VANGUARD
The costs associated with the birth and growth of a family can be high, but some countries provide financial assistance to support new parents.
This support comes in different forms, from one-time payments to monthly subsidies. These programs reduce financial stress and help keep population numbers steady.
Here are five countries where the government provides financial aid to families after the birth of a child:
Australia
Australia provides new parents with the Newborn Upfront Payment and Newborn Supplement, helping cover the costs of welcoming a child. Depending on eligibility, parents can receive around $5,000 for their first child and $3,000 for additional children, distributed over 13 installments. This support helps reduce financial stress for new families.
China
After years of the one-child policy, China now encourages larger families to address its aging population. In places like Lianjiang City, families receive monthly payments of up to $510 for each child born after September 1, 2021. By the time a child is two and a half, this support can add up to over $15,000. These incentives aim to boost birth rates and ensure a stable future workforce.
Finland
Finland helps new parents with a maternity grant, available to those who have been pregnant for at least 154 days. This grant comes either as a cash payment of 170 euros or as a “baby box” packed with essentials like clothes and baby supplies. This initiative ensures that all families, regardless of income, have the basics covered for their newborns.
Japan
Japan has seen an increase in its fertility rate, thanks partly to financial support for families. In places like Nakanoshima, parents receive 100,000 yen for their first child and up to 1 million yen for their fourth. These payments are designed to counter the declining birth rate and help maintain a balanced population.
Estonia
In Estonia, the government offers generous financial support to new parents to encourage larger families. Upon giving birth, parents receive a one-time “childbirth allowance” of 320 euros, with higher amounts for multiple births, like triplets, where parents receive 1,000 euros per child. This support eases the financial load and encourages higher birth rates.
THIS STORY FIRST APPEARED IN VANGUARD
