SINGAPORE - The Baby Bonus cash gift will be increased by $2,000, and will be given out between the first 12 and 18 months after a child's birth.
The Medisave grant for newborns will also be raised by $1,000 to a total of $4,000, which will help pay for their Medishield Life premiums and other medical expenses.
Families with Singaporean babies born on or after Jan 1, 2015 are eligible for these measures.
The measures were first announced on Sunday (Aug 23) by Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong during the National Day Rally.
Previously, the first two children of a married couple got a $6,000 cash gift each under the Baby Bonus scheme, while the third and fourth child received $8,000. The Baby Bonus cash gift did not apply to the fifth and subsequent children.
With the changes, all children of married couples will receive $8,000 or $10,000 in cash from the Baby Bonus scheme, depending on their birth order.
Married fathers can also get an extra week of paternity leave to form a total of two weeks' paternity leave. It kicks in immediately for public servants, but is currently on a voluntary basis for the private sector.
Said Minister in the Prime Minister's Office Grace Fu, who oversees population matters: "With these enhancements, we hope Singaporeans will feel more assured and confident to start larger families, as the Government is firmly committed to provide support where we can.
"Our wish is that we can foster a more family-friendly environment in Singapore, where parents get support all around - from the Government, their families, community and co-workers."
