Singapore rules out extension as 83% of 2025 Child LifeSG credits already used
Singapore will not extend the expiry deadline for 2025 Child LifeSG credits, with 83 per cent already used by April 2026. The Ministry of Social and Family Development said families had received ample reminders before the credits expire in July.
- Singapore said 83 per cent of 2025 Child LifeSG credits had been used by April 2026.
- The government will not extend the credits before they expire in July 2026.
- Families with older children received separate Budget 2025 education-related support measures.
SINGAPORE: The government will not extend the validity period for Child LifeSG credits issued in 2025, with 83 per cent of the payouts already utilised as of April 2026.
Minister of State for Social and Family Development Goh Pei Ming said in parliament on 7 May that the utilisation rate was considered “healthy”, adding that authorities hoped families would continue spending the remaining balances before expiry in July.
The Child LifeSG credits, worth S$500 for each child aged 12 and below, were disbursed to eligible families in July 2025 as part of support measures aimed at easing child-rearing expenses.
Credits accessible through LifeSG app
The credits are accessible through the LifeSG application and can be used at physical and online merchants accepting PayNow UEN QR or NETS QR payments.
Goh said the Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF) had provided “ample notice” regarding the credits’ 12-month validity period.
He added that MSF had been reminding recipients through social media platforms, SMS notifications and the LifeSG app. A final reminder will be issued in June to families with unused balances.
“Ample notice” had already been given before the July 2026 expiry date, Goh said during the parliamentary exchange.
The comments came in response to questions from MP David Hoe of PAP-Jurong East-Bukit Batok regarding the possibility of extending the scheme’s validity period.
Reasons for unused balances
Responding to supplementary questions, Goh said several factors contributed to the remaining unused credits.
These included families spreading out spending over the year, last-minute spending habits, recipients being overseas, and in some cases, a lack of awareness about the credits.
Despite the remaining balances, Goh said the ministry viewed the overall utilisation rate positively.
The Child LifeSG credits scheme was introduced to help families offset daily child-rearing expenses, particularly for younger children who typically incur higher recurring costs.
Goh said the scheme was specifically targeted at younger families facing expenses such as diapers and milk powder.
Support for older children
Addressing suggestions that the credits be expanded to cover older children, Goh said Budget 2025 had already introduced separate measures for that age group.
These included S$500 top-ups to Edusave accounts and post-secondary education accounts for children and youths aged between 13 and 20.
The government is also preparing a fresh tranche of Child LifeSG credits for eligible families in July 2026.
The upcoming payouts will coincide with other support measures, including the Large Families LifeSG credits distributed last month.
