The National Trades Union Congress (NTUC) has announced the return of its annual NTUC Care (Back-to-School) assistance programme, aimed at helping lower-income union members manage the rising costs associated with their children’s education. Eligible families can receive $120 in e-Vouchers per school-going child, with the quantum doubled to $240 for those attending Special Education (SPED) schools. In 2025, NTUC Care is projected to provide over $2.1 million in education-related support, reaching more than 3,800 students from primary to university levels.
NTUC aims to ease the financial strain of back-to-school spending for lower-income union members; and ensure that their children have what they need to begin the year on the right footing. Union members are encouraged to visit https://care.ntuc.org.sg/assistance for full eligibility details and application instructions.
Eligibility Details
The programme is targeted at easing the financial burden on lower-wage workers. To qualify, NTUC members must meet three main criteria:
- Membership: Applicants must have been an NTUC member for at least six continuous months at the point of application and must not be in arrears.
- Dependents: The member must have full-time school-going children (Kindergarten 1 to Pre-University/ITE/Polytechnic levels) attending an eligible educational institution in Singapore in the coming year.
- Income Ceilings: Families must fall within the qualifying income criteria:
- Total Monthly Gross Household Income of $3,800 and below, OR
- Per Capita Income of $950 and below (if the household income exceeds $3,800).
The income criteria ensure that the support is channelled to those who need it most to defray expenses like textbooks, uniforms, and stationery.
How to Apply and Utilise the Vouchers
Applications for the grant must be submitted online via the OneCARE System during the designated application period from 29 October 2025, 12pm to 3 December 2025, 4pm. Members are required to prepare and upload supporting documentation, including income statements, birth certificates, education supporting documents and proof of residential address.
Successful applicants will receive their assistance in the form of RedeemSG e-Vouchers. These vouchers are designed to be easily accessible and usable at key retailers that supply school essentials across the island.
The vouchers are valid for use at participating merchants, including:
- Popular (Bookstore)
- Bata (Footwear)
- Pacific Bookstores
- Authorised school uniform suppliers
Recipients are reminded that the e-Vouchers are issued in fixed denominations and must be utilised before 31 March 2026, with strictly no extensions granted.
NTUC Assistant Secretary-General and Director of the NTUC Care Division, Melvin Yong, said: “Education lays the foundation for a child’s future, and we know that preparing for school can be a challenge for some families. With NTUC Care (Back-to-School) e-Vouchers, education awards, and other support programmes, we strive to provide both practical help to our union members’ children and recognition for their achievements. These initiatives aim to ease families’ financial worries and motivate students to keep learning and pursuing their dreams.”
