Singapore’s Enhanced S$3,000 Baby Bonus, A 2025 Guide for New Parents
Starting in 2025, Singapore is stepping up efforts to help new parents by upgrading the Baby Bonus Scheme. This move is aimed at easing the financial load that comes with raising children, while also encouraging more Singaporeans to start or expand their families. Let’s take a closer look at what’s changing and how families stand to benefit.
What’s New in the Baby Bonus Scheme?
The Baby Bonus Scheme has long served as a key support tool for parents, providing financial assistance from the moment a child is born up until they reach 6.5 years of age. The scheme offers a combination of cash payouts, a first deposit into the child’s Child Development Account (CDA), and matching contributions from the government to stretch parental savings further.
More Cash Support for Parents
From 2025 onward, the cash component of the Baby Bonus will be increased by $3,000 for every eligible child. Families welcoming their first or second child will now receive $11,000, a jump from the previous $8,000. For the third child and beyond, the payout will increase from $10,000 to $13,000.
The cash gift will continue to be disbursed in stages. For the first and second child, an initial $3,000 will be given at birth, while third and subsequent children will receive $4,000 upfront. Additional payments will follow at the 6-month, 12-month, and 18-month marks. Between the ages of 2 and 6.5 years, parents will also receive biannual payouts of $400, offering steady support through early childhood years.
Upgraded Support Through the Child Development Account
A major part of the scheme, the CDA, helps parents cover medical and educational costs. The First Step Grant—automatically credited when the account is opened—will be increased from $3,000 to $5,000. This gives families a stronger financial foundation from the start.
The government has also raised its co-matching contribution limits. For the first child, the cap increases from $3,000 to $4,000; for the second child, it moves up from $6,000 to $7,000. The matching caps for the third and subsequent children will remain the same. This means parents who top up the CDA can unlock more matching funds to support their child’s development.
What This Means for Families
These 2025 changes mark a meaningful step forward in supporting families, especially new parents. From helping with hospital and childcare costs to long-term education planning, the improved Baby Bonus Scheme provides tangible relief. The goal is to reduce the financial strain of parenting and create an environment where more families feel ready to have children.
How to Sign Up for the Baby Bonus Scheme
To be eligible, the child must be a Singapore citizen, and parents must be legally married. Applications can be submitted as early as eight weeks before the expected due date. Required documents include both parents’ NRICs, a copy of their marriage certificate, and bank account details for the payout.
Parents can apply online using the LifeSG app or through the official Baby Bonus Portal, making the process straightforward and accessible.
Additional Family Support from the Government
Apart from the Baby Bonus, Singapore is also making adjustments to other family-friendly benefits. From the 2025 Year of Assessment, the Working Mother’s Child Relief will be calculated as a fixed dollar amount instead of a percentage of income, making it more transparent and accessible.
Revisions have also been made to the Foreign Domestic Worker Levy Tax Relief, better targeting support for families who require additional caregiving assistance at home.
A Step Toward a More Family-Friendly Future
The enhanced Baby Bonus Scheme, along with other reforms set for 2025, reflects Singapore’s long-term strategy to support families both financially and practically. By boosting payouts, improving accessibility, and updating related reliefs, the government aims to help parents feel more confident and supported as they raise the next generation.
These measures not only reduce financial pressure but also promote a more family-centered society—one where children are welcomed and supported from day one.
