Singapore Infant Care & Childcare Subsidies 2026-2027 (Plus How to Use the ECDA Preschool Subsidy Calculator)
Get up to speed on Singapore’s latest preschool subsidies for 2026-2027. Find out how the upcoming $15,000 income ceiling affects your family and calculate your subsidies today.
Navigating the landscape of childcare subsidies in Singapore can be complex for many parents. The Singapore government provides substantial subsidies to ensure quality early childhood education remains accessible and affordable for all families.
These financial supports are designed to ease the burden on working parents, significantly offsetting the monthly fees for both infant care and childcare programmes at ECDA-licensed preschool centres.
However, because the exact subsidy amount depends on a variety of factors, including your working status, household income, and the specific programme your child is enrolled in, figuring out your precise out-of-pocket expenses can sometimes be confusing.
Programme Fees for Anchor and Partner Operators
As of 2026, full-day childcare fees are capped at a maximum of $610 per month at Anchor Operator preschools, which includes all My First Skool centres, and $650 at Partner Operator preschools, such as Little Skool-House.
This baseline fee cap ensures that out-of-pocket expenses for full-day childcare at an Anchor Operator remain highly affordable, often comparable to primary school and after-school care fees combined. Coupled with the available government subsidies, many families can expect their net fees to be significantly lower.
Budget 2026 Update: Enhanced Preschool Subsidies from 2027
Following the Budget 2026 announcement1, and subsequent parliamentary sessions (Budget Debate and Committee of Supply Debate) , the government will be expanding preschool subsidy eligibility. Starting from January 2027, the income ceilings for means-tested preschool subsidies (Additional Subsidy) will be raised. This adjustment will allow over 60,000 more families in Singapore to qualify for higher Additional Subsidies, significantly reducing out-of-pocket childcare costs.
Key changes taking effect in 2027 for Additional Subsidy include:
The Gross Monthly Household Income (HHI) ceiling will increase from $12,000 to $15,000, with an increase in the Per Capita Income (PCI) ceiling from $3,000 to $3,400 2 (PCI applicable for households consisting of 5 or more family members).
To illustrate, a family earning a median income of $12,500 with two children enrolled at an Anchor Operator will enjoy a 35% decrease in their net fees, dropping from $730 in 2026 down to $470 in 2027.3
Income thresholds for all subsidy tiers will be increased to reflect changes in household incomes.
For example, families with an HHI of $8,000 will be eligible for up to $260 in monthly additional subsidies for full-day childcare, up from the current $190.
(Note: The subsidy tables below reflect the current rates valid until December 2026).
Beyond the enhanced preschool subsidies taking effect in 2027, the government also announced immediate support to help parents with child-raising costs. Every Singaporean child aged 12 and below will receive a one-off $500 Child LifeSG Credit.
These credits can be conveniently used to pay for child-related expenses, including medical fees, enrichment classes, and even out-of-pocket preschool expenses – at any merchant or clinic that accepts PayNow or NETS QR, giving parents extra flexibility to manage their daily expenses.
Overview Of Infant Care & Childcare Subsidies In Singapore
It is important to understand how subsidies for preschool work, what factors can affect the final amount you receive, so you’ll know exactly what to expect and how to make the most of the subsidy for your child’s preschool journey. The amount of subsidy a family can receive is calculated based on several factors, including the family’s income, the number of children in care, and the type of childcare service used.
Singapore provides two primary types of subsidised childcare4 for families with Singapore Citizen (SC) children enrolled in licensed infant or childcare centres:
Basic Subsidy: Available to all Singapore Citizen (SC) children enrolled in an ECDA-licensed childcare centre. Families with children in these childcare centres licensed by ECDA can directly benefit from the government subsidy, which is crucial for managing preschool expenses.
Additional Subsidy: Primarily available to families who meet income criteria (gross monthly household income is $12,000 or below, revised to $15,000 from 2027 onwards) and where the main applicant (mother or single father) is working at the time of the subsidy application. Families with a monthly household income of $6,000 or below for their income tier or per capita income of $1,500 are also eligible for Additional Subsidy, regardless of the applicant’s working status.
Even if the main applicant is not working, families can still get Special Approval for Additional Subsidy under the following reasons:
Main subsidy applicant is unable to work due to a specified reason: if main applicant is caring full-time for a special needs child, a sick family member, or a younger child under 24 months not in preschool, or is seeking employment, undergoing training/skills upgrading, pregnant or medically unfit for work.
Families under the HDB’s Public Rental Scheme and MSF’s ComCare schemes have been automatically eligible for maximum preschool subsidies, regardless of the applicant’s working status.
Non-parent caregiver (e.g. legal guardian, guardian, foster parent, head of a children’s home) caring for a Singaporean child enrolled in an infant or childcare centre may also apply to receive higher subsidies on a time-limited basis.
These subsidies are designed to make early childhood education more accessible and affordable, particularly for low- and middle-income families. By easing the financial burden, the ECDA supports families in providing quality early childhood education for their children.
Childcare Subsidy Amounts
For full-day childcare programmes, eligible families receive a monthly Basic Subsidy of $300. Additionally, depending on their means-tested household income, families may qualify for an Additional Subsidy of up to $467 per month to further offset their childcare expenses.
Full-Day Childcare Subsidy (Valid till Dec 2026*)
Applicant’s working status
Gross Monthly Household Income
Gross Monthly Per Capita Income
Basic Subsidy (BS)
Additional Subsidy (AS) – Max AS
Additional Subsidy (AS) – Min Co-Pay #
Working Applicant
$3,000 and below
$750 and below
$300
$467
$3
$3,001 to $4,500
$751 to $1,125
$440
$25
$4,501 to $6,000
$1,126 to $1,500
$340
$115
$6,001 to $7,500
$1,501 to $1,875
$260
$185
$7,501 to $9,000
$1,876 to $2,250
$190
$255
$9,001 to $10,500
$2,251 to $2,625
$130
$315
$10,501 to $12,000
$2,626 to $3,000
$80
$365
Above $12,000
Above $3,000
N/A
N/A
Non-working applicant
N/A
$150
N/A
N/A
* As announced in Budget 2026, the income ceiling will be raised to $15,000 (HHI) or $3,400 (PCI) starting from 2027, allowing more families to qualify for the Additional Subsidy.
# Please note that a minimum co-payment is always required, regardless of whether your total eligible subsidies exceed the actual programme fees. The amount increases progressively with higher income brackets.
Infant Care Subsidy Amounts
For full-day infant care programmes, eligible families receive a monthly Basic Subsidy of $600. Additionally, depending on their means-tested household income, families may qualify for an Additional Subsidy of up to $710 per month to further offset their infant care expenses.
Full-Day Infant Care Subsidy Table (Valid till Dec 2026*)
Applicant’s working status
Gross Monthly Household Income
Gross Monthly Per Capita Income
Basic Subsidy (BS)
Additional Subsidy (AS) – Max AS
Additional Subsidy (AS) – Min Co-Pay#
Working Applicant
$3,000 and below
$750 and below
$600
$710
$40
$3,001 to $4,500
$751 to $1,125
$640
$110
$4,501 to $6,000
$1,126 to $1,500
$500
$250
$6,001 to $7,500
$1,501 to $1,875
$380
$360
$7,501 to $9,000
$1,876 to $2,250
$240
$500
$9,001 to $10,500
$2,251 to $2,625
$100
$640
$10,501 to $12,000
$2,626 to $3,000
$40
$700
Above $12,000
Above $3,000
N/A
N/A
Non-working applicant
N/A
$150
N/A
N/A
Understanding Your Income Bracket (HHI vs. PCI)
When assessing your eligibility for the Additional Subsidy, ECDA evaluates your household income based on one of two methods:
Per Capita Income (PCI): Calculated by dividing the total gross monthly household income by the number of family members residing in the same household. This option is particularly beneficial for larger families (with 5 or more family members), as it may qualify the family for a higher subsidy tier.
Gross Monthly Household Income (HHI): The combined gross monthly income of both spouses, prior to CPF deductions.
Applying for Childcare Subsidies: Eligibility Criteria
Applications for both Basic and Additional Subsidies should be made through your chosen infant care and childcare centre. The centre will guide you through the application process and inform you about the necessary documentation. Once approved, the subsidies are disbursed directly to the centre, and you will only need to pay the net fees after the subsidy.
Utilising the Childcare Subsidy Calculator
To assist parents in estimating their eligible subsidy amount, the Early Childhood Development Agency (ECDA) provides an online Preschool Subsidy Calculator, designed to help families estimate the amount of financial assistance they may receive for childcare services and infant care in Singapore.
Here’s how you can use it:
Access the Calculator: Visit the ECDA website and locate the Preschool Subsidy Calculator.
Input the Following Details:
Programme Type (Infant Care or Childcare)
Service Type (Full Day, Half Day, etc.)
Gross Monthly Household Income (before CPF deduction)
Number of family members in household (optional)
Monthly Childcare fee
Review the Estimate: The calculator will provide an estimated subsidy amount based on the data provided.
Please remember that the figures generated are estimates. The actual subsidy amount will be determined upon verification of your details during the application process.
My First Skool: Partnering in Your Child’s Early Education
At My First Skool, we understand the importance of quality and affordable early childhood education.
We are committed to assisting families in navigating our childcare subsidy application process. Our staff are well-versed in the various subsidy schemes and can guide you to ensure you receive the financial support you’re entitled to.
By choosing My First Skool, you’re selecting not only a premier educational institution but also a partner dedicated to making quality childcare accessible and affordable for your family.
Over 160 Centres Islandwide – Quality Childcare, Minutes from Home
Every year, over 26,000 families all across Singapore see their children benefit from our relationship-based curriculum – one that emphasises forging strong bonds between children, teachers and parents. Find a centre near you or take a virtual tour to explore our learning environments and learn how your child can thrive.
