World's second richest country to reduce infant-care fees to $230 a month to support families

Singapore's second wealthiest nation announced plans to significantly lower childcare and infant care fees, aiming to make it more affordable for families. According to Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, the government intends to gradually reduce these fees over the next few years, with the goal of reaching target levels by 2030. Wong made this announcement during the 2026 National Day Rally speech, detailing the new childcare leave policy and fee reductions.

Under the new policy, each working parent will receive a specific number of days off per year based on the number of children they have under 12 years old. Those with one child will get eight days, two children will receive 10 days, and families with three or more children will be entitled to 12 days of leave annually. The government also plans to reduce full-day childcare fees to S$150 per month, with additional subsidies available for lower-income families.

In a further effort to support families, the Singaporean government will provide nearly S$70,000 in direct support to each newborn throughout their childhood. This support includes annual child credits and additional education-related assistance. The government also aims to raise household income ceilings for eligibility to purchase subsidized public housing.

For build-to-order flats, the income ceiling will be raised from S$14,000 to S$16,000, while for executive condominiums, the ceiling will increase from S$16,000 to S$18,000. Priority will be given to first-time parents when they apply for new flats, as part of the broader measures to help Singaporeans start and raise families.