Every child counts: New cash benefits in SG Child Support Package given to kids of unmarried mums

Singapore's Prime Minister Lawrence Wong announced the expansion of the SG Child Support Package to include children born to unmarried parents on August 23. This marks a significant change, as previous regulations excluded children born out of wedlock from certain cash benefits. The package will provide up to $62,000 to every Singaporean child, encompassing a $10,000 cash gift and $2,000 in annual child credits over a 16-year period.

Between 2020 and 2024, approximately 745 babies were born to Singaporean mothers who were not married to the child's father.

The move to extend benefits to unwed parents' children signifies a broader perspective that a child's support should not depend on their birth circumstances. However, the government maintains its stance that parenthood within marriage remains the prevailing social norm in Singapore. Despite this, the government acknowledges the importance of supporting every Singapore citizen child in their growth and development.

Currently, unwed mothers do not receive the Baby Bonus Cash gift, which provides $11,000 in cash for the first and second child, nor do they qualify for the Working Mother’s Child Relief, a tax relief for working mothers with Singaporean children. However, they are still eligible for various government benefits that support their child's growth and development, such as leave provisions and subsidies for infant care, childcare, education, and healthcare.

Experts believe that the inclusion of unwed parents in the package sends a strong message that all children are valued by society, regardless of their family situation. It also underscores the importance of supporting children's growth and development, even for families with limited resources. The government continues to review how it can better support Singaporeans in their parenthood journey.