Childcare Subsidies in Singapore 2025: A Complete Guide for Parents

Raising a child in Singapore is rewarding, but it can also bring financial strain—especially when both parents are working and childcare becomes a necessity. For some families, grandparents or relatives may lend a hand. But for many, preschool, infant care, or kindergarten are essential parts of daily life.

The cost of early education and care can quickly add up. Recognising this, the government provides a range of subsidies and assistance schemes to help parents manage expenses and ensure every child has access to quality care and education. These subsidies are not just about financial relief; they also make it easier for parents—especially mothers—to remain in the workforce while giving children a strong start in life.

This guide explains how the childcare subsidies work in 2025, what you may be eligible for, and how to apply.

Key Points to Know

• Subsidies are available for infant care, childcare, and kindergarten.

• The amount you receive depends on your household income and whether the main applicant is working.

• Payments go directly to preschools or childcare centres, so parents only need to cover the remaining balance.

• Extra help is available for families experiencing temporary or special circumstances, such as medical issues or caregiving responsibilities.

Infant and Childcare Subsidies

Basic Subsidy

The Basic Subsidy is the foundation of the support system. It offsets a portion of childcare fees for children enrolled in Early Childhood Development Agency (ECDA)-licensed centres. Parents pay the difference between the school’s fees and the subsidy.

How much you receive depends on your employment status:

• Working parents

  • Infant care (2–18 months): $600 per month

  • Childcare (18 months–6 years): $300 per month

• Non-working parents

  • Infant or childcare: $150 per month

To qualify, the child must be a Singapore citizen, and the centre must be licensed by ECDA.

Additional Subsidy

For families with tighter finances, the Additional Subsidy offers further relief. This support is means-tested, meaning the household’s income determines the amount of help.

• Up to $710 monthly for infant care

• Up to $467 monthly for childcare

Eligibility requirements include:

1. The main applicant—usually the mother or a single parent—must work at least 56 hours per month.

2. Household income must fall below:

   • $12,000 gross monthly income, or

   • $3,000 per capita income (for larger families of five or more).

This structure ensures that families with greater financial needs receive more help.

Special Approval for Extra Support

Not all families fit neatly into the working or non-working categories. Some parents may face temporary challenges that prevent them from working full-time. In such cases, the Special Approval framework provides additional help on a case-by-case basis.

Parents or caregivers may qualify if they are:

• Seeking employment, studying, or undergoing training for at least 56 hours per month

• Pregnant or medically unfit for work due to illness, hospitalisation, or disability

• Caring for a child under 24 months full-time

• Looking after a dependent family member with medical or special needs

• Incarcerated

This support is temporary, with the duration and amount depending on the family’s circumstances. Grandparents, legal guardians, and foster parents can also apply if they are the child’s primary caregiver.

Kindergarten Subsidies: The KiFAS Scheme

For children attending kindergartens, the Kindergarten Fee Assistance Scheme (KiFAS) provides additional relief. It applies to families with children enrolled in Ministry of Education (MOE) kindergartens or centres operated by Anchor Operators.

• Subsidies can go up to $163 per month.

• Families with lower incomes receive more assistance, while middle-income families may still qualify for partial support.

To qualify:

• The child must be a Singapore citizen.

• The kindergarten must be run by MOE or an Anchor Operator.

• Household gross income must not exceed $12,000 per month, or $3,000 per capita for larger households.

As with childcare subsidies, the support is paid directly to the kindergarten, and parents settle the balance. Parents can also use funds from their child’s Child Development Account (CDA) to cover the remaining fees.

How to Apply for Subsidies

The application process is designed to be simple and integrated into the enrolment process. Parents do not need to apply separately through a government portal; instead, they submit the necessary documents directly to the preschool or kindergarten.

Steps to apply:

1. Enrol your child at an ECDA-licensed centre or eligible kindergarten.

2. Provide supporting documents such as proof of income, employment details, or household size.

3. The school forwards the application to ECDA on your behalf.

You’ll be notified of the outcome via SMS or email. Once approved, the subsidies are automatically deducted from your monthly fees.

Why Subsidies Matter

Childcare subsidies are more than just financial assistance—they form part of a bigger social support system. Here’s why they matter:

• Encouraging female workforce participation: By reducing childcare costs, mothers are better able to stay employed or return to work.

• Reducing inequality: Children from lower-income families gain equal access to quality early education.

• Supporting family resilience: Parents can better manage unexpected challenges, such as illness or job loss, knowing temporary support is available.

Managing Childcare Costs Beyond Subsidies

Even with subsidies, childcare can remain one of the biggest household expenses. Here are practical ways families can prepare:

Start early with financial planning
Consider childcare costs even before starting a family. Research average fees in your area and include them in your long-term budget.

Build a family savings buffer
Life with children often brings surprises—from medical bills to enrichment classes. A savings cushion helps manage these unplanned expenses.

Make use of Child Development Accounts (CDA)
The CDA can be used not just for childcare, but also medical expenses and other child-related costs. Maximising contributions ensures greater flexibility.

Explore flexible work arrangements
Some parents manage costs by staggering work shifts or using part-time arrangements, reducing the need for full-day childcare.

Tap community and family support
While not every family has nearby relatives, community programmes and parent support networks can sometimes ease the caregiving load.