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SINGAPORE – A new $ 3,000 grant announced on Friday (October 9) will help parents cover the costs of raising a child amid the coronavirus pandemic.
Moms and dads of children born between October 1 of this year and September 30, 2022 will be eligible for the one-time baby support grant.
Here are some frequently asked questions.
Is my child eligible for the grant if he was born on October 1, 2020?
Yes, parents of Singaporean children born between October 1, 2020 and September 30, 2022 (inclusive) are eligible for the one-time $ 3,000 grant. Each couple will receive $ 3,000.
How and when will the baby support grant be disbursed? Are there any restrictions on its use?
The grant will be deposited into the same bank account that the parents have nominated to receive the cash gift of the Baby Bonus.
Since IT system updates take time to complete, they will be deposited as of April 1, 2021 or within one month of enrollment in the Baby Bonus program, whichever is later.
Parents can visit this site to enroll in the Baby Bonus program. There are no restrictions on the use of the Infant Support Grant. You can find more information about the new grant here.
Why is the grant only for babies born on or after October 1, 2020 when couples and parents would have been affected by the Covid-19 situation in early 2020?
The National Population and Talent Division (NPTD) said it understands that parents who have missed their start date might be disappointed. “But we would like to seek public understanding that specific start dates are needed for any new measures or improvements.”
The NPTD added that children born before October 1 can enjoy the many benefits of the Marriage and Fatherhood Package.
What is the expected impact of Covid-19 on marriages and births?
The Covid-19 situation has resulted in a drop in the number of marriages, especially during the circuit breaker and in Phase One of the economy reopening, the NPTD said.
“This was expected due to movement and assembly restrictions,” he added.
A recent survey of around 4,100 Singaporeans found that around 30 percent said they are likely to delay plans to marry or have a child due to the pandemic and its effects on the economy.
“However, despite the uncertainty caused by Covid-19, it is encouraging that many couples have continued with their wedding plans,” the NPTD said.
He added that he has seen “healthy numbers” that add up to around 800 couples, who have planned their solemnization on special dates, such as October 10 to 10/10/2020, an easy date to remember with a cute ring.
For the latest updates on the coronavirus, visit here.
This article was first published in The times of the strait.
