Being A Single And Unwed Parent In Singapore

Single unwed parents don't get the same benefits as divorced or widowed parents. We take a look at the distinction in entitlements, why they are in place and how we can lend them support.

- Adora Wong

In March 2022, the Government released the White Paper on Singapore’s Women’s Development that contained proposals for 25 action plans, one of which is to enhance support for single parents.

However, the support that single parents are entitled to depends on the category they fall under – specifically, if they are unwed, widowed or divorced. For example, the Baby Bonus Scheme that helps defray child-raising costs includes a cash gift, Child Development Account (CDA) First Step grant, and government matching to savings in the child’s CDA, but single unwed parents are not eligible for the cash gift. So the question is: Will the incoming additional support be equal regardless of one’s marital history?

There are a few other areas that single unwed parents do not have equal entitlements to. We take a look at what they are in terms of housing, employment opportunities and childcare support, and why there is a distinction between single parents.

Fewer housing schemes

First things first: The Government has provided a lot more support to single parents regardless of their marital history in recent years compared to a decade ago. For one, those above the age of 21 can now apply to buy a resale flat or a BTO flat in non-mature estates with up to three rooms.

But while divorced or widowed single parents waiting for their BTO flats can get interim housing under the Parenthood Provisional Housing Scheme (PPHS), which allows them to pay a subsidised rental fee for a two-, three- or four-room flat, single unwed parents are not eligible for the scheme. Should they need a place to stay, they can only rent a flat under the Public Rental Scheme, which also subsidises rental fees, but only offers one- or two-room flats.