Baby Bonus and CDA 2026: Cash Gift, First Step Grant, Co-Matching and How to Apply
Last verified: 31 October 2026. Short answer: a Singapore citizen child gets a Baby Bonus Cash Gift of S$11,000 (first and second child) or S$13,000 (third and later), paid every 6 months until age 6.5, plus a Child Development Account (CDA) with a First Step Grant of S$5,000 or S$10,000 and dollar-for-dollar Government co-matching up to a cap [LifeSG] [MSF]. Apply on LifeSG, usually as part of birth registration, then open the CDA and Child Savings Account (CSA) with POSB/DBS, OCBC or UOB [LifeSG]. The SG Child Support Package announced at the 2026 National Day Rally will replace the Baby Bonus Scheme, and enrolled children will be moved over automatically [LifeSG].
Talreon is not an official government site. We are an independent publisher and are not affiliated with MSF (Ministry of Social and Family Development) or LifeSG. This page explains the process in our own words; the agency's own website and notices are the final word. Educational information only; not financial, tax, legal, or investment advice.
Benefits by birth order
| Birth order | Cash Gift | CDA First Step Grant | Max Government co-matching | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | S$11,000 | S$5,000 | S$4,000 | S$20,000 [LifeSG] |
| 2nd | S$11,000 | S$5,000 | S$7,000 | S$23,000 [LifeSG] |
| 3rd and 4th | S$13,000 | S$10,000* | S$9,000 | S$32,000 [LifeSG] |
| 5th and later | S$13,000 | S$10,000* | S$15,000 | S$38,000 [LifeSG] |
These amounts apply to Singapore citizen children born on or after 14 February 2023 [LifeSG]. *The S$10,000 First Step Grant applies to third and later children born from 18 February 2025 under the Large Families Scheme (up from S$5,000) [MSF]. Benefits may be pro-rated if the child was not a citizen at birth [LifeSG].
Who is eligible
- The child is 12 or younger [LifeSG].
- The child is a Singapore citizen at birth or becomes one before turning 12 [LifeSG].
- The parents are lawfully married. The CDA First Step Grant also covers children of single unwed parents born on or after 1 September 2016 [LifeSG] [LifeSG CDA].
Step 1: apply on LifeSG
- If your child is born in Singapore and is a citizen, the Baby Bonus application is part of the birth registration on LifeSG [LifeSG].
- If the birth is already registered, or the child is a new citizen or adopted, use the "Apply for Baby Bonus" service [LifeSG].
- Choose POSB/DBS, OCBC or UOB for the CDA and CSA [LifeSG].
The parent who registers the birth or applies becomes the CDA trustee and CSA joint account holder; this can only be changed after the accounts are opened [LifeSG].
Step 2: open the CDA and CSA
After enrolment you get an email and LifeSG app notice with instructions. Both accounts open at the same time in your bank's app or internet banking [LifeSG CDA]. Bank rules differ: POSB/DBS new customers must open a bank account first and those without a local address cannot apply; OCBC foreigners who are new customers must open an account in person first; UOB requires citizens without a local address and foreigners to open in person with MSF's Letter of Authorisation [LifeSG CDA].
How the CDA money arrives
- The First Step Grant is deposited within 2 weeks of opening, excluding public holidays, with no deposit needed [LifeSG CDA].
- Each dollar you save is matched by the Government up to the cap, credited within 2 weeks [LifeSG CDA].
- The Cash Gift goes into the CSA every 6 months until the child is 6.5 [LifeSG].
Example (our arithmetic): for a second child, saving S$7,000 into the CDA brings S$7,000 in co-matching, so the CDA holds S$19,000 with the S$5,000 grant [MSF].
What CDA funds can pay for
Only at Approved Institutions: childcare centres and kindergartens, medical institutions, assistive technology providers, special education schools and early intervention centres, and childminding operators. CDA money cannot be withdrawn as cash [LifeSG CDA].
When the CDA closes
You can save into and use the CDA until 31 December of the year your child turns 12. 15 December that year is the last day for deposits to be matched without delay. Unused funds move to the child's Post-Secondary Education Account (PSEA) up to its cap, and any excess is refunded by PayNow linked to the child's birth certificate number [LifeSG CDA].
Frequently asked questions
How much is the Baby Bonus Cash Gift?
S$11,000 for the first and second child and S$13,000 for the third and later child, paid every 6 months until age 6.5.
How much is the CDA First Step Grant?
S$5,000, or S$10,000 for third and later Singapore citizen children born from 18 February 2025.
Which banks offer the CDA?
POSB/DBS, OCBC and UOB.
Can I withdraw CDA money as cash?
No. It can only be used at Approved Institutions for approved expenses.
Is the Baby Bonus being replaced?
Yes. The SG Child Support Package announced at the 2026 National Day Rally will replace it, and enrolled children will be moved over automatically. Existing payouts continue in the meantime.
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Official sources
Figures and steps on this page were checked against the linked official pages on 31 October 2026. Read our editorial and review process and figures update log. Spotted something out of date? Email support@talreon.com with the page address.
Educational information only; not financial, tax, legal, or investment advice.