Extending More Government Benefits to Single Parents and Single Male Parents

Mr Yee Jenn Jong asked the Minister for Social and Family Development (a) what is the gender ratio of single parents based on those given custody of their children resulting from the dissolution of their marriage; (b) of the tax benefits and assistance schemes that are available to parents, which of these are accessible to single male parents; and (c) whether there will be further measures to allow single parents to have access to more of the assistance schemes available to parents of a married nucleus.

In 2013, 47% of civil divorces and 63% of Muslim divorces involved dependent children under 18 years old. The Ministry does not have detailed statistics on which parent has custody of children. However, in the best interest of the children, joint custody is commonly awarded by the Courts. Parents are encouraged to consult each other and make decisions jointly on major issues, such as education and significant health matters, even after a divorce.

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Married couples with Singapore citizen children receive benefits and support as part of the Government’s support for parenthood within marriages. Those who are divorced, including divorced fathers and granted custody and care and control of their children, will continue to enjoy these benefits. They include tax relief and rebates, healthcare and education subsidies, Medisave grants, Baby Bonus, preschool subsidies and childcare leave. For housing, a divorced parent with custody and care and control of a child is treated no differently from married households, although within three years of the divorce, only one party can own a subsidised flat, or apply for one after getting the ex-spouse’s consent not to do likewise. The need for consent is waived if the divorcee, including divorced fathers, has custody and care and control of all the children below 18 years old.