Overview
The CDA supports children's education and healthcare needs, encourages long-term planning for child development, and is designed to ensure funds directly benefit the child's growth
- CDA funds can only be used at Approved Institutions (AIs) for expenses like preschool fees and medical bills. It cannot be withdrawn as cash.
- You can save into and use the CDA until 31 December of the year your child turns 12. After that, it’ll be closed and transferred to the Post-Secondary Education Account (PSEA).
To view your child’s CDA details and Baby Bonus benefits, go to Family View on Parent Portal Services. Singpass login will be required.
Benefits
First Step Grant
The First Step Grant is a one-off payment that is automatically deposited into the CDA within 2 weeks of the account opening, excluding public holidays. No initial deposit is required to receive or use the grant.
Eligibility
- Singapore citizen children born on or after 24 March 2016.
- Children of single unwed parents born on or after 1 September 2016.
Government co-matching
For every dollar deposited into the CDA, the government will co-match up to a cap. For example, if you deposit $10, the government will contribute $10. The co-matching contribution will be credited into the CDA within 2 weeks of your deposit, excluding public holidays.
The co-matching cap depends on your child's birth order or date of birth. You can check your child’s eligibility to find out their Government co-matching cap.
Overview of CDA benefits by birth order
First child
Total CDA amount: $9,000
- $5,000 CDA First Step Grant
- $4,000 Government co-matching cap
Second child
Total CDA amount: $12,000
- $5,000 CDA First Step Grant
- $7,000 Government co-matching cap
Third and fourth child
Total CDA amount: $19,000
- $10,000 CDA First Step Grant*
- $9,000 Government co-matching cap
Fifth and subsequent child
Total CDA amount: $25,000
- $10,000 CDA First Step Grant*
- $15,000 Government co-matching cap
*Third and subsequent Singapore citizen children born from 18 February 2025 will receive an increased First Step Grant of $10,000 (up from $5,000) under the Large Families Scheme.
Using CDA funds
CDA funds can only be used at Approved Institutions (AIs) such as childcare centres, kindergartens, and healthcare providers. You can search for AIs, or view the list of approved CDA expenses.
AI categories and approved uses
Childminding operators
- Fees for childminding services
- Excludes: miscellaneous expenses such as diapers, deposits, and meal provisions
Child care centres and kindergartens
- Registration fees, programme fees, and deposits
- Refer to list of approved incidental charges in Appendix 1
Medical institutions
- Medical services provided and medication prescribed
- These must be provided and prescribed by a medical practitioner employed by the approved medical institution
Assistive Technology Devices (ATD) providers
Payment for:
- Purchase or rental of ATDs and accessories as recommended by a health practitioner, allied health professional, or social worker
- Maintenance or repair of ATDs
- Professional assessment services in relation to the purchase, rental, or loan of ATDs
Special Education (SPED) Schools and Early Intervention Centres
- Refer to list of approved fees in Appendix 2
CDA closure process
In the year your child turns 12
Before the CDA closes
- In August and October – The Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF) will notify parents about the CDA closure process. Use the Family View to check your child's CDA balance and remaining co-matching cap.
- By 15 December – This is the last day for you to:
- submit CDA service requests, such as change of CDA trustee.
- make deposits into the CDA to receive Government co-matching without delay.
When the CDA closes
- On 31 December – The CDA will close.
- Any unused CDA funds will be automatically transferred to the Post-Secondary Education Account (PSEA) under the Ministry of Education (MOE), up to the child’s PSEA cap.
In the year your child turns 13
After the CDA has closed
- In February – MSF will inform CDA trustees with excess balance above the PSEA cap about details on the refund process.
- MOE will notify parents once the PSEA has been opened. Find out more about PSEA and how you can use it.
Child Development Co-Savings Legislation
How to open your CDA
Once enrolled in the Baby Bonus Scheme, you’ll receive an email and LifeSG app notification with instructions to open your CDA and CSA. Both accounts are opened at the same time through your chosen bank's mobile app or website.
Choosing a bank
POSB/DBS
• Existing customers can open CDA/CSA online.
• New customers must open a bank account online first before opening CDA/CSA.
• New customers without a local address cannot apply.
OCBC
• Existing customers and new customers can open CDA/CSA online.
• New customers who are foreigners must open a bank account in person first before opening CDA/CSA online.
UOB
• Existing customers and new customers can open CDA/CSA online.
• Singapore citizens without a local address, or foreigners, must open CDA/CSA in person. You will need to bring a Letter of Authorisation (LOA) issued by MSF, which is sent via email and LifeSG app inbox.
If you have any difficulties with your banking portal or bank app, please approach the relevant bank for assistance.