Extension of Child Development Account Government Dollar-for-dollar Matching Benefit

35 Mr Kok Heng Leun asked the Minister for Social and Family Development whether the Child Development Account dollar-for-dollar matching benefit can be extended to children of unwed parents born from 1 January 2005 to help support these families' efforts to care for their children and reduce the disadvantages that their children may face from birth.

Mr Tan Chuan-Jin: Last year, we reviewed and extended the Child Development Account, or CDA benefits to children of unwed parents. The Government granted CDA benefits, to children of unwed parents born, or with an estimated date of delivery, from 1 September 2016.

It is generally good practice to implement our policies prospectively. Any extension or enhancement of an existing scheme should thus have its own start date.

Unwed parents who may require more support can approach any Social Service Office for financial assistance or Family Service Centre for socio-emotional support.