Raising children in Singapore can be expensive, especially for families with three or more kids. To provide extra support and encourage parenthood, the Government has introduced the $16,000 Singapore Citizen Child Bonus 2025. This scheme is part of the new Large Families Scheme and builds on the existing Baby Bonus Programme, giving bigger households more financial relief in a structured and sustainable way.
What the $16,000 Child Bonus Offers
The new child bonus is not a single cash payout. Instead, it is spread out across different areas of support to help families in both the short and long term. Parents who welcome their third or subsequent Singapore Citizen child on or after 18 February 2025 will qualify for this benefit. The bonus includes $5,000 credited to the mother’s MediSave account to help with healthcare expenses, $5,000 as a Child Development Account (CDA) First Step Grant to support education and development needs, and $6,000 worth of LifeSG credits. The credits will be given out as $1,000 per year until the child reaches six years old.
Why the Scheme is Different
One of the key advantages of this scheme is how easy it is for parents. There is no complicated application process. Once the child is registered under the Baby Bonus Scheme, the $16,000 package is activated automatically. The funds are credited directly into the relevant accounts, whether MediSave, CDA, or the LifeSG app, which saves parents from extra paperwork. The money provided through this scheme is also tax-free. That means families can use the full amount for their child’s healthcare, education, and daily needs without worrying about deductions. It is designed to give steady financial relief as children grow.
Who Can Receive the Bonus
To qualify for the $16,000 Child Bonus, the child must be a Singapore Citizen born on or after 18 February 2025. The scheme is only for families welcoming their third or subsequent child, and the child must be born within a legally recognised marriage. First and second-born children, as well as those born before the eligibility date, will not receive this enhanced package. However, they will still benefit from the standard Baby Bonus Scheme, which continues to be available to all eligible families.
When Parents Will Receive the Payments
The exact dates for payment have not yet been confirmed, but the Government has announced that disbursements will begin from late 2025. The CDA First Step Grant will be credited soon after parents open a CDA account with a participating bank such as DBS/POSB, OCBC, or UOB. The MediSave Grant will be transferred directly into the mother’s MediSave account, while the LifeSG credits will appear automatically in the LifeSG app each year until the child turns six.
How Parents Can Register
The process has been made completely digital for convenience. Parents can register their child’s birth and apply for the Baby Bonus Scheme through the LifeSG app or the official Baby Bonus website. Once the CDA account is set up with one of the partner banks, the First Step Grant is automatically credited. At the same time, the MediSave Grant and LifeSG credits are managed by government agencies, so no extra action is needed after the initial registration.
A Closer Look at the $16,000 Package
The package has been structured to provide different types of support for families. The MediSave Grant ensures healthcare costs like vaccinations and medical treatments are covered. The CDA First Step Grant allows parents to save for education and childcare expenses from the start. The LifeSG credits, spread out over six years, give steady annual relief to help manage daily costs of raising a young child. By breaking the bonus into stages, the Government ensures parents do not just receive a one-off payment but instead enjoy consistent support during their child’s early development years.
Why This Bonus Matters
The $16,000 Citizen Child Bonus 2025 shows the Government’s strong commitment to supporting families, especially larger households that face greater financial responsibilities. While it may not remove all the costs of raising children, it provides steady and meaningful assistance that covers key areas like healthcare, savings, and education. For parents managing multiple children, this bonus offers both immediate help and the reassurance of long-term support. It is also a recognition of the important role families play in shaping Singapore’s future. For the most accurate and updated details, families should visit the Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF) website.