By Milcah Tanimu
Here are five countries where the government provides financial incentives to parents after giving birth:
1. China:
China offers financial incentives to combat declining birth rates. In some regions, such as Lianjiang City in southern Guangdong province, the government pays permanent residents up to $510 per month for children born after September 1, 2021. These monthly subsidies can accumulate to over $15,000 per child by the time they reach two and a half years old.
2. Finland:
In Finland, parents can apply for a maternity grant if they have been pregnant for at least five months (154 days). The maternity grant can be given as a tax-free cash payment of 170 euros or as part of a package that includes baby clothes and childcare supplies.
3. Estonia:
Estonia encourages families to have more children by providing financial incentives. Parents receive a one-time payment of 320 euros known as the “childbirth allowance” when a child is born. In the case of triplets or more siblings, the allowance is 1,000 euros per child, with no additional fees. Estonia also offers a year-long paid maternity leave to boost birth rates.
4. Japan:
Japan has implemented financial incentives to increase its fertility rate. In areas where monetary rewards for having children are in place, the fertility rate has seen a significant increase. For example, parents in certain communities receive 100,000 yen ($940) for their first child, with larger payments of up to 1 million yen (about $9,400) for the fourth child.
5. Australia:
In Australia, parents may qualify for the Newborn Upfront Payment and Newborn Supplement if a baby or child comes into their care. The Newborn Upfront Payment is a financial benefit designed to assist new parents with the costs of raising their child. The amount of the bonus depends on the individual’s or couple’s income and is paid in 13 fortnightly installments. The payment can be as high as $5,000 for the first child and $3,000 for subsequent children, born or adopted on or after July 1, 2013.
