On Monday, Hu Qiangqiang, a spokesperson for the National Health Commission, announced that the new nationwide childcare subsidy program in China is now open for applications. Starting January 1, 2025, eligible families can apply through popular online platforms like Alipay and WeChat, or via designated offline channels.
Launched in July, the program aims to benefit more than 20 million families each year by providing 3,600 yuan (about $507) annually for every child under the age of three. To support this initiative, the central government has earmarked 90 billion yuan in this year's budget.
Addressing a Demographic Shift
As the world's most populous country, China has grappled with a sustained decline in newborns – seven consecutive years of drop-offs before a slight rebound in 2024 – while its population aged 60 and above topped 310 million by the end of last year. The subsidy is part of a broader push that includes easing family planning policies: from allowing two children per couple in 2016 to supporting a third child in 2021.
Local Pilots and the Road Ahead
Several regions, including Hohhot in the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region and Shenyang in Liaoning Province, have already run local subsidy pilots. With the nationwide rollout, officials hope to ease childcare costs, boost birth rates and set the stage for long-term economic and social stability.
For families across China, this new subsidy program offers both financial relief and a signal that investing in the next generation is a national priority.
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China's nationwide childcare subsidy program opens for applications
cgtn.com
