10 Things You Can Buy With CDC Vouchers in Singapore

This post was originally posted on Planner Bee.

When the government introduced Community Development Council (CDC) Vouchers, many of us used them mainly on hawker meals or groceries. That is a practical choice, but you may be overlooking other ways to make your vouchers work harder.

What if you could stretch them further and spend them on things you may not realise are covered? From looking after your health to improving your home or even upgrading your phone, CDC Vouchers can go beyond food and daily essentials.

Here are 10 surprising and unexpected ways to use them.

Home and essentials

1. Pet food and supplies

Your pets can benefit too! You can use CDC Vouchers at many pet supply shops for essentials such as kibble, canned food, litter, shampoo and chew toys. This can make caring for your pets a little easier, especially if you have more than one or if you prefer to buy higher-quality brands. It helps to stretch your budget while still giving them what they need.

2. Hardware and DIY stores

Need to replace a worn-out mop, fix a leaky tap, or buy a new showerhead?

Hardware stores are full of practical items for home upkeep. Using your CDC Vouchers here helps you stay on top of household maintenance without breaking the bank.

3. School and office supplies

Getting ready for the new school term or setting up your work-from-home desk?

Many stationery shops accept CDC Vouchers. You can stock up on notebooks, pens, art materials, and even basic computer accessories. Some stores also carry school bags, filing supplies, and home office essentials, making it easy to get everything you need in one trip.

Health and wellness

4. Optical shops

Glasses and contact lenses can be expensive. To help reduce costs, some optical shops accept CDC Vouchers, allowing you to use them for prescription lenses, contact lenses, and frames. This makes eyewear more affordable, especially for those needing regular vision care.

5. Dental services

Basic dental care should not be delayed. Treatments such as scaling and polishing can often be partially covered with your vouchers at participating clinics, helping to reduce out-of-pocket costs. Using your vouchers for regular check-ups not only makes visits more affordable, but also supports early detection of dental issues and better long-term oral health.

6. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)

If you prefer natural remedies, many TCM clinics and herbal halls also participate. You can use vouchers for acupuncture, cupping, herbal prescriptions, or supplements. These services are often provided by licensed practitioners who can tailor treatments to your needs.

7. Personal care and wellness

Everyday essentials such as shampoo, deodorant, facial wash, vitamins, and sanitary products can quickly add up over time. Since these are items most households purchase regularly, using vouchers for them helps reduce recurring expenses and ensures you don’t have to compromise on quality. Many supermarkets, pharmacies, and personal care stores accept vouchers for these products, making it easy to save on your routine shopping.

Lifestyle and food

8. Cafés and heartland eateries

An occasional coffee or brunch doesn’t have to feel like a splurge. Many neighbourhood cafés and eateries now accept CDC Vouchers, so you can treat yourself to a matcha latte, sourdough toast, or even a hearty weekend brunch. It’s a simple way to enjoy your favourite bites while also supporting local businesses and the community.

9. Local bakeries

Bakeries are a great way to use vouchers on daily staples like fresh bread, buns, or traditional treats such as ang ku kueh and curry puffs. From breakfast to teatime, these small indulgences can add comfort to your day. Choosing a family-run or neighbourhood bakery not only stretches your vouchers but also helps support local artisans and small businesses in the community.

10. Clothing alterations and tailoring

If your clothes need mending or adjusting, tailoring services are a practical way to use vouchers. Simple fixes like repairing zippers, adjusting hems, or altering sizes can give your clothes a new lease of life. This not only helps your outfits fit better but also makes them last longer, saving you the expense of buying new pieces while reducing waste.

Tech and gadgets

11. Mobile phones and accessories

From phone cases and charging cables to second-hand phones, vouchers can also be used at selected electronics shops. These stores often carry practical accessories and gadgets that you might need to replace or upgrade regularly. Using vouchers here is a smart way to cover tech essentials, making them stretch beyond just food or groceries while still keeping your spending practical.

Tips to maximise your CDC Vouchers

• Check the merchant directory: Visit go.gov.sg/cdcvouchers for the full list of participating businesses.
• Look for shopfront decals: A bright CDC sticker usually indicates acceptance.
• Combine with promotions: Some shops allow vouchers to be used alongside discounts or credit card promotions.
• Use digital or printed vouchers: If you prefer paper, you can collect printed versions at community centres.
• Plan ahead: Vouchers have an expiry date, so mark it down to avoid losing out.

Read more: What Drives Impulse Spending and How To Avoid It

Think beyond groceries and hawker food

CDC Vouchers are not just a short-term perk. They are a flexible tool to reduce everyday spending across different parts of your life. By looking beyond groceries and hawker centres, you can find savings in health, home essentials, and even personal style.

Next time you’re about to use them all on snacks or bubble tea, pause and ask yourself: What do I really need this month, and how can my vouchers ease that cost?

Spend wisely, support neighbourhood businesses, and let your vouchers go further.

Read more: How To Save Up For Your Short-, Mid- and Long-Term Financial Goals