Families in Singapore can expect greater support with reduced pre-school fees and enhanced financial assistance for individuals with disabilities starting in 2026. These initiatives, announced during the Ministry of Social and Family Development’s (MSF) budget debate, aim to improve affordability and access to essential services.
Lower Pre-school Fees from January 2026
Lower Pre-school Fees and Expanded Support for Families in Singapore
From January 2026, parents will see a reduction in full-day childcare fees:
- Anchor operator centres: Fee caps reduced by $30, bringing the total to $610 (excluding GST).
- Partner operator centres: Fee caps reduced by $30, bringing the total to $650 (excluding GST).
These reductions continue a progressive decrease in fees, ensuring pre-school education remains accessible for families. Since 2021, fees for anchor and partner centres have gradually dropped from $720 and $760, respectively, to the current rates of $640 and $680.
In addition to reduced fees, the government will collaborate with anchor operators to expand childcare capacity by 40,000 new infant care and childcare places between 2025 and 2029. This effort builds on the current increase in childcare places, which rose from about 120,000 in 2015 to 220,000 today. By the end of 2025, 80% of pre-schoolers are expected to have a place in a government-supported pre-school — a significant rise from 50% in 2019.
Enhanced Support for Individuals with Disabilities
To further support individuals with disabilities, the government will introduce two new initiatives to enhance their quality of life and independence.
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Home Support Programme (HSP): Scheduled to launch in 2026, this programme will specifically assist individuals with low to moderate support needs, enabling them to continue living independently in the community.
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Enabled Living Programme (ELP): Set to begin in the second half of 2025, this initiative will offer additional resources for those who require support beyond institutional care.
Together, these initiatives empower individuals with disabilities to maintain their independence, reducing the need for institutional placements when caregiver support is limited or unavailable.
Increased Subsidies for Long-term Care Services
From 2026, subsidies for long-term care services will be increased by up to 15 percentage points and extended to more households. The eligibility threshold for these subsidies will also be raised from a per capita household income of $3,600 to $4,800.
Additionally, Singapore citizens born in or before 1969 will receive extra support:
- Residential LTC services: Additional 5 percentage points in subsidies.
- Non-residential LTC services: Additional 15 percentage points in subsidies.
New Bill to Improve Social Residential Homes
A Social Residential Homes Bill will be introduced in 2025 to improve care standards and ensure the well-being of residents in social residential homes. These facilities provide accommodation, care, and social support for individuals such as those with disabilities and destitute adults.
The new licensing framework will set clear requirements to maintain safety and enhance the quality of care provided.
Supporting Families and Communities
These updates reflect Singapore’s ongoing commitment to improving social services, ensuring families, children, and individuals with disabilities receive the support they need for a better quality of life.
Lower Pre-school Fees and Increased Support for Families in Singapore by 2026
Families in Singapore can look forward to improved financial support, particularly in key areas such as pre-school fees and long-term care services for individuals with disabilities. Notably, the Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF) highlighted these enhancements during its budget debate in Parliament on March 10, 2025.
Lower Pre-school Fees for Families
Starting in 2026, Singapore will reduce pre-school fees, significantly helping families better manage the costs of early childhood education. Moreover, this move aims to ensure that quality education is accessible to all, regardless of financial background. Specifically, the fee reduction will apply to government-supported pre-schools, providing much-needed relief for working parents and low-income families.
Increased Financial Assistance for Families in Need
In addition to reduced pre-school fees, families facing financial hardships will receive increased support. This expanded assistance will include additional subsidies, ensuring that essential needs such as childcare, education, and basic family services remain within reach. By enhancing financial aid schemes, MSF aims to uplift vulnerable families and provide greater stability.
Enhanced Long-term Care Subsidies for People with Disabilities
Recognizing the challenges faced by individuals with disabilities and their caregivers, the government will introduce improved subsidies for long-term care services. These enhanced subsidies aim to ease the financial strain on families supporting loved ones with disabilities, ensuring they receive consistent care and resources.
A Step Towards Greater Support
Lower Pre-school Fees and Expanded Support for Families in Singapore
These upcoming changes reflect Singapore’s ongoing efforts to strengthen family support systems and promote social inclusivity.
By addressing key concerns such as education costs, financial aid for low-income families, and care services for people with disabilities, the government aims to build a stronger, more resilient society where every family has the resources they need to thrive.
With these measures set to take effect in 2026, families can look forward to a future with improved access to essential services and greater financial stability.
