Special Approval

Non-working mothers / single fathers are eligible for a monthly Basic Subsidy of $150. To better support non-working subsidy applicants, ECDA provides higher subsidies on a time-limited basis to mothers / single fathers who are unable to work due to valid reasons under the Special Approval such as:

• Looking for a job

• Studying, training or on course for at least 56 hours per month

• Pregnant

• Medically unfit for work due to hospitalisation, long-term illness and/or permanent disability

• Taking care of a special needs child (includes enrolled child)

• Taking care of a sick family member who requires a full-time caregiver

• Caring full-time for a younger child aged 24 months and below who is not enrolled in a preschool

• Incarcerated

Note: Unless otherwise stated, you are required to provide supporting documents for your application. Please refer to the Supporting Documents Checklist (https://file.go.gov.sg/ecda-subsidy-application-suppdocs.pdf) for a list of documents needed for your subsidy application.

Non-working main subsidy applicant

From 9 December 2024, families with a Singapore citizen child enrolled in a childcare programme and a gross monthly household income of $6,000 and below or per capita income of $1,500 and below will qualify for full childcare subsidies (comprising a basic subsidy and means-tested additional subsidy, if eligible). This applies regardless of the main subsidy applicant’s working status. Eligible children will receive the full childcare subsidies until the next fixed point of assessment (https://www.ecda.gov.sg/parents/preschool-subsidies/fixed-points-of-subsidy-assessment).

Households under HDB's Public Rental Scheme or MSF's ComCare Assistance

Families who are tenants of a rental flat under the HDB’s Public Rental Scheme or are beneficiaries of ComCare Short-to-Medium-Term or Long-Term Assistance will be eligible for maximum preschool subsidies under SA until the next fixed point of subsidy assessment.

Have a query?

Top questions asked

How much preschool subsidy can a non-working parent receive?

Are there requirements for outdoor play in preschools?

Does staff need to undergo medical screening for each new employment?