Raising children in Singapore is both rewarding and challenging, especially when it comes to managing childcare, healthcare, and everyday household costs.
To provide meaningful relief, the government has rolled out a new family support initiative under the Large Families Scheme (LFS).
Starting from 10 September 2025, eligible families will receive S$1,000 in LifeSG Credits per child every year, helping larger households balance their finances in one of Asia’s highest-cost cities.
From April 2026 onwards, these annual credits will be distributed each April, ensuring consistency and predictability for families.
What Is the Large Families Scheme?
The Large Families Scheme (LFS) is Singapore’s latest long-term measure to strengthen financial support for households raising three or more children. It is designed to lighten the cost of raising multiple children while encouraging population growth and improving overall family well-being.
Under this scheme, eligible families will benefit from:
- S$1,000 annual LifeSG Credits for each eligible child aged 1–6.
- Doubled CDA First Step Grant for third or later children.
- S$5,000 MediSave top-up for mothers giving birth to their third or subsequent child.
- Exclusive partner deals and discounts on daily essentials and family activities.
This package offers both immediate relief through digital credits and long-term assistance via healthcare and childcare grants.
Key Benefits Under the Scheme
1. Annual LifeSG Credits
Every eligible child will receive S$1,000 per year credited into the family’s LifeSG wallet.
Eligibility requirements:
- Child must be aged 1–6 years old.
- Child must be a Singapore citizen.
- Household must have at least three living Singaporean children.
- Child must be enrolled in the Baby Bonus Scheme.
Upcoming Payment Dates:
- 10 September 2025 – First payout.
- April 2026 onwards – Annual disbursements each April, if eligibility is confirmed by 1 March.
Parents or CDA trustees will receive an SMS notification from “gov.sg” once the credits are deposited.
2. Doubled CDA First Step Grant
Families with three or more children will see the Child Development Account (CDA) First Step Grant doubled.
- Previous: S$5,000.
- New: S$10,000 (for third or subsequent children born after 18 February 2025).
This money is automatically credited into the child’s CDA and can be used for:
- Preschool and childcare fees.
- Medical bills and vaccinations.
- Educational materials and essentials.
3. Large Family MediSave Grant
To further assist with healthcare costs, mothers who give birth to their third or later child after 18 February 2025 will receive a S$5,000 MediSave top-up.
This can help pay for:
- Prenatal and delivery care.
- Postpartum recovery costs.
- Long-term healthcare expenses.
4. Partner Discounts and Perks
Alongside credits and grants, participating businesses will provide special discounts for families, including:
- Grocery and supermarket purchases.
- Dining and takeaway options.
- Children’s clothes, furniture, and toys.
- Indoor playgrounds and attractions.
- Transport services.
These can be redeemed through the LifeSG app or directly at participating merchants.
How Families Can Use LifeSG Credits
The LifeSG Credits are highly flexible and can be spent on daily essentials. They are accepted at merchants that support PayNow UEN QR or NETS QR.
Examples include:
- Buying groceries at NTUC FairPrice, Sheng Siong, and Giant.
- Paying tuition, childcare, or transport fees.
- Covering healthcare and pharmacy bills.
- Paying utility or mobile bills.
- Purchasing everyday essentials at partnered retailers.
This ensures families have the freedom to spend where they need support most.
Financial Support Summary
Here’s a breakdown of the scheme’s upcoming benefits:
| Benefit Type | Amount | Eligibility | Start Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| LifeSG Credits (Annual) | S$1,000 per eligible child | Child aged 1–6; third or later child | 10 Sep 2025; then every April |
| CDA First Step Grant | S$10,000 (one-time) | Third or later child born after 18 Feb 2025 | Immediate |
| MediSave Grant for Mothers | S$5,000 top-up | Mothers giving birth to third+ child after Feb 2025 | Immediate |
| Partner Discounts | Varies | All families under scheme | Throughout 2025–2026 |
Why This Matters for Singapore Families
Singapore’s cost of living has been steadily rising, with childcare, healthcare, and groceries among the biggest household expenses. For families with three or more children, these costs can add up quickly.
By offering direct annual credits, enhanced CDA grants, and MediSave support, the government provides both short-term relief and long-term financial stability. The upcoming September 2025 payout marks the start of a new era of targeted family support in Singapore.
The introduction of S$1,000 LifeSG Credits beginning on 10 September 2025 is a milestone in Singapore’s family support policies.
By combining direct financial aid with CDA and MediSave enhancements, the Large Families Scheme ensures that parents of larger households get meaningful, practical relief.
From 2026 onwards, families can look forward to annual April disbursements, giving them predictable and reliable financial help. This initiative shows that Singapore is serious about valuing families and supporting them as they raise the next generation.
Families are encouraged to check their LifeSG app from 10 September 2025 to confirm their credits and plan their household spending wisely.
FAQs
Who qualifies for the S$1,000 LifeSG Credits?
Families with three or more Singaporean children. Each third or subsequent child aged 1–6 years qualifies for the payout.
When will the payments be made?
The first payout is on 10 September 2025. From April 2026 onwards, credits will be distributed annually each April.
Do I need to apply for the credits?
No application is needed. Credits will be automatically disbursed into the LifeSG wallet of the child’s CDA trustee.
