The Baby Bonus scheme is Singapore's cash gift and savings programme for newborn children. It has two components: a cash gift paid directly to parents, and a Child Development Account where the government matches your savings. Combined, the Baby Bonus can be worth up to $14,000 or more per child, depending on birth order and how much you save.
What Is the Baby Bonus Scheme?
The Baby Bonus is a financial support package introduced by the Singapore government to encourage families to have more children. It is available to Singapore Citizens born on or after 1 January 2023. You must be legally married parents to qualify for the full benefit.
Baby Bonus First Step Grant
Every eligible baby receives an automatic $3,000 First Step Grant deposited into their Child Development Account (CDA) at birth. You do not need to apply separately for this - it is credited automatically once you register the birth. This money can be used for childcare, medical, and approved education expenses until the child turns 12.
The Cash Gift Component
| Birth Order | Cash Gift | Government CDA Matching Cap |
|---|---|---|
| 1st child | $8,000 | $3,000 |
| 2nd child | $10,000 | $6,000 |
| 3rd child | $10,000 | $9,000 |
| 4th child and above | $10,000 | $9,000 |
The cash gift is paid in instalments. The first payment is made within one week of successful application.
How to Claim Your Baby Bonus
- Register your baby's birth at a hospital or ICA
- Apply for the Baby Bonus via the LifeSG app or Baby Bonus Online portal within 12 months of birth
- Link or open a Child Development Account (CDA) at DBS, POSB, OCBC, or UOB
- The First Step Grant is credited automatically within days
- Cash gift payments follow over the next 6 to 18 months in scheduled instalments
- Add money to your CDA to receive the government matching funds
Making the Most of Your Baby Bonus
The government matching in the CDA is effectively free money - but only if you save. For the first child, saving $3,000 in the CDA means the government adds another $3,000, giving you $6,000 total. For a third child, saving $9,000 doubles to $18,000 in the CDA. Use the Savings Goal Calculator to plan how much to set aside each month to maximise your CDA matching before your child turns 12. The Baby Expense Estimator helps you see how the Baby Bonus fits into your first-year budget, and Making Childcare More Affordable shows how CDA funds can offset childcare costs. Explore the full picture at the Family Finance Hub.