In a bold step to address declining birth rates and rising living expenses, Singapore has introduced a boosted Baby Bonus cash gift, raising the payout to $1,500 more per eligible child in 2025. This new enhancement aims to provide additional financial cushioning for parents during the child-raising years, encouraging more couples to start or expand their families. The boost applies to children born from January 1, 2025, onwards.
What’s Included in the New Package
Under the enhanced Baby Bonus Scheme, parents will now receive up to $13,000 in total payouts per child. This includes a $1,500 increase in the cash gift portion and an accelerated disbursement schedule. Additional support such as Child Development Accounts (CDA) top-ups and government matching contributions remain intact, further increasing the overall benefit of the scheme.
Easing the Cost of Parenthood
Singapore’s cost of raising a child has become a growing concern for many families, especially when it comes to education, healthcare, and childcare. By enhancing the Baby Bonus, the government aims to ease these burdens and make parenthood a more financially viable decision. The Ministry of Social and Family Development emphasized that this change is part of a wider national strategy to promote family formation and long-term demographic sustainability.
Application and Disbursement Details
Eligible parents need only register their child’s birth and complete a simple application on the LifeSG app to receive the enhanced benefits. The first tranche of the cash gift will be deposited within one month of registration, with the remaining payments staggered over the next 18 months. CDA benefits will be automatically credited upon account activation.
Broader Family Support Strategy
This Baby Bonus enhancement is part of a larger pro-family initiative that includes expanded parental leave, subsidized childcare, and new housing priority schemes for first-time parents. Singaporean authorities reaffirmed their commitment to making Singapore a great place for families, recognizing that economic stability is closely tied to supporting its younger population and those raising them.