Use of Child Credits for Children under Long-term Foster Care

Dr Neo Kok Beng asked the Minister for Social and Family Development for the SG Child Support Package (a) whether the foster parents will receive the annual child credits of $2,000 for the benefit of a child under long-term care of six months or more; and (b) if not, whether the annual child credits will be deposited into the Child Development Account (CDA) of the foster child.

The annual child credits of $2,000 will be paid to the bank account linked to the child's PayNow identification, either the child's National Registration Identity Card or birth certificate number. This may be a personal bank account in the child's name, or a joint account opened with the child's biological parent or legal guardian.

Foster parents receive a monthly fostering allowance ranging from $1,100 to $1,800, which is sized to defray childcare and other out-of-pocket expenses related to caring for their foster child. In addition, foster children are eligible for childcare, student care and medical subsidies.