As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Your price is never affected. Full affiliate disclosure.
This post was written based on government announcements as of April 2026. Policies may change regularly, so please verify current details with your local government office or welfare portal.
This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Your price is not affected.
There’s so much to apply for after having a baby.
Knowing ahead makes everything so much easier.
Honestly, for the first month after having my first child, I was too overwhelmed just caring for the baby to think about applying for benefits. Then one day I saw a post on a parenting forum saying “If you don’t apply for parental benefits within 60 days, you can’t get retroactive payments” and I remember frantically rushing to apply.
Childcare support policies change slightly every year, and so many people miss out simply because they don’t know about them. In this post, I’ve summarized the 5 key policies for 2026, including how to apply. Even during busy parenting days, you can understand everything in just 5 minutes.
This is for you if:
You’re pregnant or raising a child up to age 7, and you’re confused about what support you can receive. Especially if you’re a first-time parent and everything feels overwhelming – this one post will help you get your bearings.
1. Parental Benefits — Up to $1,000 monthly for infants
Families with infants under 12 months may receive up to $1,000 monthly, while those with 1-year-olds may get up to $500 monthly. If you use daycare, this goes toward childcare costs, and you receive the difference in cash.
How to apply:
- Visit your local government office → Bring application form + ID + bank account copy
- Apply online through the welfare portal
- Also available through the Government 24 app
Remember: Apply within 60 days of birth for retroactive payments. Apply late, and payments only start from your application date.
2. Child Allowance — $100 monthly for children under 8
$100 monthly is provided for children under 8. All families are eligible regardless of income.
How to apply: Most convenient to apply simultaneously when registering the birth. Separate applications are also possible.
Note: Payments may be suspended for overseas stays of 90+ days.
3. First Meeting Voucher — Up to $2,000 voucher at birth
Up to $2,000 per newborn may be provided as a voucher. Received through a national benefits card and usable at major retailers, baby stores, hospitals, etc. (excluding entertainment venues)
How to apply: Automatic application when registering birth or visit local government office
Remember: Must be used within 1 year of birth. Amounts may vary based on policy changes, so confirm when applying.
4. Enhanced Parental Leave Benefits — Up to $2,500 monthly for first 3 months
This is a huge help for dual-income families. Starting in 2026, the first 3 months of parental leave pay 100% of regular wages (monthly cap $2,500). Additional benefits available when both parents take leave simultaneously.
How to apply: Visit employment center or employment insurance website
Note: Implementation timing may vary by company size.
5. Free Childcare — Full daycare fee support
Daycare fees are fully covered for children ages 0-5. However, public daycare centers may have long waiting lists, so it’s good to also look into private and home daycare options.
How to apply: Apply online through the childcare portal
Quick Reference
| Policy | Eligibility | Amount | How to Apply |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parental Benefits | Ages 0-1 | $500-1,000/month | Local office / welfare portal / Gov24 |
| Child Allowance | Under age 8 | $100/month | Apply with birth registration |
| First Meeting Voucher | Newborns | Up to $2,000 | Auto-issued benefits card |
| Parental Leave Benefits | Employees | Up to $2,500/month | Employment center / insurance website |
| Free Childcare | Ages 0-5 | Full coverage | Childcare portal |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Can I receive both parental benefits and child allowance simultaneously?
A. Yes, these are separate programs
DCT Family Guide 
댓글 남기기