Raising a child in Singapore is both a rewarding and financially demanding journey—especially during the infant years. That’s where the infant care subsidy comes in. Designed by the Early Childhood Development Agency (ECDA), this government support eases the high costs of full-day infant care so your little one can get a strong, supported start in life.
While most parents understand the basics of Basic and Additional Subsidies, there are many underused strategies that could save you even more. From accurate income calculations to choosing the right school, these tips will help you make smarter decisions for both your wallet and your child’s future.
1. Understand Real Costs Before and After Subsidy
The cost of infant care in Singapore varies by centre. Here’s a quick comparison before subsidies:
- Anchor Operators (e.g., PCF Sparkletots, My First Skool): $1,200–$1,400/month
- Private Centres: $1,500–$2,200/month
- Premium Centres: Upwards of $2,500/month
For a family earning $5,000 monthly:
- Basic Subsidy: $600
- Additional Subsidy: ~$440
That’s a total of $1,040 covered—meaning you only pay $260/month for a $1,300 plan.
This helps working families afford quality care while balancing other household expenses. And over a year, this adds up to thousands in savings.
Related: Best infant care Singapore
2. Calculate Your Per Capita Income (PCI) Accurately
Your Additional Subsidy amount depends on your Per Capita Income (PCI):
PCI = Total Household Income ÷ Number of Household Members
Example:
$6,000 ÷ 4 people = $1,500 PCI
The lower your PCI, the higher your potential subsidy. Families with more children or elderly dependents often qualify for more help, even with higher total income.
3. Know What to Do If Your Application Is Rejected
Don’t panic if you get rejected—many families successfully appeal.
Check these common reasons:
- Incomplete documentation
- Unclear freelance hours
- Missed work-hour thresholds (56 hours/month minimum)
Solutions:
- Submit CPF, payslips, contracts, or invoices
- If needed, go through your preschool administrator for guidance
- Don’t be afraid to file an appeal directly with ECDA
Related: Childcare leave entitlement
4. Understand What Benefits You Can Combine
A common myth is that receiving the infant care subsidy excludes you from other financial assistance. That’s not true.
You can still apply for:
- Baby Bonus
- GST Vouchers
- ComCare
- And even childcare leave Singapore
These programmes work together to support families—not in competition.
5. Freelancers & Part-Timers: Use Special Approval
You can still qualify under Special Approval if you:
- Work freelance or part-time
- Temporarily care for a dependent
- Are between jobs
You’ll need alternative documentation like:
- Invoices or contracts
- Letters from clients
- Caregiving memos (e.g., from doctors or social workers)
This route is often overlooked, but perfectly valid.
Also Read: Child care leave
6. Choose Centres That Help You Save More
Maximise your infant care subsidy by choosing centres that:
- Are ECDA-licensed
- Participate in the Partner/Anchor Operator scheme
- Offer flexible fee structures and help with paperwork
- Provide transparent, itemised billing
Tip: Talk to the admin team. A good preschool team will support you with subsidy applications and reminders.
Curious what comes after? Explore middle school age development to plan long-term.
7. Apply Early and Get Your Documents in Order
To ensure smooth processing:
- Apply 6–12 months before you need care
- Prepare NRICs, income documents, and CPF statements early
- Confirm application windows and processing timelines with your centre
Some popular infant care centres fill slots quickly, especially in mature estates. Early action = better placement + fewer delays in your infant care subsidy payout.
Final Thoughts
The infant care subsidy in Singapore can significantly lower your monthly expenses and open doors to better-quality care—if you know how to leverage it. These 7 tips will help you apply smartly, avoid mistakes, and make decisions that support your entire family.
Need Help?
Little Unicorn Preschool is here to guide you. Whether you’re applying for subsidies or choosing between infant and toddler programmes, our team ensures you feel confident every step of the way.
Want to learn more about the scheme?
Check the official ECDA Infant and Childcare Subsidy Scheme page for full details.
