Yahoo… more freebies and good stuffs for mommies. I have listed those of interest to me if I get a job soon. Wonder why the government is not doing anything for stay home mums! 
We (yes, that includes me as well) , the stay home mums are contributing to the country by giving up our career to stay home and take care of the nation’s future generation. It’s commendable isn’t it. Can the government work out something like SAHM package. We would truly appreciate it!
Anyway, since I dont intend to be SAHM for very long, I am keen to work on another “project” to harness all the goodies that the government has in store for me! 
a) Medisave Maternity Package
The Medisave Maternity Package enables you to use your Medisave, for the delivery and pre-delivery medical expenses of your first four children. You can also claim the Package for delivery and pre-delivery medical expenses of your fifth and subsequent child, if both you and your spouse have a combined Medisave balance of at least $15,000 at the time of delivery. This $15,000 minimum balance is needful for preventing premature depletion of your Medisave, which you might require for future hospitalisation needs, especially during old age.
b) Baby Bonus
The Baby Bonus comprises a cash gift and a co-savings component. Click here for more details on the Baby Bonus. From 17 Aug 2008, the Baby Bonus cash gift and matching Government contribution through the CDA will be enhanced.
Baby Bonus cash gift
|
Child order |
Existing for each child |
Enhanced for each child |
|
1st & 2nd |
$3,000 |
$4,000 |
|
3rd & 4th |
$6,000 |
$6,000 |
Baby Bonus CDA
|
Child order |
Existing |
Enhanced |
|
1st |
- |
$6,000 |
|
2nd |
$6,000 |
$6,000 |
|
3rd & 4th |
$12,000 |
$12,000 |
|
5th & beyond |
- |
$18,000 for each child |
c) Centre-Based Infant Care and Childcare Subsidy
From 17 Aug 2008, the infant care subsidy will be increased from $400 to a maximum of $600 per month to help parents offset the cost of centre-based care. The subsidy applies to all Singaporean children regardless of child order.
The cash gift is given out in four equal instalments over 18 months. The Government will match dollar-for-dollar the amount of savings the parents contribute to the child’s CDA up to the specified ceiling. The payment will be made when the administrative and legislative changes are completed.
The childcare subsidy will be increased from $150 to a maximum of $300 per month. The subsidy applies to all Singaporean children regardless of child order. For frequently asked questions, click here.
d) Tax Benefits
From Year of Assessment 2009, parents can claim higher amounts of QCR or HCR for all their qualifying children. The new quantum of QCR and HCR are $4,000 and $5,500 respectively for each child. You are only eligible to claim either QCR or HCR on the same child. QCR/HCR may be shared with your spouse based on the apportionment agreed by both parties. For frequently asked questions, click here.
Working Mother Child Relief (WMCR)
From Year of Assessment 2009, working mothers can enjoy higher amount of WMCR, up to 100% of their earned income for all their qualifying Singaporean children. The amount of WMCR claimable for each child is based on a specified percentage of the working mother’s earned income corresponding to the child order.
|
Child Order |
Year of Assessment 2009 |
|
1st |
15% of mother’s earned income |
|
2nd |
20% of mother’s earned income |
|
3rd |
25% of mother’s earned income |
|
4th |
25% of mother’s earned income |
|
5th & beyond |
25% of mother’s earned income |
|
Maximum Claim Allowable |
Cumulative WMCR percentages are capped at 100% of mother’s earned income |
Where the working mother is claiming both QCR/ HCR and WMCR, QCR/HCR will be allowed first and WMCR will be limited to the remaining balance. The amount of relief claimable for both QCR/HCR and WMCR is capped at $50,000 per child. For frequently asked questions, click here.
Parenthood Tax Rebate
From the Year of Assessment 2009, parents can claim PTR for their first child, fifth child and each subsequent child that are born or legally adopted on or after 1 Jan 2008. The amount of PTR claimable for each qualifying Singaporean child is based on the child order.
|
Child Order |
Year of Assessment 2009 |
|
1st |
$5,000 |
|
2nd |
$10,000 |
|
3rd |
$20,000 |
|
4th |
$20,000 |
|
5th & beyond |
$20,000 per child |
PTR can be used to offset your income tax payable and may be shared with your spouse, based on the apportionment agreed by both parties. Any unutilised rebate will be carried forward to subsequent years until it is fully utilised. For frequently asked questions, click here.
