On this page

  • Steps to apply

  • When to apply

  • Who can apply

  • Supporting documents needed

  • Checking application status

Quick links
 Apply for the Baby Bonus Scheme Check your child’s eligibility

Steps to apply

The Baby Bonus Scheme application must be completed by the child’s parent using a Singpass account. Please register for Singpass first if you do not have one.

Steps to apply
1
Before you apply
  • The applicant will be the nominated CDA trustee and CSA joint account holder by default. Ensure that they’re over 18 years old and able to open a bank account.
  • Prepare required supporting documents, if needed.
2
Apply on LifeSG
  • If your child was born in Singapore and is a Singapore citizen, your Baby Bonus application will be part of your child’s birth registration on LifeSG.
  • If your child has already registered their birth, is a new citizen, or is adopted, apply directly through the Apply for Baby Bonus service.
  • During the application, you’ll need to choose a bank* (POSB/DBS, OCBC, or UOB) to open the child’s CDA and CSA with.
3
After you apply
  • Once your child is successfully enrolled in the Baby Bonus Scheme, the applicant will receive instructions via email and LifeSG app inbox on how to open the CDA and CSA.
  • Go to your bank’s app or internet banking to complete opening your accounts. You'll also be able access services related to CDA and CSA.
*Choosing a bank
For POSB/DBS and OCBC: you must be an existing customer with an active account to open the CDA and CSA through their online banking portal or mobile app.
For UOB: you do not need to be an existing customer to open the CDA and CSA through their online banking portal or mobile app. However, if you’re a Singapore citizen with an overseas address or a foreigner, you must visit a UOB branch in person to open the CDA and CSA.
If you have any difficulties with your banking portal or bank app, please approach your bank for assistance.

When to apply

You can apply for the Baby Bonus Scheme in the same application when you register your child’s birth on LifeSG. This is only for Singapore citizen children born in Singapore.

If your child is under 12 years old and was not enrolled at birth, you can still directly apply for Baby Bonus on or before 31 December of the year they turn 12 if they:

  • were born overseas,
  • recently obtained citizenship, or
  • were adopted.

Learn more about different eligibility criteria

However, for enrolments made from 16 December and 31 December in the year your child turns 12 years old, please note that:

  • The CDA and CSA will not be opened for your child.
  • The Baby Bonus Cash Gift will go to a bank account provided by you.
  • CDA benefits (First Step Grant and eligible Government co-matching cap) will go to your child's Post-Secondary Education Account (PSEA) under the Ministry of Education (MOE).

Who can apply

The Baby Bonus Scheme application must be completed by the child's parent using Singpass. If the child’s parents are unable to submit the application, please refer to the Getting help section.

The applicant must be over 18 years old*, able to open a bank account, and not bankrupt. They will be the default CDA trustee and CSA joint account holder, responsible for managing these funds for the child’s benefit.

If account opening at the selected bank is unsuccessful, the applicant can check their email or LifeSG app inbox to:

  • nominate another person to be the CDA trustee and CSA joint account holder, and/or
  • choose a different bank.

*For applicants below 18 years old:

  • Submit your application through LifeSG.
  • However, you will not be able to open the CDA and CSA as banks only allow applicants 18 years old and above to open accounts.
  • After submitting your application on LifeSG, you must email msf_babybonus@msf.gov.sg to nominate someone else to be the CDA trustee and CSA joint account holder. Make sure that they meet the bank's eligibility requirements.

Supporting documents needed

Supporting documents will only be required in these scenarios:

Overseas adopted child
  • Adoption order and schedule
  • Foreigner parent’s passport biodata page or Malaysian ID (if applicable)
  • Child’s birth certificate
Marriage registered overseas
  • Child’s birth certificate

Check if your marriage record appears in your Singpass, under ‘My Profile > Family’. If not, please update your marriage record after submitting your Baby Bonus application. Your application will be reviewed after your overseas marriage record has been updated.

Change in parent’s name or identification numbers from the certificate* submitted

*Such as marriage and birth certificate

  • Deed poll
  • Child’s birth certificate
Parent is a foreigner
  • Foreigner parent’s passport biodata page or Malaysian ID
  • Child’s birth certificate
Child born overseas
  • Child’s birth certificate

If your supporting document is not in English, you must upload an official translation as well.

Checking application status

Only the applicant will be notified of the outcome of the application through email and the LifeSG app.

  • If you applied together with birth registration, you’ll receive an update within 7 to 10 working days after the birth certificate is issued.
  • If you applied separately for a child whose birth is already registered, you’ll be notified by the next working day.
  • If your application requires further assessment, it can take up to 15 working days. 

Once your child is successfully enrolled in the Baby Bonus Scheme, you’ll receive instructions via email and LifeSG app inbox on how to open the CDA and CSA with your selected bank (POSB/DBS, OCBC,
or UOB).