Singapore’s Baby Bonus Scheme gives new parents a cash gift and savings support to help with the costs of raising a child. Right now many families are asking whether the cash amount will go up in 2026 because living expenses keep rising and the government is very focused on encouraging more births.
The scheme has already seen good improvements in recent years. With Budget 2026 coming in February, parents are hoping for another positive change to make starting or growing a family a little easier.
Current Cash Gift Amounts
For babies born on or after 18 February 2025 the cash gift is:
- First and second child: S$11,000
- Third and subsequent child: S$13,000
The money is paid in stages over the first few years of the child’s life.
The CDA First Step Grant
Every eligible newborn automatically receives S$5,000 free into their Child Development Account (CDA).
For third and later children under the Large Families Scheme this jumps to S$10,000.
Dollar-for-Dollar Matching
Parents can add their own savings to the CDA and the government matches every dollar up to a cap (usually S$3,000–S$6,000 per child depending on birth order).
This matching can turn small monthly savings into a much larger education or medical fund.
Who Can Get the Benefits?
The child must be a Singapore citizen. At least one parent should be a citizen (or meet special conditions if both are PRs).
The scheme is open to both married and eligible unmarried parents.
How the Money Is Paid
The cash gift comes in instalments at birth, 12 months, 18 months and 24 months. The CDA First Step Grant is deposited soon after birth registration.
Possible Changes in Budget 2026
No official increase has been confirmed yet. However, the government has a strong track record of regularly enhancing the cash gift and CDA support when family formation is a national priority.
Many experts expect at least a modest bump in the cash gift or higher matching caps in the next Budget.
Baby Bonus at a Glance (Current as of late 2025)
| Birth Order | Cash Gift Total | CDA First Step Grant | Matching Cap (Typical) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st or 2nd | S$11,000 | S$5,000 | Up to S$3,000–S$6,000 |
| 3rd and subsequent | S$13,000 | S$10,000 (Large Families) | Higher caps |
The Baby Bonus Scheme already provides strong, practical help for new parents with cash gifts up to S$13,000 and generous CDA matching. While no increase is confirmed for 2026 yet, Budget announcements in February often bring welcome surprises for families.
Visit the Made For Families portal or LifeSG app today to read the latest official details and see what you qualify for if you’re expecting or planning a baby. Keep an eye on February’s Budget speech – it could bring even more support!