Singaporean families are set to receive a financial boost this July as part of a national strategy to ease the cost of raising and educating children. The scheme includes S$500 Child LifeSG Credits for young children and a S$500 education top-up for older students. Introduced under Budget 2025, the initiative is jointly implemented by the Ministry of Education (MOE) and the Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF).
Over 750,000 children across the country are eligible for this automatic one-time support, which is being credited directly into government-linked accounts. With no need to apply or submit documents, the plan is designed to make financial aid quick, accessible, and secure.
Who Will Receive the Child LifeSG Credits?
Children aged 12 years and below—those born between 2013 and 2024—will receive S$500 in Child LifeSG Credits. These funds will be deposited into their Child Development Account (CDA), accessible via the LifeSG mobile app.
This credit aims to help families manage day-to-day household expenses, providing immediate relief for everyday needs such as food, supplies, and child care items.
No Application Needed for LifeSG Credits
One of the most user-friendly features of the program is that no application is required. Once the credits are disbursed, parents or CDA trustees will receive a SMS notification from “gov.sg”, confirming that the money has been credited.
All eligible children will automatically receive the payment based on their date of birth. Children born in 2025 will not miss out—they will receive their credits in April 2026, once they are fully registered.
Where Can LifeSG Credits Be Spent?
The S$500 Child LifeSG Credit is digitally stored in the LifeSG app under the CDA trustee’s wallet and can be used at both physical and online merchants. Accepted payment methods include PayNow UEN QR and NETS QR, offering a wide and secure network of usage.
Parents can spend these credits on:
- Groceries
- Childcare items
- Educational supplies
- Daily household necessities
There’s no activation process needed—the credits become usable as soon as they appear in the app. However, parents should confirm that the merchant accepts PayNow UEN QR or NETS QR before making purchases.
Education Top-Ups for Older Students
Students aged 13 to 20 will also benefit from a S$500 one-time top-up, with funds allocated to either their Edusave or Post-Secondary Education Account (PSEA), depending on their age.
This top-up is intended to ease educational costs such as school materials, enrichment programs, and even tertiary tuition fees.
Education Support Distribution Breakdown:
| Age Group | Year of Birth | Account Type | Top-Up Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| 13 to 16 yrs | 2009–2012 | Edusave Account | S$500 |
| 17 to 20 yrs | 2005–2008 | Post-Sec Education Account (PSEA) | S$500 |
The funds will be credited in July 2025, providing timely assistance ahead of the new school term.
Regular Edusave Contributions Still Apply
In addition to the new S$500 top-up, students will continue to receive annual Edusave contributions from the government. These yearly disbursements help fund school-based activities and learning programs.
Current Annual Edusave Contribution:
| School Level | Annual Amount | Common Uses |
|---|---|---|
| Primary School | S$230 | School projects, educational tools |
| Secondary School | S$290 | Enrichment activities, events |
With the combined benefits, a secondary school student could receive up to S$790 in total educational support in 2025 alone.
How Will Families Receive the Funds?
The process for families to access both types of support has been designed to be automatic and secure.
- For LifeSG Credits: Parents should ensure that the LifeSG app is downloaded and updated. The credits will appear in the CDA trustee’s digital wallet, ready for use at compatible merchants.
- For Education Top-Ups: The money will be deposited directly into the Edusave or PSEA accounts. Parents will receive an SMS alert once the transfer is complete.
No manual sign-up or paperwork is needed for either type of support.
Keeping Families Safe from Scams
The government has taken extra steps to protect families from fraud and phishing attempts during the disbursement period. Official notifications will:
- Only come from “gov.sg”
- Never request personal information
- Never include clickable links
Parents are encouraged to be vigilant, avoid interacting with suspicious messages, and keep their mobile contact numbers updated to ensure smooth communication.
Tips to Maximize Your Benefits
To get the most from the scheme, parents and guardians should follow a few simple steps:
- Install and update the LifeSG app to access the credits
- Use the credits for essential household or childcare items
- Verify merchant compatibility with PayNow UEN QR or NETS QR before purchases
- Keep mobile numbers current to receive timely updates
- Avoid clicking on unknown links and ignore messages not from “gov.sg”
With these precautions, families can enjoy the benefits without hassle or risk.
Supporting Families Through Simplicity and Efficiency
This initiative reflects the Singapore government’s continued commitment to strengthening family support and ensuring equal access to educational opportunities. By automating the process and integrating funds directly into existing digital systems, the program removes unnecessary complexity while boosting financial relief.
It also comes at a crucial time as families continue to navigate the challenges of inflation, childcare costs, and academic expenses. Whether it’s a young child needing daily essentials or a teen preparing for tertiary education, the scheme is designed to make a meaningful difference.
Looking Ahead: Continued Support for Future Generations
Children born in 2025 will receive their credits in April 2026, once registration is completed. This ensures every child born during the eligible window receives their rightful support.
As Singapore’s digital services evolve, integrated programs like LifeSG and PSEA are making government support more efficient, user-friendly, and responsive to real family needs. The July 2025 credit disbursement is a step forward in that direction.