In a significant policy shift, Singapore’s Prime Minister Lawrence Wong has unveiled a comprehensive expansion of government initiatives aimed at supporting families. This includes enhancements in childcare leave, increased financial aid, reduced preschool fees, and improved access to public housing. The new measures are part of Singapore’s strategy to boost marriage and parenthood, particularly as the country’s total fertility rate reached a historic low of 0.87 in 2025.
Under the updated policy, working parents will benefit from an increase in childcare leave, ranging from 8 to 12 days per year, contingent on the number of children they have under the age of 12. Additionally, the government will provide direct financial support amounting to nearly S$70,000 for each Singaporean child from birth until they turn 17. These measures aim to alleviate some of the financial burdens associated with raising children.
In a bid to make early childhood education more affordable, the government plans to cut full-day childcare fees significantly, lowering them to S$150 per month by the year 2030. Moreover, fees for infant care are set to decrease, providing further financial relief to families. This initiative is part of a broader effort to ensure that families receive consistent support throughout the upbringing of their children, rather than focusing assistance predominantly around the time of childbirth.
Housing support is also set for expansion, with the income ceiling for Build-to-Order flats being raised to S$16,000 and for executive condominiums to S$18,000. To further assist first-time families, an additional ballot chance will be granted for every child they have or are anticipating. This move is designed to make public housing more accessible and provide families with better living conditions as they grow.