CDA Childcare Subsidy in Singapore 2026: Complete Parent's Guide to Saving on Preschool Fees

Paying for preschool in Singapore can be a significant financial commitment for families. The good news: the Singapore government provides generous subsidies through the Child Development Account (CDA) that can dramatically reduce your out-of-pocket costs. In this comprehensive guide, we'll walk you through everything you need to know about CDA childcare subsidies in 2026, including how to apply, how much you can save, and which preschools accept CDA payments.

What Is the Child Development Account (CDA)?

The CDA is a savings account set up by the Singapore government to help parents save for their child's healthcare and early childhood education expenses. It is part of the Baby Bonus Scheme, which was introduced to support families in raising their children.

Every Singapore citizen child is eligible for a CDA. The government matches your contributions dollar-for-dollar up to a specified cap, and the funds can be used at approved institutions including preschools, childcare centres, and healthcare providers.

How Much Can You Save with CDA?

The amount of subsidy you receive depends on several factors, including your household income, the type of programme (infant care, childcare, or kindergarten), and your child's citizenship status. Here's a breakdown of the typical savings:

These subsidies are available to working parents with a gross monthly household income of up to $12,000 (or per capita income of $3,000). From January 2027, the income ceiling will be raised to $15,000 (or per capita income of $3,400), benefiting over 60,000 families. Even families earning above the current threshold may qualify for the basic subsidy.

Step-by-Step: How to Apply for CDA

Step 1: Open Your CDA

If you haven't already opened a CDA for your child, you can do so online through the LifeSG app or at any participating bank (DBS/POSB, OCBC, or UOB). You'll need your child's birth certificate and your NRIC.

Step 2: Make Your First Deposit

The government will match your first deposit up to the maximum cap for your child's birth order. For example, for a first or second child, the government matches up to $3,000. For a third child, the matching cap is $9,000.

Step 3: Register with Your Preschool

Once your CDA is set up, provide your preschool with your child's CDA details. The centre will then be able to deduct fees directly from the CDA on your behalf. At MapleBear Jurong West, our admissions team will guide you through this process.

Step 4: Apply for Additional Subsidies

In addition to the Basic Subsidy, you may qualify for the Additional Childcare Subsidy through the Early Childhood Development Agency (ECDA). This is income-based and can provide additional savings of up to $710/month for infant care or up to $520/month for childcare. You can apply online through the official ECDA subsidy calculator to estimate your eligibility.

The Basic Subsidy and Additional Subsidy can be combined, meaning eligible families can save up to $1,310 per month on infant care fees — over $15,000 a year.

CDA vs CCFA: Understanding the Difference

Parents often confuse CDA with CCFA (Centre-Based Financial Assistance). Here's the key distinction:

• CDA (Child Development Account): A savings account with government matching. Available to all Singapore citizen children. Funds can be used at any approved provider.
• CCFA (Centre-Based Financial Assistance): A means-tested subsidy administered through ECDA. Provides direct fee reductions for low-income families at participating centres.

Many families benefit from both schemes simultaneously. At MapleBear Jurong West, we accept CDA payments and are also an approved centre for CCFA, giving eligible families maximum financial support.

Other Government Support for Preschool Fees

Beyond CDA and CCFA, there are several other sources of financial support:

Working Mother's Child Relief (WMCR)

Working mothers can claim tax relief on childcare expenses. The amount depends on the number of children and your income level. This is claimed through your annual tax return with IRAS.

Baby Bonus Cash Gift

Every Singapore citizen child receives a cash gift from the government: $11,000 for the first and second child, and $13,000 for the third and subsequent children. This is paid in instalments over the first 6.5 years of the child's life.

KinderSTART / KidSTART

These programmes provide additional support for children from lower-income families, including subsidies for learning materials and enrichment activities.

Tips for Maximising Your CDA Subsidy

• Start early: Open your CDA as soon as your child is born. The earlier you start saving, the more government matching you'll receive.
• Use CDA for healthcare too: CDA funds can also cover approved medical expenses, including vaccinations and dental care.
• Check your preschool's ECDA registration: Only ECDA-approved centres can accept CDA payments. MapleBear Jurong West is fully ECDA-registered.
• Combine all available subsidies: Don't just rely on the Basic Subsidy — apply for the Additional Subsidy, and check if you qualify for CCFA, WMCR, and Baby Bonus to maximise total savings.
• Ask about payment plans: Many centres, including MapleBear, offer flexible payment arrangements to help manage monthly cash flow.

Frequently Asked Questions