Childcare Subsidy Singapore 2026: Complete Guide to Infant Care & Childcare Subsidies
In Singapore, all Singapore Citizen children receive a Basic Subsidy of $600/month for infant care or $300/month for childcare (working mothers). Families earning $12,000/month or less also qualify for an Additional Subsidy of up to $710/month (infant care) or $467/month (childcare). From January 2026, childcare fee caps have been reduced to $610/month at Anchor Operators. From January 2027, the income threshold for Additional Subsidy will be raised to $15,000/month.
Overview: Two Types of Childcare Subsidies
The Singapore government provides two types of subsidies to help parents with infant care and childcare costs:
| Subsidy Type | Who Gets It | Means-Tested? |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Subsidy | All Singapore Citizen children in ECDA-licensed centres | No |
| Additional Subsidy | Families with household income ≤ $12,000/month (rising to $15,000 from Jan 2027) | Yes |
The main subsidy applicant is the mother. For divorced, separated, or widowed cases, the applicant is the single father. The mother must be working at least 56 hours per month (full-time, part-time, or freelance) to qualify as a "working applicant" for the full Basic Subsidy.
Basic Subsidy Amounts
Every Singapore Citizen child enrolled in an ECDA-licensed infant care or childcare centre qualifies for the Basic Subsidy:
| Programme | Age | Working Mother | Non-Working Mother |
|---|---|---|---|
| Infant Care | 2 – 18 months | $600/month | $150/month |
| Childcare | 18 months – 6 years | $300/month | $150/month |
Source: ECDA
Additional Subsidy by Income
On top of the Basic Subsidy, families with a gross monthly household income of $12,000 or below (or per capita income of $3,000 or below for households of 5+ members) qualify for the Additional Subsidy.
The Additional Subsidy amount depends on your household income tier. Higher income = lower subsidy. A minimum co-payment applies at every tier — this is the minimum amount you must pay even after all subsidies.
Maximum Additional Subsidy
| Programme | Max Additional Subsidy | Max Total Subsidy (Basic + Additional) |
|---|---|---|
| Infant Care (full-day) | Up to $710/month | Up to $1,310/month |
| Childcare (full-day) | Up to $467/month | Up to $767/month |
Expecting? Claim Your Free Baby Pack!
Free diapers + pregnancy guide + grants info delivered to your door!
Claim Free Gift →Full-Day Childcare Subsidy Table (From 1 January 2026)
The following table shows the subsidies for Singapore Citizen children enrolled in a full-day childcare programme (aged 18 months to 6 years) with a working mother:
| Gross Monthly Household Income | Basic Subsidy | Max Additional Subsidy | Max Total Subsidy | Min Co-Pay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $3,000 and below | $300 | $467 | $767 | $3 |
| $3,001 – $4,500 | $300 | $440 | $740 | $25 |
| $4,501 – $6,000 | $300 | $340 | $640 | $58 |
| $6,001 – $7,500 | $300 | $260 | $560 | $104 |
| $7,501 – $9,000 | $300 | $190 | $490 | $162 |
| $9,001 – $10,500 | $300 | $130 | $430 | $232 |
| $10,501 – $12,000 | $300 | $80 | $380 | $315 |
| Above $12,000 | $300 | N/A | $300 | — |
Source: ECDA subsidy tables, effective 1 January 2026
Full-Day Infant Care Subsidy Table
The following table shows subsidies for Singapore Citizen children enrolled in a full-day infant care programme (aged 2 to 18 months) with a working mother. These rates have been in effect since 1 January 2023:
| Gross Monthly Household Income | Basic Subsidy | Max Additional Subsidy | Max Total Subsidy | Min Co-Pay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $3,000 and below | $600 | $710 | $1,310 | $40 |
| $3,001 – $4,500 | $600 | $640 | $1,240 | $110 |
| $4,501 – $6,000 | $600 | $500 | $1,100 | $250 |
| $6,001 – $7,500 | $600 | $380 | $980 | $360 |
| $7,501 – $9,000 | $600 | $240 | $840 | $500 |
| $9,001 – $10,500 | $600 | $100 | $700 | $640 |
| $10,501 – $12,000 | $600 | $40 | $640 | $700 |
| Above $12,000 | $600 | N/A | $600 | — |
Source: ECDA subsidy tables (infant care rates unchanged since 1 January 2023)
Childcare Fee Caps (2026)
Government-supported preschool operators must keep fees within regulated caps. From January 2026, the fee caps for full-day childcare have been reduced by $30:
| Operator Type | Examples | Full-Day Childcare Fee Cap (2026) |
|---|---|---|
| Anchor Operators | PCF Sparkletots, NTUC My First Skool | $610/month |
| Partner Operators | E-Bridge, MindChamps, Skool4Kidz | $650/month |
| Private Operators | Various | No cap (market-rate) |
Important: Fee caps apply only at Anchor and Partner Operators. Private centres set their own fees. However, all ECDA-licensed centres (including private) are eligible for government subsidies.
Source: Singapore Budget 2026 Statement
Worked Examples: What You Actually Pay
Here is what different families would pay per month for full-day childcare at an Anchor Operator ($610/month fee cap) in 2026:
| Family Scenario | Basic Subsidy | Additional Subsidy | You Pay |
|---|---|---|---|
| Household income $3,000 or below | $300 | $307* | $3 |
| Household income $4,501 – $6,000 | $300 | $252 | $58 |
| Household income $7,501 – $9,000 | $300 | $148 | $162 |
| Household income $10,501 – $12,000 | $300 | Varies (min co-pay $315) | $310 – $315 |
| Household income above $12,000 | $300 | N/A | $310 |
*Additional Subsidy capped at the amount that brings your payment down to the minimum co-pay.
For Infant Care at an Anchor Operator (~$1,340/month)
| Family Scenario | Total Subsidy | You Pay (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Household income $3,000 or below | $1,300 | $40 |
| Household income $6,001 – $7,500 | $980 | $360 |
| Household income above $12,000 | $600 | $740 |
What Changes in January 2027
Budget 2026 announced a significant change taking effect from January 2027:
This means families earning between $12,001 and $15,000 per month will qualify for the Additional Subsidy for the first time. The exact subsidy tiers and amounts for the new income bands have not been published yet — we will update this article when ECDA releases the 2027 subsidy tables.
Source: Singapore Budget 2026 Statement, Para 118
For a full breakdown of all Budget 2026 measures for families, see our Budget 2026 for Parents guide.
Subsidies for Non-Working Mothers
Non-working mothers receive a reduced Basic Subsidy of $150/month and are not eligible for the Additional Subsidy in most cases.
However, there is an important exception:
Source: ECDA
Special Approval (SA) Subsidies
Non-working mothers who cannot work due to specific circumstances can apply for time-limited higher subsidies under Special Approval. Qualifying reasons include:
- Looking for a job
- Studying, training, or on a course (at least 56 hours/month)
- Currently pregnant
- Medically unfit for work (hospitalisation, long-term illness, permanent disability)
- Caring for a special needs child
- Caring for a sick family member who requires full-time care
- Caring full-time for a younger child aged 24 months or below who is not in preschool
- Incarcerated
Automatic Maximum Subsidies
Families who are tenants under HDB's Public Rental Scheme or receive ComCare Short-to-Medium-Term or Long-Term Assistance automatically qualify for maximum preschool subsidies under Special Approval.
Source: ECDA
How to Apply for Childcare Subsidies
The application process is straightforward:
- Enrol your child at an ECDA-licensed infant care or childcare centre
- The preschool will assist you with the subsidy application during enrolment
- Subsidies are paid directly to the centre — you only pay the net amount after subsidies are deducted
- Your child must attend at least one day in a month to receive subsidies for that month
When Are Subsidies Reassessed?
Approved subsidies remain valid until the next fixed point of subsidy assessment or until your child withdraws from the preschool. You can also request a reassessment if your family circumstances change (e.g. change in income or employment status).
What You Need
- Child's birth certificate (must be Singapore Citizen)
- Parents' NRICs
- Proof of income (if applying for Additional Subsidy)
- Supporting documents for Special Approval (if applicable)
Source: ECDA
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is the childcare Basic Subsidy in Singapore?
All Singapore Citizen children at ECDA-licensed centres receive a Basic Subsidy. Working mothers: $600/month (infant care) or $300/month (childcare). Non-working mothers: $150/month for both. (Source: ECDA)
What is the income ceiling for the Additional Subsidy?
As of 2026, families with a gross monthly household income of $12,000 or below qualify. From January 2027, this will rise to $15,000, benefiting more than 60,000 additional families. (Source: Budget 2026 Statement, ECDA)
How much childcare subsidy will I get based on my income?
For full-day childcare (working mother): At $3,000 or below, you get $300 Basic + up to $467 Additional (min co-pay $3). At $6,001-$7,500, you get $300 Basic + up to $260 Additional (min co-pay $104). At $10,501-$12,000, you get $300 Basic + up to $80 Additional (min co-pay $315). Above $12,000, only the $300 Basic Subsidy applies. (Source: ECDA subsidy tables, effective 1 Jan 2026)
How much does infant care cost after subsidies?
At an Anchor Operator (~$1,340/month fee), a working mother earning $3,000 or below pays as little as $40/month. At $7,500-$9,000 income, minimum co-payment is $500/month. Above $12,000, you pay about $740/month after the $600 Basic Subsidy. (Source: ECDA)
What changes are coming to childcare subsidies in 2027?
From January 2027, the income threshold for means-tested subsidies will rise from $12,000 to $15,000 per month. Families earning $12,001 to $15,000 will qualify for the Additional Subsidy for the first time. (Source: Budget 2026 Statement)
Can non-working mothers get childcare subsidies?
Yes. Non-working mothers receive a $150/month Basic Subsidy. From 9 December 2024, non-working mothers with household income of $6,000 or below also qualify for full childcare subsidies (Basic + Additional) regardless of working status. Others can apply for time-limited Special Approval subsidies for specific reasons. (Source: ECDA)
How do I apply for childcare subsidies?
Your preschool assists with the application at enrolment. Subsidies are paid directly to the centre — you only pay the net fee. Apply for reassessment if your family circumstances change. (Source: ECDA)
What is the childcare fee cap in 2026?
From January 2026, full-day childcare at Anchor Operators (PCF, My First Skool) is capped at $610/month. Partner Operators are capped at $650/month. Both reduced by $30 from 2025. Private centres have no fee cap. (Source: Budget 2026)
Last Updated: 23 February 2026
Sources:
ECDA - Infant and Childcare Subsidy Scheme,
ECDA Subsidy Tables (1 Jan 2026),
Singapore Budget 2026 Statement,
Made for Families - Preschool Subsidies