LifeSG credits for children: how to claim and where to use (2026 guide)

Raising a child in Singapore is a joyful yet financially demanding journey. From diapers and formula to enrichment classes and healthcare, the costs add up quickly. That’s why the government’s recent initiative to provide S$500 LifeSG credits per eligible child is a welcome relief for many families.

These credits can be used at everyday merchants or withdrawn as cash for more flexible use. This guide will walk you through:

• Who qualifies

• How to access and use the credits

• A smart hack to cash it out

• And tips to stretch the value of these credits

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What are the LifeSG Credits?

The LifeSG credits were announced as part of Singapore’s 2025 Family Support Package, and are intended to offset some of the costs of raising children in today’s economic climate. Each child qualifies for $500, credited directly into the parent’s LifeSG app.

The payout began in July 2025, and the credits must be used by July 2026. They are non-transferable and cannot be withdrawn directly into bank accounts (although there are some hacks to work around this which we describe below).

These credits give families the flexibility to cover daily essentials or invest in their child’s development, depending on your needs.

Who qualifies for the $500 LifeSG Credits?

To be eligible:

• Your child must be a Singapore Citizen

• Aged 12 or younger as of 1 July 2025

• Must have an active Child Development Account (CDA) as the credits will be given to the trustee of the CDA account

Credits are automatically issued to the parent who is listed as the trustee of the CDA. This is usually the parent who set up the account. So if you don’t see the credits in your LifeSG app, ask your spouse or co-parent to check theirs.

🧾 Each child up to 12 years old is eligible to receive $500. If you have three eligible children, you’ll receive a total of $1,500.

What if my child is born in 2026?

Parents of babies born in 2026 won’t receive the credits right away, but the government has confirmed that these children will be included.

Once the CDA is set up and verified (typically within a few weeks of birth), the LifeSG credits will be disbursed by April 2026.

In the meantime, new parents should:

• Download the LifeSG app which is needed to register your child’s birth

• Complete CDA application via POSB/OCBC/UOB

Ensure their Singpass and bank details are updated

What is the LifeSG App used for?

The LifeSG app is your go-to platform for accessing government services and benefits for parents. Besides credits, the app helps you:

• Track your child’s immunisation records

• Find and register for preschools

• View medical appointments

• Book ActiveSG sports facilities

• Access Baby Bonus and CDA balance

How to access your credits

1. Open the LifeSG app

2. Log in via Singpass

3. Your child’s credits will appear on the home screen or under their profile

Where can you spend LifeSG credits?

LifeSG credits are incredibly versatile and can be used at any merchant that supports PayNow UEN QR or NETS QR. That’s welcome news as you have full flexibility to use it across merchants and categories, not just for groceries.

Here are some examples:

You can even use it for school fees or extra classes if the service provider accepts PayNow UEN payments. However, hawkers and small vendors using personal PayNow QR codes may not be compatible.

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Step-by-Step: How to use your LifeSG credits at merchants

Not sure how to use your LifeSG credits at a store or service provider? Don’t worry, here’s a simple step-by-step guide to help you spend your credits seamlessly through the LifeSG app.

Remember: The merchant must support PayNow UEN QR or NETS QR payments. You cannot use LifeSG credits on vendors who only accept personal PayNow (e.g. via mobile number).

Step 1: Confirm the merchant accepts PayNow UEN or NETS QR

• Look for signs that say PayNow UEN QR accepted or NETS QR.

• If unsure, ask the cashier or service staff whether they accept LifeSG credits via QR.

• You can also check if their QR code includes a UEN (Unique Entity Number) a good indicator it's eligible.

 Step 2: Open the LifeSG app

• Launch the LifeSG app on your phone.

• Log in using Singpass if prompted.

• Ensure your credits are reflected under the child’s profile on the homepage.

  

Step 3: Tap “Scan QR code to pay”

• On the LifeSG home screen, tap the “Scan QR code to pay” button.

• This opens your phone camera.
  

Step 4: Scan the merchant’s QR code

• Point your camera at the PayNow UEN QR or NETS QR code provided by the merchant.

• Wait for the system to detect and validate the payee.

• You should see the merchant name and UEN displayed for confirmation.

Step 5: Enter the payment amount

• Key in the total amount you’re paying (e.g., $23.40).

• Review the details carefully, and make sure it’s the correct merchant and amount.

Step 6: Confirm payment using LifeSG Credits

• Tap “Pay with LifeSG Credits” when prompted.

• Authorise the payment using your phone's biometric or passcode.

• A confirmation screen will appear once the transaction is successful.

That’s it! You’ve successfully used your LifeSG credits.

Hack: Withdraw LifeSG credits as cash using YouTrip

If you’d rather not worry about where and how to spend your credits, you can convert them to cash using a YouTrip account. This allows more flexibility, especially for those who want to save the money, or transfer it into a child’s savings account.

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Generate a QR Code in YouTrip

• Open YouTrip app

• Tap Top Up

• Enter the amount (e.g., $500)

• Tap Generate QR Code

• Save the image to your phone
  

 Scan the QR Using LifeSG

• Open LifeSG app

• Tap “Scan QR code to pay”

• Scan the QR from YouTrip

• Confirm payee: YOU TECHNOLOGIES PTE LTD (UEN: 201628225C)

• Confirm and pay

What are the best ways to spend LifeSG credits?

Once the credits are in your bank account, you have full freedom to decide how to use it. This could be:

• Depositing into your child’s CDA to earn base interest and government co-matching

• Starting a junior investment plan

• Paying for medical expenses, investment plans, school fees or supplies

• Keeping it as emergency funds

Parenting comes with many unplanned costs. A sudden clinic visit, a lost water bottle, or an extra school trip. Having that buffer gives you peace of mind.

And if you find yourself needing more structured financial help, whether for larger expenses like renovation, education loans, or debt consolidation, consider Lendela. You’ll be matched with the best available loan offers from over 70 financial institutions, all in one place, with no cost to you.

Budgeting your credits wisely

Not sure how to allocate the $500? Here's a sample breakdown:

Ultimately, you know your child’s needs best. The flexibility of these credits is that they support your judgment, whether you want to invest for the long term, cover day-to-day expenses, or save for a rainy day.

Final Thoughts

Raising children in Singapore isn’t cheap, and every little bit helps. These $500 LifeSG credits offer a helpful cushion to lighten the financial load for parents across the country.

Whether you choose to spend, save, or withdraw, what matters is that you use them wisely before they expire. If you're planning your next financial move, platforms like Lendela help you explore competitive loan offers from top loan providers, completely free and with no obligation.

So don’t wait. Make the most of your credits, and take control of your family's finances today.