Singapore’s Prime Minister Lawrence Wong has unveiled a significant expansion in government support aimed at assisting families, introducing initiatives such as increased childcare leave, enhanced financial aid, reduced preschool fees, and better accessibility to public housing. These measures are part of a strategic effort to bolster marriage and parenthood, following a historic dip in the nation’s total fertility rate to 0.87 in 2025.
Under the new policy framework, working parents will benefit from a more generous allotment of childcare leave, ranging from 8 to 12 days annually, contingent upon the number of children aged 12 or younger. Additionally, each Singaporean child will be entitled to nearly S$70,000 in direct financial support from birth until the age of 17. These changes underscore the government’s commitment to providing sustained support for families throughout their child-rearing journey, rather than concentrating aid solely around childbirth.
A notable component of the initiative is the reduction in childcare costs, with the government aiming to lower full-day childcare fees to S$150 per month by the year 2030. The cost of infant care is also set to decrease, making these services more affordable for families.
The housing sector will see an expansion of support as well, with the income ceiling for Build-to-Order (BTO) flats being raised to S$16,000, and for executive condominiums to S$18,000. Furthermore, first-time families will have an enhanced opportunity to secure housing, receiving an additional ballot chance for every child they have or are expecting, thus improving their access to homeownership.
These comprehensive measures reflect the government’s objective to create a more family-friendly environment in Singapore, aiming to address the challenges associated with raising children and to encourage greater family formation in the nation.