Initially believed to be a forgotten segment of the society by the government, unwed mothers will finally get the benefits that married mums have enjoyed for years.
The Ministry of Social and Family Development are finally recognising unwed mothers by letting them qualify for government benefits, including access to social assistance, education and healthcare subsidies, as well as infant care and childcare subsidies. The benefits would apply to children born from early next year.
Previously entitled to only eight weeks of maternity leave, unwed mothers will soon be able to enjoy the full 16 weeks of government-paid maternity leave. Also, their children will also qualify for a Child Development Account — which should ease the financial burden of their parents due to the dollar-for-dollar matching in savings made by the parents.