Singapore has introduced a S$4,000 Parenthood Reboarding Support grant in 2025. This targeted benefit assists women re-entering the workforce after taking maternity or extended parental leave, ensuring a smoother transition back into professional life.
The initiative is part of Singapore’s broader Family Forward 2025 Blueprint, aimed at strengthening both gender equality and workforce participation. The government recognizes that many talented women drop out of their careers due to childcare responsibilities and face difficulty regaining momentum. This grant helps offset that setback while boosting the national labour force.
Who Is Eligible and What’s Included
Eligible applicants are Singaporean mothers who have been out of the workforce for at least six months after childbirth and are returning to a full- or part-time job in 2025. The application must be submitted within 60 days of rejoining the workforce, and the position must be held for at least six months to receive the full payout.
The S$4,000 benefit is distributed in two phases: S$2,000 upon securing employment, and the remaining S$2,000 after six months of continuous work. Funds can be used to cover childcare expenses, transport, remote work tools, or professional development. Employers participating in the scheme also receive support for onboarding and flexible work arrangements.
Tackling Gender Workforce Imbalance
Singapore has long battled a persistent gap in female workforce participation, especially among mid-career women. Many highly educated mothers find it hard to return due to outdated workplace cultures or lack of flexibility. This grant directly supports re-integration by incentivising both the employee and employer to work toward sustainable career rebuilding.
The Ministry of Manpower has reported that around 40% of mothers who leave the workforce do not return within five years. This scheme aims to reduce that number significantly by addressing structural and financial challenges during the reboarding phase.
Empowering Families and Employers
Beyond the cash benefit, the Parenthood Reboarding Support also includes access to free re-skilling workshops, mentorship programs, and career counselling via Workforce Singapore. Employers are encouraged to offer hybrid roles and are eligible for bonus credits if they convert returnees to long-term contracts. The move has received praise from women’s advocacy groups and progressive employers, who view it as a much-needed update to Singapore’s family support ecosystem. It not only validates the role of mothers in the professional world but also opens up fresh talent pipelines in industries facing skill shortages.
A Progressive Step Toward Family-Inclusive Growth
This initiative reflects Singapore’s family-first, future-ready vision. By reducing barriers for working mothers, it supports household income growth, national productivity, and greater social inclusion. The government has set aside S$300 million for the first phase of the program, with plans to evaluate long-term expansion based on feedback and results. If successful, similar support may be extended to fathers and caregivers who take career breaks, creating a more gender-neutral and inclusive employment framework for the future.