A Major Uplift for Families with Three or More Children
Starting 18 February 2025, Singapore will roll out the Large Families Scheme (LFS), offering up to S$16,000 in support for each third or subsequent Singaporean child born on or after that date. This enhanced support package is part of Budget 2025 and signifies a clear national investment in nurturing larger families.
The support comprises three key components:
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Child Development Account First Step Grant increases to S$10,000 per eligible child (up from S$5,000 for earlier-born children), credited directly into the CDA shortly after account opening.
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A S$5,000 Large Family MediSave Grant is credited into the mother’s MediSave account for healthcare-related expenses.
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S$1,000 Large Family LifeSG Credits are provided annually from ages one to six, helping families manage daily household costs through merchants accepting PayNow and NETS QR.
Sustained Help Through Early Childhood
The LifeSG Credits deliver S$1,000 annually per qualifying child aged one to six. For families with children born before the launch date (1 Jan 2019–17 Feb 2025), the credits begin disbursement in September 2025, with future disbursements in April each year until the child turns six.
This continuity ensures that families already with young children benefit equally, not just newborns. As explained in Budget 2025’s “Made for Families” plan, this approach underscores equity and long-term support, rather than one-off birth incentives.
Easing Healthcare and Education Costs
The increased CDA First Step Grant (to S$10,000) can be used for preschool fees, healthcare expenses, or early intervention needs, offering flexible, early support for family expenditures. This doubles the previous grant for higher birth orders and lifts up annual government postal contribution totals.
Meanwhile, the MediSave Grant adds to mothers’ healthcare buffers, enabling coverage for delivery, hospitalisation, and recommended childhood vaccinations. It’s a direct and practical response to rising healthcare costs for growing families.
Holistic, Inclusive, and Forward-Looking
The Large Families Scheme sits within Singapore’s broader “Made for Families 2025” vision, which includes expanded childcare fee caps, parental leave, and community resources for diverse family profiles—including single, low-income, or special-needs families.
It also includes corporate partnerships offering discounts and retail privileges for large families, signalling a societal ripple effect where the private sector supports public goals—truly embracing a whole-of-society approach.
SG60 Through the Lens of Generosity and Care
Singapore’s 60th anniversary is not just about economic milestones—it’s about values. The Large Families Scheme demonstrates that as our demographics shift, policy evolves to meet real needs: affordability, inclusivity, and systemic encouragement for growth.
This support reflects a belief in larger families as part of Singapore’s future, backed by real financial and social infrastructure, not just rhetorical support.
