Baby Bonus cash gift increased by S$2,000; Medisave Grant for Newborns up by S$1,000

FAMILIES with Singaporean babies born on or after Jan 1, 2015, are now eligible for an enhanced Baby Bonus cash gift of S$2,000.

Known as Baby Bonus Plus, this will be disbursed between the 12th and 18th months after the child's birth, and is on top of the government's existing cash gift of S$6,000 for the first and second children, and S$8,000 for the third and fourth children.

The enhanced cash gift has also been extended to the fifth child and beyond - up from the first four children.

The Medisave Grant for Newborns has been increased as well, by S$1,000 - bringing the total amount to S$4,000.

Announcing the changes on Tuesday, Minister in the Prime Minister's Office Grace Fu said: "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.

"We have significantly enhanced support during the child's first 18 months, and are also helping fathers get more involved by increasing our support for government-paid paternity leave.

"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. With more support, I say to couples you can now have a Baby One More Time," added Ms Fu.