Key Takeaways for Parents Substantial Fee Savings: Singapore Citizen infants qualify for up to $1,310 in combined monthly government subsidies ($600 Basic Subsidy + up to $710 Additional Subsidy). Higher Income Ceilings: Working mothers with a gross monthly Household Income (HHI) of up to $12,000 (or Per Capita Income up to $3,000) are eligible for…
Substantial Fee Savings: Singapore Citizen infants qualify for up to $1,310 in combined monthly government subsidies ($600 Basic Subsidy + up to $710 Additional Subsidy).
Higher Income Ceilings: Working mothers with a gross monthly Household Income (HHI) of up to $12,000 (or Per Capita Income up to $3,000) are eligible for Additional Subsidies.
Hassle-Free LifeSG Application: Parents can complete subsidy applications conveniently via the LifeSG app during enrolment.
Affordable Quality Care: As an ECDA-appointed Anchor Operator, My First Skool receives government funding support to ensure fee caps and high standards remain accessible to all families.
How Do Government Infant Care Subsidies Work in Singapore?
In Singapore, the government provides financial assistance to support families with young children through various infant care subsidies administered by the Early Childhood Development Agency (ECDA). Navigating childcare fees can feel overwhelming for new parents, but these generous subsidies aim to reduce the financial burden on working and low-to-middle-income families to ensure children receive quality early childhood education and care. When you enrol your baby in a trusted infant care Singapore programme, these subsidies reduce your monthly out-of-pocket expenses directly.
Types of ECDA Infant Care Subsidies
ECDA provides two core tiers of subsidies for full-day and half-day infant care:
Basic Subsidy: Available to all Singapore Citizen (SC) children enrolled in an ECDA-licensed infant care centre, regardless of household income.
Additional Subsidy: An extra tier of financial support for working mothers or single fathers with a gross monthly Household Income (HHI) of $12,000 or below (or Per Capita Income of $3,000 or below).
How Much Can You Save? 2026 Subsidy Breakdown
The exact financial support you receive depends on the main applicant’s employment status and monthly household income.
Note: The exact amount of the Additional Subsidy depends on the family’s income level.
How Are Household and Per Capita Incomes Calculated?
To determine whether your family qualifies for the Additional Subsidy, ECDA assesses either your Gross Monthly Household Income (HHI) or Per Capita Income (PCI):
Per Capita Income (PCI): Calculated by dividing total gross monthly household income by the total number of family members living together. This option benefits larger households (5 or more family members).
What If You Are Currently Unemployed? Special Approval (SA)
Mothers who are currently not working at least 56 hours per month can still apply for higher subsidy tiers under ECDA’s Special Approval (SA) scheme if they are:
Actively seeking employment
Undergoing training or education for at least 56 hours per month.
Expecting another child (pregnant) or caring for an infant or toddler under 24 months at home
Medically unfit for work or managing a permanent disability
Full-time caregivers for family members with special needs or chronic illnesses
Approval under SA is granted for a limited period, depending on individual circumstances.
To determine whether your family qualifies for the Additional Subsidy, ECDA assesses either your Gross Monthly Household Income (HHI) or Per Capita Income (PCI):
Infant Care Subsidy: General Info
How Do You Apply for Infant Care Subsidies via LifeSG?
Applying for subsidies is simple and seamlessly integrated into your child’s enrolment process. Parents can complete their subsidy applications directly using the LifeSG app.
Step 2: Submit Details on LifeSG.Log into the LifeSG mobile app using Singpass to complete the subsidy form and verify your income details.
Step 3: Direct Fee Offsetting. Once approved by ECDA, subsidy amounts are disbursed directly to My First Skool, immediately lowering your monthly invoice.
Why Choose My First Skool for Your Infant’s Early Years?
As an appointed Anchor Operator (AOP) under ECDA, My First Skool receives funding support to ensure quality early childhood care remains affordable and accessible. Beyond fee caps and max subsidy support, your infant benefits from:
Relationship-Based Curriculum: focuses on building secure emotional bonds between dedicated caregivers, infants, and parents.
Our PETAL™ approach. Playing, Exploring, Thinking and Apply Learning, brings education to life through hands-on discovery and emotional engagement.
Convenient Islandwide Locations: With over 160 centres nationwide, quality infant care is always close to home. You can find an infant care near me.
What are the Eligibility Criteria for ECDA Basic and Additional Subsidy?
Basic Subsidy: All SC children enrolled in an ECDA-licensed infant care centre are eligible.
Additional Subsidy: To qualify, the following conditions must be met:
The main applicant must be working at least 56 hours per month.
The family’s gross monthly household income (HHI) must be $12,000 or below; or
For households with five or more family members, the per capita income (PCI) must be $3,000 or below.
What is the Minimum Co-Payment?
Regardless of the subsidy amount, families are subject to a minimum co-payment for infant care services. This minimum co-payment applies to Singapore Citizen children enrolled in infant care services. The co-payment amount increases progressively with higher household or per capita income levels.
When should I apply for my baby’s infant care subsidy?
You can apply only after your child is enrolled and the preschool has triggered Form 1 in LifeSG, usually on or after the child’s first day. The main applicant will receive an email to complete LifeSG Form 1, and in most cases the other parent must also provide details and consent. The form must be submitted within 14 calendar days of being triggered. If you do not receive the email within the first week of enrolment, contact the preschool.
Can I use CDA or Baby Bonus funds to pay the co-payment amount after Basic and Additional Subsidy?
Yes, you may be able to use the Child Development Account (CDA) to pay preschool fees, including the amount you still need to pay after subsidies, if the preschool is a Baby Bonus Approved Institution.
