On this page

  • Overview

  • Benefits

  • How to open your CDA

  • Using CDA funds

  • CDA closure process

  • Child Development Co-Savings Legislation

Quick links
 Family View Baby Bonus account services

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 It cannot be withdrawn as cash.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 open a CDA, you must do so with your selected bank after your child is enrolled into the Baby Bonus Scheme. Check your email or LifeSG app inbox for instructions.

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.

How to open your CDA

Once successfully enrolled into the Baby Bonus Scheme, the applicant will receive an email and LifeSG app notification. It’ll provide instructions on how to open the CDA and CSA at the same time. Opening of these accounts will be done through the bank’s mobile app or website.

The parent who registers the child’s birth or applies for Baby Bonus will be the CDA trustee and CSA joint account holder.

Choosing a bank

  • If you choose POSB/DBS or 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.
  • If you choose 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.

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

Optical shops

(To be discontinued from 1 January 2026)

  • Optical appliances
  • Optical-related eye care products and services provided by an optometrist or optician
Medical institutions

  • Medical services provided and medication prescribed
  • These must be provided and prescribed by a medical practitioner employed by the approved medical institution
Retail pharmacies

(To be discontinued from 1 January 2026)

Pharmaceutical items under:

  • Medication prescribed by a qualified practitioner, or dispensed by an in-store pharmacist
  • Surgical products
  • Over-the-counter medication
  • Dermatological products
  • Vitamins and health supplements
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

CDA closure process

In the year your child turns 12
1
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.
2
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
3
After the CDA has closed