Singapore’s laws remain depressingly old-fashioned when it comes to certain things. And nowhere is this clearer than in the way single parents are penalised. It’s almost as if it’s your fault for being a single parent. Show
While a lot has been done to make parenthood less financially taxing such as the Baby Bonus and HDB subsidies, single parents are often left out in the cold and denied the same degree of support. This despite the fact that it is often precisely single parents who need help most in the absence of a spouse to share the physical, emotional and financial burden of raising a child. If you or someone you know is on the brink of single parenthood, this guide will help you to see at a glance which grants, subsidies and financial assistance you qualify for. Contents
Paid maternity and paternity leave schemesSince January 2017, single mothers have been granted 16 weeks of paid maternity leave, which is the same as what married women who are Singapore citizens receive. Single fathers get just two weeks of paid paternity leave. This is the same as what married fathers currently receive. For your first and second child, your employer is obliged to pay for the first 8 weeks of your maternity leave, with the 9th to 16th weeks being paid for by the government. For a third and subsequent child, the government will reimburse all 16 weeks. Paternity leave, on the other hand, is completely funded by the government. Eligibility criteriaThe criteria to qualify for this paid maternity and paternity leave is the same as it is for married folks. If your child is a Singapore citizen, you will be entitled to it. If you’re an employee: You need to have worked at your current workplace for a continuous period of at least 3 months before your child is born. If you’re self-employed: You need to have been engaged in your work for a continuous period of at least 3 months before your child is born, and have lost income while on maternity/paternity leave. For mothers only: You must have given your employer notice of at least 1 week before going on maternity leave, and informed them as soon as possible of your delivery. Note that if you have not satisfied these requirements, your maternity leave entitlement might be cut in half! Planning your maternity leaveThe default arrangement, meaning you don’t need to discuss anything with your boss, is that you take your 16 weeks of maternity leave in a block, starting 4 weeks before your date of delivery. But you and your employer can mutually agree to change this timetable. You can choose to take all the leave in one block, or to break it up, so long as you:
Tip: Many mothers prefer to start their leave closer to their delivery date as this will enable them to spend more time looking after their newborn when he’s actually been born. Planning your paternity leaveIf you don’t bother to discuss with your boss, the default arrangement is that you will take 2 continuous weeks of paternity leave within the first 16 weeks of your newborn’s life. However, you can by mutual agreement with your boss choose to take these 2 continuous weeks off any time within 12 months after the birth of the child. You can also take the 2 weeks in drips and drabs within 12 months after your child is born. Tip: If your child is going to live with his or her mother in the first few weeks after birth, it makes sense for you to postpone your paternity leave to later on in the year. Back to top Baby BonusThere are three components to the Baby Bonus:
It should also be noted that only single mothers are eligible to receive the First Step Grant and dollar-for-dollar matching in Child Development Accounts, not single fathers. What is a Child Development Account?Mothers can open a Child Development Account (CDA) as early as 8 weeks before their child is born. You can choose from the following banks:
The money in your CDA can only be used on kid-related spending, such as the following:
Note: All of the above must be Baby Bonus Approved Institutions before you can pay for their goods and services using the CDA account. You can find the full list of Approved Institutions here. Note that if you have more than one child, you can use the money in one child’s CDA for the needs of another. After opening your CDA, you can then join the Baby Bonus Scheme online by logging in here with your SingPass. Back to top Housing grants for HDB flatsThis is one area where single parents really get the short end of the stick. Despite a bit of public resistance and some MPs having spoken up, single parents are still ignored by the HDB. As most of you should know, in order to buy an HDB flat before turning 35, you need to be married or prepared to get married by the time you pick up your keys. Single parents, on the other hand, will need to wait until they are 35 before they are able to buy a flat through the Single Singapore Citizen Scheme. This has its limitations, as not only is the grant amount lower, but flats allocated to singles are more oversubscribed, so good luck trying to ballot for a BTO if you don’t have the cash to purchase one on the resale market. So what is the difference in housing grants?
Back to top Childcare leaveJust like married parents, single parents working full time get 6 days of paid childcare leave per year. Parents whose youngest child is a Singapore citizen and between 7 to 12 years old are entitled to an additional 2 days of extended childcare leave every year. However, the total number of childcare/extended childcare leave days you can claim per year is capped at 6. EligibilityThankfully, being married isn’t one of the criteria for claiming childcare leave, but these are.
Back to top Levy concession for foreign domestic workerLike married parents, single parents are also entitled to a levy concession if they wish to hire a maid to help out around the house. Under the Young Child Scheme, you will save $60 a month so long as your child is a Singapore citizen below 16 years old and living at the same address. Back to top Infantcare and childcare subsidiesInfantcare and childcare subsidies are the same whether the parents are married or not. The subsidies are composed of two parts: the Childcare Basic Subsidy, which is paid out to all whose children are Singapore citizens, regardless of income, so long as the parent in question is a working mother. The second subsidy, the Additional Childcare Subsidy, will depend on the family’s household income. Here’s a table to help you work out how much you’ll get. For full day childcare programmes:
For full day infantcare programmes:
Eligibility
Back to top Medisave Grant for NewbornsThis is another grant that is open to single and married parents alike. The Medisave Grant for Newborns is worth $4,000 and will be deposited into your newborn’s CPF Medisave Account. Just like your own, the money in your child’s Medisave account can be used to pay for hospitalisation and certain outpatient expenses, MediShield Life premiums and recommended childhood vaccination. By the way, here’s a detailed guide that teaches you all you need to know about Medisave Accounts. Back to top MediShield coverage for congenital and neonatal conditionsYour child will be covered by MediShield Life from the moment of his birth. Even if your child was or is suffering from congenital and neonatal conditions, he will still be covered by MediShield Life. Thankfully, this applies to all children, whether or not their parents are married! You may pay for your child’s MediShield Life premiums using your own Medisave account, or by using the Medisave Grant for Newborns. Back to top Kindergarten Financial Assistance Scheme (KiFAS)Single and dual parent households with a gross monthly household income of $6,000 and below, or per capita income of $1,500 and below are both eligible for KiFAS, which pays a portion of your child’s kindergarten fees.
The subsidised amount will be paid directly to your child’s kindergarten. Eligibility
Back to top MOE Financial Assistance SchemeIf your gross household income is not more than $2,750 a month or you have a per capita income of not more than $690, you can receive financial assistance for your child’s school fees, as well as receive other benefits like free textbooks. Here’s a table of the benefits.
Back to top Parenthood Tax Rebate (not eligible for single parent)Married couples with kids save on their taxes when they file their income tax every year thanks to the Parenthood Tax Rebate. Here’s what they get.
Unfortunately, despite the fact that single mothers and fathers are still parents, they do not qualify for the Parenthood Tax Rebate. Back to top Do you think single parents should enjoy the same benefits as married ones? Share your views in the comments. How can a single mom buy a house in Florida?The Federal Housing Administration (FHA)
It offers a program that helps single moms save for a down payment on a home loan through the Section 203(b) program. Federal government-backed FHA loans typically offer lower down payments and lower credit scores than conventional loans.
Does Florida help single mothers?Social Services and Public Aid
Lower income families and single mothers can take advantage of a number of Florida programs and resources that will help them pay for their basic needs. Funds provided by the state can pay for energy bills, food, medical bills, housing costs, and other bills.
What assistance is available for single mothers in Texas?Texas Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
The TANF program provides financial assistance that single mothers can use toward food, clothes, housing, utilities, and other necessities. This program is available for low-income families with children aged 18 or younger.
Do single mothers get baby bonus?The scheme includes a cash gift, Child Development Account (CDA) First Step grant, and Government matching to savings in the child's CDA. Although children of unmarried parents are not eligible for cash grants under the scheme, they are included in the CDA scheme.
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