China's 2.08 Million Won Childcare Allowance Sparks Controversy: "Not Eligible for Unmarried Births"

Unclear Criteria for Childcare Subsidies for Out-of-Wedlock Births
Will Subsidies Be Provided for Out-of-Wedlock Births?
"Decision Expected After System Launch in August"

As China's demographic cliff crisis deepens, the country has introduced various measures to address low birth rates, such as childcare subsidies. However, controversy has arisen due to unclear subsidy eligibility criteria for those who give birth outside of marriage.

The photo is not related to the specific content of the article. Pixabay

According to Chinese media outlets including Hongxing News on August 11, a Chinese citizen, identified as A, residing in Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, recently received a notice from the Shenzhen Municipal Health Commission stating that she was not eligible for childcare subsidies because she had not registered her marriage, despite having given birth to a child.

A stated, "According to the 'Guangdong Population and Family Planning Regulations' and the 'Birth Registration Management Measures of the Guangdong Health Commission,' it is possible to register a birth even if the child is born out of wedlock. I registered according to the law, used maternity insurance, and received maternity benefits as usual. In other words, the birth of my child was recognized at every stage of the process."

However, an official from the Shenzhen Health Commission explained that, under current policy, the standard for a 'birth in accordance with laws and regulations' is based on the existence of a marital relationship. The official added that more detailed implementation rules would depend on unified guidelines from Guangdong Province. The official stated, "Our current response is based on existing regulations, and ultimately, whether a marriage certificate will be required will depend on the requirements of the province-wide childcare subsidy application system to be introduced at the end of August."

Last month, China announced the 'Implementation Plan for the Childcare Allowance System.' For children born on or after January 1 of this year, a subsidy of 3,600 yuan (approximately 690,000 won) per year will be provided from birth until the child turns three years old, with a total of 10,800 yuan (approximately 2.08 million won) to be given over three years starting next year. When applying for the childcare subsidy, only essential documents proving the child's identity and caregiving relationship need to be submitted.

The media reported, "The nationwide unified childcare subsidy information management system has been completed and is currently in the full-scale testing phase. Each region plans to sequentially open application channels from late August, with the goal of fully implementing the subsidy application service by August 31." The report also noted, "The soon-to-be-introduced application system will require basic documents such as the medical birth certificate and household registration, but whether a marriage certificate will be required has not yet been finalized."

This case has drawn significant attention as it coincides with the overhaul of China's childcare subsidy system, sparking a debate over whether childcare support should be provided for children born out of wedlock. One netizen pointed out, "According to China's Civil Code, children born out of wedlock have the same legal status as those born within marriage. No institution is allowed to harm or discriminate against children born out of wedlock."

On the other hand, there are those who support the stance of Shenzhen. One netizen commented, "While it is possible to tolerate pregnancy and childbirth outside of marriage, it should not be encouraged or endorsed."