CDA First Step Grant and co-matching amounts will be credited once the account is active.
• Cash gifts will be paid to the nominated parental account.
• The MediSave Grant will be transferred directly to the mother’s MediSave account.
• Parents will automatically receive $1,000 LifeSG credits annually until the child is six.

The LifeSG app and participating banks also provide a digital dashboard for families to track payments and balances.

Why the Scheme Matters for Families

Raising children in Singapore comes with high costs, from childcare fees to healthcare and education. The Large Families Scheme acknowledges this burden and aims to:

• Support family growth in a sustainable way.
• Reduce financial stress for households with three or more children.
• Encourage more parents to consider larger families in line with national demographic goals.

The government’s move reflects a long-term strategy to balance population challenges with family support policies.

Fact Check: Key Clarifications

• Only third and subsequent children born on or after 18 February 2025 qualify.
• The $16,000 is not a lump sum – it combines MediSave, CDA, and LifeSG Credits.
• Families must be legally married to qualify for the Baby Bonus.
• Exact payment schedules are still subject to official announcements.

For the most accurate information, families should always check the official government website or LifeSG app.

Staying Informed and Prepared

Families should:

• Register early on the LifeSG app.
• Ensure bank and personal details are updated.
• Track CDA contributions regularly.
• Use LifeSG credits for eligible expenses such as healthcare, childcare, and school supplies.

By being proactive, parents can maximise the benefits of this new support package.

FAQs

Q1: Who qualifies for the $16,000 Singapore Child Bonus 2025?
Parents of the third or subsequent Singapore Citizen child, born on or after 18 February 2025, provided they are legally married.

Q2: Is the $16,000 given as a lump sum?
No. It is split into a MediSave Grant, CDA benefits, and LifeSG credits, distributed over several years.

Q3: How do I apply for the bonus?
Through the LifeSG app or website, followed by CDA account setup with DBS/POSB, OCBC, or UOB.

Q4: When will the payments start?
The government has not released an official date, but payments will begin once registration and CDA setup are completed.

Q5: Can foreign-born children qualify?
No. Only Singapore Citizen infants born on or after the eligibility date are included.