Care-givers Given Special Approval for Higher Subsidy Support for Infantcare and Childcare

Assoc Prof Daniel Goh Pei Siong asked the Minister for Social and Family Development (a) how many current care-givers have been given Special Approval for higher subsidy support for infant care and childcare because they are not working or they are non-parent care-givers; and (b) what is the average higher subsidy support they receive.

Mr Desmond Lee: Under Special Approval, eligible applicants who are not working or who are non-parent care-givers may receive the higher subsidy support that working mothers receive. This includes the working mother Basic Subsidy, as well as the means-tested Additional Subsidy for household incomes that are $7,500 per month and below.

Currently, 2,100 applicants receive higher subsidy support under Special Approval. On average, these applicants receive $520 and $950 per month in total subsidies for childcare and infant care respectively.

Low-income families who face difficulties paying for childcare even after subsidies may apply for financial assistance.