Singapore is strengthening its family support policies after the country recorded a record-low fertility rate of 0.87 in 2025.
The government has announced a broader package of financial and childcare benefits aimed at reducing the cost of raising children. Under the expanded support measures, families could receive benefits worth up to around Rs1.5 crore per child through different schemes over time.
Additional assistance will also be provided toward children’s education, while childcare expenses are set to become more affordable. Subsidised childcare and infant-care fees will be reduced, giving families greater financial support during the early years of raising children.
The government is also increasing childcare leave, with the amount of leave linked to the number of children in a family. The changes are intended to give parents more flexibility to balance employment with childcare responsibilities.
Prime Minister Lawrence Wong said the measures are designed to make raising children more affordable and provide greater support to Singaporeans who want to have larger families.
Singapore has been dealing with declining birth rates for years, creating concerns about its ageing population, future workforce and long-term economic growth. The latest fertility figure has added pressure on the government to strengthen policies that support families and encourage childbirth.
The new measures focus on reducing some of the financial and practical challenges associated with raising children. Officials hope that stronger assistance with education, childcare and parental leave will make family life more manageable.
The effectiveness of the expanded benefits will depend on how families respond over the coming years. For now, the policy represents another major effort by Singapore to address its demographic challenges and encourage a more family-friendly environment.
