Raising a child in Singapore is both rewarding and financially demanding—especially in the early years. That’s why the infant care subsidy exists: to ease the cost of full-day infant care and ensure every child gets a strong start, regardless of income.
Most parents are familiar with the basics of Basic and Additional Subsidies. But did you know there are strategies to maximize your subsidy and even avoid common pitfalls?
Here are 7 often-overlooked tips that every parent should know about the infant care subsidy in Singapore. It’s not just about saving money—it’s about giving your child access to quality care and early learning, without stretching your family’s finances too thin.
1. Understand Real Costs Before and After Subsidy
Infant care fees in Singapore vary widely. Before subsidies, you can expect:
- Anchor Operators (like PCF Sparkletots): $1,200–$1,400/month
- Private Centres: $1,500–$2,200/month
- Premium Centres: $2,500/month or more
Let’s say your household income is $5,000/month. With the infant care subsidy, you could receive:
- Basic Subsidy: $600
- Additional Subsidy: ~$440
- You only pay around $260/month for a $1,300 plan.
Without any form of subsidy, these costs can quickly add up to more than $15,000 per year—an amount that is simply not sustainable for many young families in Singapore.
👉 Learn more from the ECDA subsidy overview
2. Calculate Your Per Capita Income (PCI) Correctly
Many parents overlook the Per Capita Income (PCI) requirement for Additional Subsidy.
How to calculate:
PCI = Total household income ÷ number of household members
For example:
$6,000 income ÷ 4 members = $1,500 PCI
This could qualify you for a higher tier of subsidy. Larger families benefit more from PCI calculations, even with higher total incomes.
3. Know What to Do If Your Application Gets Rejected
Sometimes subsidy applications are declined due to missing documents or work hour discrepancies.
Steps to take:
- Recheck work hour requirements (at least 56 hrs/month)
- Prepare payslips, CPF contributions, or freelance invoices
- File an appeal through your preschool or directly to ECDA
Don’t give up—many parents get approved after clarifying their employment status or providing stronger documents.
4. Understand How Subsidies Interact with Other Benefits
Worried about losing other support if you get the infant care subsidy? Don’t be.
You can still receive:
The infant care subsidy doesn’t cancel out other schemes—it complements them. Double-dipping is a myth.
5. Explore the Special Approval Route for Non-Traditional Work
Freelancers, part-timers, and stay-at-home parents can still apply through Special Approval if they:
- Care for a dependent full-time
- Work irregular freelance hours
- Are temporarily out of employment
Just provide alternative proof like contracts, invoices, or medical memos. This route is often overlooked but fully valid.
6. Choose Centres That Maximise Your Subsidy
Not all preschools offer the same value after subsidies.
To make the most of your infant care subsidy, look for:
- ECDA-licensed centres
- Anchor/Partner Operators with lower fees
- Schools that help with subsidy paperwork and offer internal discounts
Check eligibility at the ECDA Preschool Search.
7. Apply Early and Get Your Documents in Order
Popular centres fill up fast. To stay ahead:
- Apply 6–12 months in advance
- Gather NRICs, income proofs, and CPF statements early
- Confirm timelines with the preschool administrator
Well-prepared families often experience faster processing and fewer delays in receiving their infant care subsidy.
Conclusion
The infant care subsidy can be a game-changer for parents—if you know how to use it to your advantage. From calculating PCI to preparing appeals, or choosing the right centre, these 7 tips will help you unlock more savings and less stress.
Need help navigating the process? Contact Little Unicorn Preschool to speak with our friendly team. We’ll guide you through subsidy applications, programme choices, and how to plan confidently for your child’s early years.
Visit littleunicornpreschool.com to learn more about our infant care programmes and how we support your parenting journey.
