Home / Free Tools / Childcare Subsidy
Childcare & Infant Care Subsidy Calculator (Singapore)
Estimate your ECDA Basic and Additional subsidies and what you would actually pay each month for infant care or childcare, based on your household income and working status.
Rates effective from 1 January 2026 · last reviewed June 2026 · source: ECDA
Estimated total subsidy
How the subsidy works
There are two layers, both for Singapore Citizen children enrolled in an ECDA-licensed centre:
- Basic Subsidy: for a working mother, S$600/month for infant care or S$300/month for childcare. Non-working families get S$150 (unless low-income, see below).
- Additional Subsidy: an extra amount for working mothers on lower and middle incomes, on a sliding scale by household income, up to S$710/month (infant care) at the lowest income tier.
Families with a gross household income of S$6,000 or below (or per-capita income of S$1,500 or below) receive full subsidies even if the mother is not working.
Additional subsidy by income (working mother, full-day)
| Gross monthly household income | Infant care | Childcare |
|---|---|---|
| $3,000 & below | $710 | $467 |
| $3,001 - $4,500 | $640 | $440 |
| $4,501 - $6,000 | $500 | $340 |
| $6,001 - $7,500 | $380 | $260 |
| $7,501 - $9,000 | $240 | $190 |
| $9,001 - $10,500 | $100 | $130 |
| $10,501 - $12,000 | $40 | $80 |
| Above $12,000 | Basic only | Basic only |
Maximum Additional Subsidy amounts, on top of the Basic Subsidy. Source: ECDA subsidy table (rates from 1 Jan 2026). From 1 Jan 2027 the income ceiling rises to $15,000.
Who is eligible, and how to apply
- Citizenship: the Basic and Additional subsidies are for Singapore Citizen children. PR and foreigner children are not covered by these rates (some centres have their own arrangements).
- Working status: the full Basic Subsidy and any Additional Subsidy need the mother (or a single father) to work at least 56 hours a month. Non-working families get S$150 basic, unless low-income.
- START-UP Grant: a one-time S$3,000 grant is available for eligible working mothers enrolling their child in an Anchor or Partner Operator infant/childcare centre for the first time.
- How to apply: your childcare centre submits the subsidy application on your behalf once you enrol, and means-tests your household income. You don't apply separately.
Frequently asked questions
How much childcare subsidy can I get in Singapore?
A working mother gets a Basic Subsidy of S$600 (infant care) or S$300 (childcare) a month, plus an Additional Subsidy of up to S$710 (infant) on lower incomes. Use the calculator above for your situation.
Do PRs and foreigners get the childcare subsidy?
The ECDA Basic and Additional subsidies are for Singapore Citizen children only. PR and foreigner children are not covered by these rates, though some centres offer their own packages.
What is the difference between Basic and Additional Subsidy?
The Basic Subsidy is a flat amount based on working status. The Additional Subsidy is an extra amount for working mothers, scaled by household income, that tops up the Basic Subsidy.
What income is used, and what about big families?
Gross monthly household income is used. For households of 5 or more, ECDA assesses on per-capita income (total income divided by family size), which usually means a higher subsidy.
When does the higher $15,000 income ceiling start?
From 1 January 2027, the Additional Subsidy income ceiling rises from S$12,000 to S$15,000 (or per-capita income of S$3,400), so more middle-income families will qualify.
How do I apply for the subsidy?
You don't apply yourself, your ECDA-licensed childcare centre submits the application and means-tests your income once your child is enrolled.
