In an effort to empower families in the digital age, the Singapore Government has launched the Smart Family Bonus as part of the 2025 national budget. The initiative aims to grant parents up to S$3,600 in digital and educational perks.
This bonus is designed to foster responsible technology usage at home, while also alleviating the costs associated with raising children in a digitally connected world.
It represents a comprehensive approach to ensuring that families are equipped with the tools, knowledge, and resources to thrive in a digital society.
What Does the Smart Family Bonus Entail?
The Smart Family Bonus is a newly introduced benefit that targets eligible households with children under the age of 18. Its goal is to strike a balance between promoting safe and responsible digital usage for children while helping families reduce costs related to technology needs.
Unveiled during the 2025 Budget Address, the Smart Family Bonus aligns with Singapore’s vision to become a digitally inclusive smart nation.
This initiative blends financial assistance, educational resources, and support for smart devices under one umbrella scheme, which is expected to touch the lives of over 400,000 families.
What the S$3,600 Bonus Pays For
The S$3,600 offered through the Smart Family Bonus is not provided as direct cash but is instead processed through several components aimed at helping families embrace digital living and digital parenting. Here’s a breakdown of what the bonus covers:
| Benefit | Details |
|---|---|
| Subsidies for Smart Devices | Devices like tablets and laptops for children’s learning needs. |
| Free Digital Parenting Workshops | Curated workshops to teach parents how to manage children’s screen time. |
| Cybersecurity Courses | Courses that focus on teaching online safety and responsible tech usage. |
| Vouchers for Educational Software | Credits for educational apps and platforms to enhance children’s learning. |
| Child-Friendly Mobile Plans | Discounts on mobile plans with data usage controls for children. |
| Digital Parenting Hub Subscription | One-year subscription to a national resource portal focused on digital parenting. |
The bonus does not come as direct cash; instead, it is used to cover the costs associated with equipping children for a digitally connected world. Parents can access these perks and more, as they work to build healthy technology habits within their households.
Who Qualifies for the Smart Family Bonus?
To qualify for the Smart Family Bonus, families must meet the following criteria:
- Age of Child: The family must have at least one Singapore Citizen child who is under 18 years old.
- Residency: Parents or legal guardians must be Singapore Citizens or Permanent Residents.
- Household Income: The gross annual income of the household must not exceed S$150,000.
- Educational Enrollment: The child must be enrolled in a local Ministry of Education (MOE)-registered educational institution or its equivalent.
For families that fall within the lower-income bracket, the government will provide full subsidization for smart devices and additional software credits. Families already receiving support from Baby Bonus, ComCare, or MOE Financial Assistance schemes will have their applications expedited.
How to Claim the Smart Family Bonus
Families can start applying for the Smart Family Bonus starting August 2025. The application process is simple and can be done through Singpass on the official Smart Family Bonus portal. After verification, eligible families will be directed to their personalized benefits dashboard, where they can access and manage their benefits.
Here’s how parents can claim their benefits:
- Choose Devices: Families can select smart devices such as tablets or laptops from a government-approved marketplace.
- Register for Workshops: Parents can register for digital parenting workshops and webinars to gain skills in managing children’s digital usage.
- Redeem E-Vouchers: Parents can redeem e-vouchers for child-focused apps and educational platforms.
- Activate Safety Tools: Tools such as content filters and safe browsing features will be available for families to implement in their homes.
Recipients have 12 months to utilize their entire entitlement, giving families ample time to access and benefit from these valuable resources.
The Government’s Target
The Smart Family Bonus was launched in response to growing concerns about the excessive screen time that children face, as well as the disparity in digital learning between wealthier and lower-income families.
As children spend more time on digital devices for remote learning and socializing, the government wants to equip parents with both the tools and the knowledge to guide their children safely and responsibly in the digital world.
The bonus is also part of Singapore’s broader plan to narrow the digital divide and promote digital resilience. By providing parents with resources to manage technology at home, the government aims to ensure that children, regardless of their family’s economic background, can benefit from digital inclusion.
Breakdown of Smart Family Bonus Benefits
| Benefit | Description |
|---|---|
| Smart Device Subsidy | Subsidies for tablets, laptops, and other devices for children’s education. |
| Workshops & Webinars | Free access to parenting workshops focused on digital safety and management. |
| Educational Software Vouchers | Vouchers for approved apps and learning platforms. |
| Mobile Plan Discounts | Discounts on mobile plans with data usage controls for child safety. |
| Digital Parenting Hub Subscription | One-year subscription to a digital resource portal for parenting in the digital age. |
The S$3,600 Smart Family Bonus is a progressive initiative by the Singapore government, aimed at helping families in the digital age. By providing financial support, educational resources, and access to smart devices, the Smart Family Bonus ensures that no child is left behind in an increasingly digitally connected world.
Parents should begin checking their eligibility now and get ready to benefit from this extensive support package when it officially launches in August 2025. This bonus is not just a financial lifeline but a stepping stone toward building a digitally inclusive society where families thrive.
FAQs
How can I apply for the Smart Family Bonus?
You can apply through the official Smart Family Bonus portal via Singpass starting from August 2025. After your details are verified, you will be directed to a personalized dashboard.
What can I use the S$3,600 bonus for?
The S$3,600 can be used for a variety of benefits, including subsidies for smart devices, access to digital parenting workshops, cybersecurity courses, educational software, and mobile plan discounts.
Who qualifies for the Smart Family Bonus?
Families with at least one Singapore Citizen child under 18, with a gross household income of S$150,000 or less, are eligible. Families already receiving support through Baby Bonus or ComCare will receive priority processing.