Singapore has introduced a helpful boost for families with young children in Budget 2025. The Child LifeSG Credits scheme gives each eligible child a one-time S$500 bonus. This initiative is designed to help families manage daily expenses while supporting their children’s growth. The bonus will be automatically credited, but parents should understand how eligibility works, when the credits are distributed, and how they can be used.
What Is the S$500 Child LifeSG Bonus?
The Child LifeSG Credits scheme provides a S$500 credit for each qualifying child. Instead of requiring parents to submit an application, the credits are automatically added to the child’s profile in the LifeSG mobile app. This makes it easy for families to receive the benefit securely and without any extra paperwork. The credits are intended to be used for child-related expenses, making them a practical support for households.
Who Can Receive the Bonus?
The bonus is available for Singapore Citizen children who are 12 years old or younger in 2025, which means children born in 2013 or later are eligible. Each child must have an active Child Development Account, also known as CDA, which is usually opened under the Baby Bonus Scheme. The parent or guardian who manages the CDA will receive the credits on behalf of the child. This ensures the funds are used directly for the child’s needs. It’s important to note that Permanent Residents and foreign children are not eligible.
How Parents Can Access the Bonus
Parents do not need to apply to receive the bonus. Once a child has an active CDA, the S$500 credit will automatically appear in the LifeSG app. Parents can log in using their SingPass account to check the balance and track the credits. The app will notify parents through an SMS or in-app message once the bonus is successfully credited. This automated system makes it easy for families to get the benefit without delays or complicated steps.
When Will the Bonus Be Credited?
The government has set specific timelines for distribution. For children born between 2013 and 2024, the credits will be available from Aug 2025. Children born in 2025 will receive the bonus by April 2026 after their CDA accounts are activated. Families should use the credits before the expiration date, usually one year from the issue date, to avoid losing the benefit.
How Can the Credits Be Used?
The S$500 credits can be spent at approved merchants across Singapore. Payments can be made using PayNow UEN QR codes or NETS QR codes, making it convenient to use at hawker centres, supermarkets, tuition centres, enrichment classes, and retail stores. Parents can choose to spend the credits on daily necessities, educational programs, or enrichment activities, giving flexibility for households with different needs.
Can the Bonus Be Withdrawn as Cash?
The credits are not designed to be converted into cash. While some families have tried using e-wallets to indirectly access the funds, this is not recommended. The government intends for the credits to support children’s expenses directly, and using them at approved merchants ensures they serve the purpose of helping families and children.
Why Singapore Introduced This Bonus
The Child LifeSG Credits align with the government’s broader goals to support families and encourage responsible financial planning. Rising living costs have put pressure on households, and this initiative provides immediate relief while promoting long-term savings through CDA accounts. By ensuring the credits are spent within Singapore, the scheme also helps local businesses. It supports families in meeting their children’s needs while contributing to the economy.
The S$500 Child LifeSG Bonus in 2025 is more than just a one-time payment. It is a practical way to ease financial pressures on families, encourage thoughtful spending, and support children’s development. With automatic disbursement, simple tracking through the LifeSG app, and flexible usage options, parents can make the most of this benefit. Using the credits wisely before they expire ensures children gain both practical and educational advantages from this initiative.