Student Care Fee Assistance (SCFA) 2026: Check eligibility, income limits, subsidies, and how to cut student care costs legally

Student care fees are quietly becoming one of the biggest monthly expenses for working parents in Singapore. Between rising costs of living, enrichment classes, and daily household bills, after-school care can easily cross S$400 to S$600 a month per child.

That’s where Student Care Fee Assistance (SCFA) 2026 comes in. This government subsidy is designed to help working families keep student care affordable — without cutting corners on supervision, meals, or homework support. Honestly speaking, many parents qualify but don’t apply simply because the scheme sounds confusing.

Before deciding if it’s worth your time, here’s a clear breakdown of what SCFA 2026 offers, who qualifies, and how much you can realistically save.

Item	Details for SCFA 2026
Who it’s for	Working parents with children in Primary 1–6
Child requirement	Singapore Citizen enrolled in approved Student Care Centre
Income assessment	Gross Household Income or Per Capita Income
Maximum subsidy	Up to S$290 per child per month
Typical student care fees	S$300 – S$600 monthly
Subsidy payout	Credited directly to the student care centre

What Is Student Care Fee Assistance (SCFA)?

Student Care Fee Assistance (SCFA) is a Singapore Government-funded subsidy that reduces the cost of enrolling children in approved Student Care Centres (SCCs). It applies to after-school care, school holidays, and non-school days — basically the hours when working parents need support the most.

SCFA is administered under national family support policies to make sure children are properly cared for, regardless of household income. The subsidy is not cash payout. Instead, it is offset directly against your child’s monthly student care bill.

Why SCFA Matters More in 2026

For most Singaporeans, the cost pressure is very real. Student care isn’t optional for many dual-income households, especially those with long working hours or limited family support.

Without subsidies, parents are paying:

• S$300 to S$600 per month for student care
• Additional costs during school holidays
• Transport and meal add-ons

SCFA 2026 helps cushion these increases, especially for lower- and middle-income families who may not qualify for other assistance schemes but still feel the pinch.

Who Is Eligible for SCFA 2026?

Eligibility is straightforward, but all conditions must be met.

Child Eligibility

• Must be a Singapore Citizen
• Enrolled in Primary 1 to Primary 6
• Attending an MSF-approved Student Care Centre

Parent and Household Criteria

• At least one parent must be working (full-time or part-time)
• Household income must fall within SCFA limits
• Parents must demonstrate a genuine need for student care services

No need to overthink this — if both parents are working and your child attends student care, you’re already halfway there.

SCFA 2026 Income Limits (What Really Matters)

SCFA uses two income measurements. If one exceeds the limit, the other is considered.

Gross Monthly Household Income (GHI)

• Up to S$4,500

Per Capita Income (PCI)

• Up to S$1,125 per household member

This structure ensures families with more dependents aren’t unfairly penalised. Many lower-middle-income households still qualify under PCI even if total household income looks higher on paper.

SCFA 2026 Subsidy Amounts: How Much Can You Save?

Subsidy amounts are tiered based on income. The lower the income, the higher the support.

• Maximum subsidy: Up to S$290 per child per month
• Higher support for:
  • Lower-income households
  • Single-parent families
  • Families with multiple children

Example:
If monthly student care fee is S$400
SCFA subsidy: S$240
Parent pays only: S$160

Over a year, that’s close to S$3,000 saved for just one child.

Which Student Care Centres Are Covered?

SCFA only applies to MSF-approved Student Care Centres, including:

• School-based centres
• Community-based centres
• Anchor operator centres

Always confirm eligibility with the centre before enrolment. Most centres will guide parents through the application process.

How to Apply for SCFA 2026 (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Enrol Your Child

Secure a place in an approved student care centre first.

Step 2: Submit SCFA Application

Applications are submitted via the student care centre or designated channels.

Step 3: Prepare Documents

You’ll usually need:

• Parents’ NRICs
• Latest payslips or CPF contribution records
• Child’s birth certificate
• Employment verification

Step 4: Wait for Approval

Processing time is typically 2–4 weeks. Once approved, the subsidy is automatically deducted from your monthly fees.

SCFA vs Other Singapore Family Subsidies

SCFA focuses strictly on after-school care, unlike:

• Child Development Account (CDA)
• Kindergarten Fee Assistance Scheme (KiFAS)
• General financial assistance schemes

For families with primary school children, SCFA is often the most relevant and impactful subsidy available.

Legal Ways to Reduce Student Care Costs Further

Beyond SCFA 2026, parents can also:

• Choose school-based centres with lower base fees
• Apply for additional assistance if household income drops
• Use flexible work arrangements to reduce care hours
• Combine SCFA with centre-level subsidies

All fully legal. All worth considering.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Student Care Fee Assistance automatically given?

No. Parents must apply and meet eligibility criteria. Approval is income-assessed.

Can self-employed parents apply for SCFA?

Yes. You’ll need to submit income declarations and supporting documents.

Does SCFA cover school holidays?

Yes, if the student care centre offers holiday programmes under its approved services.

Key Takeaways for Singapore Parents

Student Care Fee Assistance (SCFA) 2026 remains one of the most practical government support schemes for working families. With savings of up to S$290 per child per month, it can significantly reduce financial stress without compromising care quality.