Good news financially for parents with Singaporean children born on or after 14 February 2023

Baby Bonus 2023 Updates

Here’s a breath of fresh fiscal air for local parents with little ones born on or after the day of love–14 February 2023.

The enhanced Baby Bonus, a delightful financial surprise unveiled in Budget 2023, is set to roll out next month, to be exact, from 1 August 2023, months ahead of its initially planned debut in early 2024.

These revamped benefits cater to eligible Singaporean tots, promising a more generous Baby Bonus Cash Gift, extended payouts, and augmented government top-ups in their Child Development Accounts (CDA).

In an announcement on Friday, 28 July 2023, the Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF) and the National Population and Talent Division (NPTD) revealed that the wheels of legislation and system updates have turned faster than expected, enabling an earlier launch on 1 August 2023.

Rewinding to the Budget speech on 14 February 2023, Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Lawrence Wong unveiled a S$3,000 boost to the Baby Bonus Cash Gift for eligible Singaporean newborns from that day onwards.

In addition, he announced the rejigged payout schedule, designed to provide a steady stream of financial support every six months until the child reaches six and a half years old.

Further sweetening the deal, the initial CDA First Step Grant will grow from S$3,000 to S$5,000. 

For the first and second child, the government will also raise the co-matching maximum by S$1,000, matching parents’ CDA contributions dollar for dollar, up to a set level.

So, what does this mean for parents?

With these adjustments, families welcoming babies from 14 February this year will receive S$11,000 each for their first and second children, and S$13,000 each for their third and subsequent children as part of the Baby Bonus Cash Gifts.

The eligibility criteria for the Baby Bonus Cash Gift require the child to be a Singapore citizen and their parents to be in a lawful marriage.

Want to check if your child is eligible?

You can do so via this link: babybonus-eservices.msf.gov.sg/parent-helper

Baby Bonus Scheme Eligibility Check

As for the payout timeline, a child enrolled in the Baby Bonus Scheme from 1 August 2023 will receive their First Step Grant in their CDA within two weeks of opening their accounts.

Government co-matching contributions will also be received within two weeks of depositing money into CDAs, excluding public holidays.

A phased approach will be followed for disbursement to children enrolled in the scheme from 14 February to 31 July 2023.

For more in-depth information and updates to the Baby Bonus Scheme, you can visit the official website: babybonus.msf.gov.sg.

babybonus.msf.gov.sg

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Confronting Singapore’s Baby Bust With The Baby Bonus Scheme

It does not take a genius to understand how money greatly affects the Singaporeans’ approach to marriage and parenthood. The leading reasons why most Singaporeans are hesitant to make immediate marital or child-rearing plans are related to finances. The country’s population is affected due to these circumstances.

Related Article: Why Many Singaporeans Are Not Tying The Knot

Although last year’s Golden Jubilee ushered about 33,793 babies, our fertility rate remains below the replacement rate of 2.1 (i.e., the rate to maintain the population levels). This is why the Government introduces different incentives to encourage couples to have more children.

Attractive incentives include the parental leave, childcare subsidizes, and baby bonus. This article is going to focus on the beaming Baby Bonus Scheme! It was started in 2001 to provide financial assistance and support Singaporean couples in their decision to raise more children. The scheme is part of the “Marriage and Parenthood Package”, which includes a cash gift and (or) contributions to the Child Development Account (CDA).

You are welcome to avail the Baby Bonus Scheme if your child:

a. is a Singapore citizen,
b. was born alive,
c. was born from lawfully married parents, and
d. was born on or after September 1, 2016 from unwed parents.

After careful examination, you found out that you eligible to reap the benefits of the Baby Bonus Scheme. Congratulations! Remember that it has two distinct forms – the cash gift and the CDA.

The cash gift, as the name suggests, is given in the form of tangible dollars. The purchasing power belongs to you as you can do anything you desire with it. Use it responsibly to cushion the hefty newborn costs. You shall receive a cash gift of S$8,000 for your 1st and 2nd child. While, your 3rd and 4th child shall receive S$10,000 each. This only pertains to babies born on or after January 1, 2015. The cash gift will be given to you within 7-10 working days or after completing the online form.

CDA is a special savings account that can only be opened at the government approved banks. You may use it to shoulder the costs of childcare, kindergartens, medical procedures, and private integrated shield plans. Upon opening the CDA, you will receive the Dollar-for-Dollar matching contributions and CDA First Step grant.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Image Credits: pixabay.com

The ultimate purpose of the BBS is to provide financial assistance to parents who will help build a brighter future for Singapore. For more information, go to the official website at babybonus.msf.gov.sg.

Sources: 1 & 2

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