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SINGAPORE – Parents of Singaporean children born from October 1 of this year to September 30, 2022 can obtain a one-time grant of $ 3,000 to help defray the cost of raising a child amid the pandemic.
The baby support grant will supplement the existing baby voucher cash gift, which can be up to $ 10,000, and will be deposited into the same bank account that the parents have nominated to receive the cash gift.
Payments will begin on April 1 of the next year or within one month of enrollment in the Baby Bonus program, whichever is later.
Prime Minister’s Office Minister Indranee Rajah, who announced the grant on Friday (October 9), noted that the Covid-19 pandemic has not been easy for Singaporeans planning to marry and start a family.
“The government will spare no effort to help couples fulfill their marital and parenting aspirations,” he added.
“We also hope that more businesses and community groups will play their role in helping couples juggle work and family, provide affordable goods and services for young families, and ultimately create a Singapore made for families.” .
Some companies have responded to that call and offer special benefits to families with young children.
Baby products brand Mothercare will offer its VIP membership to all Singaporeans who are giving birth during the next 12 months to be eligible for special discounts.
The National Population and Talent Division (NPTD), which jointly administers the Baby Support Grant with the Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF), also said it understands that some parents who may have missed the plan start date may feel disappointed that they are not eligible for the new grant.
“We would like to seek public understanding that specific start dates are needed for any new measures or improvements,” the NPTD said, adding that children born before October 1 of this year can still enjoy many of the benefits. of the Marriage and Paternity Package. .
SOME SINGAPORE WILL DELAY MARRIAGE, FAMILY PLANS
The NPTD added that some couples have indicated they will postpone their life plans due to concerns about their financial stability and job prospects.
A recent survey commissioned by the NPTD and MSF found that around 30 percent of those surveyed said they will likely delay marriage or have a child later due to the pandemic and its effects on the economy.
The survey surveyed about 4,100 Singaporeans, about half of whom are single between the ages of 22 and 32 who were in serious relationships; the rest are married people between 21 and 45 years old.
About 80 percent of married people who indicated they plan to delay having children said they would do so for up to two years, while the rest said they would delay it for more than two years or were unsure.
Top concerns for those delaying family plans include uncertainty about the global health situation in light of Covid-19, unstable economic and job prospects, and concerns about the safety of healthcare facilities.
About 70 percent of singles planning to delay wedding plans said they would suspend the marriage for up to two years, with most citing the uncertain global health situation and the practical difficulty of holding a wedding ceremony.
They also expressed concern about the economy and job security.
“Since age affects fertility, marrying and having children later can result in families not being able to have the number of children they hope to have,” the NPTD said.
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