Did you know that Singapore ranked 2nd highest in terms of cost of living in 2024? Honestly, you’re probably not surprised. Just in the past couple of years, my favourite Reese’s Peanut Butter Puffs cereal hit an eye-watering $14.95, effectively robbing me of my peanutty, sugary bliss.
If you’re feeling the financial fatigue too, here’s some good news: the next wave of CDC vouchers is on its way. Not sure what that means or how to use them? Here’s everything you need to know.
What are CDC vouchers?
CDC Vouchers are digital credits given to Singaporean households (every household with at least one Singaporean is eligible) to help with the rising cost of living, simultaneously supporting and boosting local businesses. They’re essentially free money that you can spend at any heartland merchants and hawkers.
2025/2026 Disbursement: amount and validity
As announced in the Budget 2025, a total of $800 of CDC vouchers will be given to all households on top of the $300 already distributed in January 2025. This $800 will be given in 2 rounds — $500 in May 2025 (which has already been distributed), and an upcoming $300 in January 2026.
If you weren’t aware of this before that and haven’t redeemed your 2025 vouchers, then you'd best start splurging as they expire in December 2025.
How to claim your CDC vouchers
The claiming process is as simple as it gets. Have one member of your household head over to go.gov.sg/cdcv, log in with their Singpass, and claim the vouchers. They’ll receive a CDC voucher link by SMS from “gov.sg”, which they can forward to the rest of the household. To use, simply click on the link, select the voucher type and amount, and then present the QR code to the merchant.
If that sounds a little confusing, don’t worry. You can bring your NRIC to your nearest Community Centre/Club (CC), where friendly staff and volunteers will help print a paper version of your vouchers. For other enquiries, you can call the People's Association Contact Centre at 6225 5322.
Where to spend your vouchers
As mentioned, these vouchers are eligible for use at Heartland merchants, hawkers, and supermarkets. This includes your neighbourhood butchers, hairdressers, salons, cafes, etc.
However, if you think the vouchers are limited to just these casual eateries, think again. There are plenty of trendy speciality stores where you can put them to good use. Look out for stickers indicating the merchant’s participation in the scheme, or you can also check online through this link.
1. Art Friend
Art Friend is a well-known haven for artists of all kinds — hobbyists and professionals, painters and crafters alike. With shelves crammed with more paints and colours than you ever knew existed, alongside piles of canvases and crafting supplies, even the most unimaginative person may find their creative side surface here.
📍 Address: Block 231 Bain Street, #03-33, Bras Basah Complex, Singapore 180231. See more locations
📞 Phone: 6336 9920
⏰ Opening hours: 10:00 am – 7:30 pm daily
🌐 Website: artfriendonline.com
2. Well mobile
We’ve all suffered through a cracked screen or glitchy phone that’s annoying enough to complain about, but not painful enough to fork out a repair fee. Good news: Well Mobile, a neighbourhood phone repair shop, accepts CDC vouchers, so you can get your phone fixed without the financial sting.
Don’t let its no-frills setup fool you. Whether it’s a quick screen protector swap or repairs to internal components, Well Mobile handles it efficiently and at a fraction of the cost you’d pay at official service centres.
📍 Address: Upper Aljunied Lane, #01-07, S360002
📞 Phone: 8399 0880
⏰ Opening hours: Mon to Sat: 9 am – 8 pm | Sun: 9 am – 5 pm
3. Pet lovers
If you own any floof-balls, now’s the time to spoil them with some treats and new toys. For all the joy they bring, you know they absolutely deserve it.
Pet Lovers is one of Singapore’s largest pet store chains, with multiple outlets and wallet-friendly prices. You can even bring home a hamster for under $20. So if you’ve been feeling a little lonely, maybe it’s time for a tiny new best friend.
That said, don’t let the cuteness cloud your judgment. They may be tiny, but they still come with big responsibilities.
📍 Address: 625 Elias Road, Cherie Hearts Kidz Campus Pte. Ltd., Singapore 510625, #01-308, S510625. See more locations
📞 Phone: 6585 0450
⏰ Opening hours: 11 am – 9:30 pm daily
🌐 Website: petloverscentre.com
4. Nail palace
Don’t forget to treat yourself too, and few things feel more satisfying than a fresh pedicure. Nail appointments are often the first luxury we cut when we’re trying to be thrifty, but with Nail Palace accepting CDC vouchers, you can finally go for that cute nail set you’ve had saved in your phone.
And gents, this one’s for you too. Pedicures aren’t just a “girl thing”. Clean, well-groomed nails are very much in. It’s a small act of self-care that goes a long way, especially when it’s state-subsidised. 😉
📍 Address: 474 Tampines Street 43, #01-102, S520474
📞 Phone: 8661 8825
⏰ Opening hours: 10 am – 8 pm daily
🌐 Website: nailpalace.com.sg
5. Ranking sports and music
If you’re into music or unconventional sports, this hidden gem is definitely worth a visit. Spread across four units in Bras Basah, the store is a treasure trove for beginners and hobbyists looking to dive into a new passion without a hefty investment.
As official distributors for brands like DW Drums and Godin Guitars, they offer seriously competitive prices. Step inside and you’ll be greeted with row after row of guitars, string instruments, and drums, alongside sporting gear such as boxing gloves, rubber tiles for combat training, sepak takraw balls, and more.
📍 Address: Block 231 Bain Street, #03-47 to 53, Bras Basah Complex, Singapore 180231
📞 Phone: 6339 0739
⏰ Opening hours: 10 am – 7 pm, daily
🌐 Website: ranking.com.sg
6. Hobby point
Figurine fanatics might already be familiar with Hobby Point, but did you know it’s also a CDC-registered merchant? For those out of the loop, Hobby Point specialises in niche figurines, model kits, and hobby tools such as paints and airbrushes, making it a go-to destination for collectors and builders alike. So if you’re keen to go old-school and assemble a model from scratch, this is the perfect place to pick up your very first kit.
📍 Address: 231 Bain Street, #03-37B, Bras Basah Complex, Singapore 180231
📞 Phone: 6336 7542
⏰ Opening hours: 11 am – 8 pm daily
🌐 Website: hobbypoint.com.sg
7. Jovial.co
Ending off the list, Jovial.co is a stationery and lifestyle accessories store founded by craft enthusiast Victoria Yue. What began as a small online passion project has since blossomed into a physical retail space, proving that pretty things can go places.
If you’re all about aesthetics, you’ll definitely find your place here — amongst soft, feminine designs, delicate colour palettes, and thoughtfully crafted everyday accessories that make even the most mundane moments feel a little more special.
It’s the perfect spot to add a gentle pop of colour and lightness to your life — because sometimes, it really is the simplest things that bring the greatest joy. Located in Bras Basah Complex, you can easily pair a visit here with stops at Hobby Point, Ranking Sports & Music, and Art Friend for the ultimate artsy day trip.
📍 Address: 231 Bain Street, #02-91, Bras Basah Complex, Singapore 180231
⏰ Opening hours: Tues to Sat: 11:00 am – 7:30 pm | Sun: 2:30 pm – 7:30 pm | Closed on Mon
🌐 Website: jovialcrafts.com
8. Just Ants
This might not be for everyone, but it’s certainly too interesting not to mention. Just Ants is a pet store run by a passionate team of ant enthusiasts, whose mission is to impart some antly wisdom to the public through the art of ant-keeping and exploration sessions. If the urge to start your own colony ever hits, Just Ants has everything you need to get that started.
From ant hunting equipment, to formicariums, to decorations and ant food, you’ll be able to build your colony from scratch, and watch the labyrinth-like nest bloom as your colony expands. You have to admit, it’s a fascinating hobby to explore.
📍 Address: 928 Yishun Central 1, #01-143, Singapore 760928
📞 Phone: 9091 9599
⏰ Opening hours: Tues to Sun, 12 pm – 8 pm, closed on Mon
🌐 Website: justants.shop/
Frequently asked questions
Are these the same as the SG60 Vouchers?
No, the SG60 Vouchers and CDC Vouchers are separate schemes with different eligibility criteria. The SG60 Vouchers are given to individual Singapore Citizens aged 21 and above to mark Singapore's 60th year of independence, while the CDC Vouchers are given to every Singaporean household.
However, they operate on the same digital platform and can be used at all the same participating merchants!
What if I accidentally delete the SMS with the voucher link?
You can retrieve your voucher link by visiting go.gov.sg/cdcv and logging in with Singpass again. A new SMS with the link will be sent to you.
What can I NOT buy with the vouchers?
The vouchers are generally not valid for the purchase of lottery products, petrol, diesel, alcohol, or cigarettes.
(Feature photo from: Time Out)
