KEY HIGHLIGHTS
- CDAC is giving **$400 e-vouchers** to help low-income families get ready for the 2026 school year.
- About **8,500 families** will benefit, covering transport, school supplies and education needs.
- Total voucher value crosses **$3 million**, helping families save major school-opening expenses.
School reopening bills hit hard, especially for low-income parents. So when CDAC announced fresh support worth $400 per family, the news spread fast.
These digital vouchers will reach 8,500 families, helping them manage transport, new bags, shoes, books and other essentials.
Quick Summary Table
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Voucher Amount | $400 (≈ ₹33,400) per family |
| Beneficiaries | 8,500 low-income families |
| Total Disbursement | Over $3 million (≈ ₹25 crore) |
| Usage | Transport, school supplies, educational needs |
| Redemption | SimplyGo ticket offices/kiosks, 760+ merchants |
| Eligibility | At least one child in full-time school in 2026 + CDAC scheme beneficiary |
| Additional Support | CDAC setting aside $47 million for education programmes in 2026 |
The vouchers were announced at CDAC’s 22nd Ready for School (RFS) event on Dec 7. The idea is simple: reduce stress by covering early-year expenses that pile up quickly.
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CDAC confirmed that the total support value again crosses $3 million, similar to 2024 — but benefiting even more families this time.
Why These Vouchers Matter Right Now
For many parents, January is a tough month. New uniforms, bus fares, stationeries — sab kuch ek saath.
Take Madam Suo Sivcheng, a 44-year-old waitress raising two kids alone after her husband fell sick. Her son has been asking for new shoes, but the budget just didn’t allow it.
She said the vouchers feel “a lot to us”.
Another parent, Tang Huey Ling, a part-time hawker, plans to use the support to manage transport costs when her six-year-old twins enter Primary 1 in 2026. Even a small subsidy goes a long way for families juggling bills.
Who Can Apply for CDAC’s $400 e-Vouchers?
CDAC has kept eligibility simple:
- Family must have at least one child in full-time school in 2026.
- The child can be in any level — from kindergarten to university.
- The family must already be a CDAC assistance scheme beneficiary.
Where Can Families Use These Vouchers?
Everything is digital — no long queues, no paperwork.
The e-vouchers can be redeemed at SimplyGo ticket offices and kiosks. The $400 is added directly to families’ EZ-Link or Nets FlashPay cards.
They can spend it on:
- Bus/MRT transport
- School items
- Purchases at 760+ SimplyGo partner stores
Paisa bachana ho toh yeh system kaafi smooth hai.
CDAC Is Expanding Support Even Further
Along with the voucher scheme, CDAC announced it will allocate $47 million in 2026 to improve education and family support programmes.
This includes:
- Long-term student mentoring
- Interest-based learning activities (like music, badminton, etc.)
- Wider assistance for vulnerable households
CDAC’s Executive Director Tan Yap Kin said the extra funding aims to help kids “develop their interests and grow with confidence”.
Overall vibe? More support, more stability for families who need it the most.
