Unwed parents are eligible for government benefits that support their child\u2019s growth and development, such as leave provisions, as well as subsidies for infant care, childcare, education and healthcare, she added.<\/p>\n
For example, their children get $5,000 in their MediSave account under the MediSave Grant for Newborns, and they receive all the subsidies that children with married parents get for childcare and infant care.<\/p>\n
They are also eligible for Child Development Account (CDA) benefits, which include the CDA First Step Grant and government co-matching. The money in the CDA can be used at approved institutions for expenses such as pre-school and healthcare.<\/p>\n
The NPTD spokesperson added: \u201cThe Government will continue to review how it can better support Singaporeans in their parenthood journey.\u201d<\/p>\n
Shannon Ang, an assistant professor of sociology at Nanyang Technological University (NTU), said that with the inclusion of unwed parents, among other changes, child-related benefits are seen less as incentives given to parents to have more children, and more as support for the child.<\/p>\n
Ang said: \u201cI think the signal sent here is important \u2013 that all children are important for Singapore, regardless of their family situation.\u201d<\/p>\n
Tan Poh Lin, a senior research fellow at the Institute of Policy Studies, said the shift signals that family well-being, and not incentives, is at the heart of policies going forward.<\/p>\n
Chua Yeow Hwee, an assistant professor of economics at NTU, said supporting marriage and supporting children are \u201ctwo distinct policy objectives\u201d that need not conflict.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe Government can continue to encourage parenthood within marriage, while recognising that every Singaporean child should have access to support for his or her growth and development, regardless of family circumstances.\u201d<\/p>\n
Chua added that there is a strong reason to support each child\u2019s growth and development from an economic and social policy perspective, especially for families with fewer resources.<\/p>\n
More resources spent on children can improve their educational qualifications and skills, which may boost their employment and earning prospects, he said.<\/p>\n
Jennifer Heng,\u00a0director of Safe Place, a charity that helps pregnant women in distress, said the cash benefits would ease the \u201cimmense financial stress\u201d on most unwed mothers. Some raise their children on just their income, while others are not working as they may still be studying.<\/p>\n
\u201cA large majority of the women we work with did not become single mothers by choice. At times, they feel penalised as they do not get the same level of support as married mothers,\u201d she said.\u00a0<\/p>\n
For example, their partners are not willing to get married or take responsibility for the child, or the mother is still studying and not ready to be married, she said.<\/p>\n
Most of the unmarried mothers she sees are in their teens or 20s, and come from a range of socio-economic backgrounds.<\/p>\n\nNatalie (not her real name), a 35-year-old finance professional, said her former boyfriend does not want to have anything to do with her three-year-old daughter. He has not even seen the girl before.<\/p>\n
Natalie said: \u201cThe child is innocent, and they cannot choose the circumstances of their birth. When they are excluded (from the benefits), it sends a signal that children from unmarried mothers are not as equally valued as other children. It was unfair.<\/p>\n
\u201cNow, I feel this is fairer. And our children are valued as members of society, and every child is part of Singapore\u2019s future. This should be the way.\u201d<\/p>\n
She is thankful for the SG Child Support Package, which will help to defray expenses.<\/p>\n
Another single mother is Nur, 26, who has two daughters. Her older child is seven, while the younger one is nine months old.<\/p>\n
Nur, who declined to give her full name, is currently unemployed and looking to rejoin the workforce. She used to be in an accounting-related job and is relying on her savings.<\/p>\n
She said the SG Child Support Package will be a real help, given the high cost of raising a child in Singapore.<\/p>\n
She said: \u201cI\u2019m a single mum, so everything is on me. I worry about what would happen if my money is not enough or what would happen if they fall sick.<\/p>\n
\u201cBut I chose to have them, despite knowing how tough it would be.\u201d<\/p>\n