China will introduce a nationwide childcare subsidy program in late August 2025, offering families 3,600 yuan (approximately $500) annually per child under three years old. The initiative, announced by the State Council Information Office, applies to children born on or after January 1, 2025, and retroactively covers those born earlier who remain under three by the program's launch.
Parents or legal guardians can apply online or through designated offline channels, with subsidies prorated for eligible children based on remaining eligibility months. Officials estimate over 20 million families will benefit from the policy, which aims to address declining birth rates after a seven-year slump and a modest 2024 rebound.
Analysts suggest the subsidies form part of broader measures to reduce financial pressures on working parents. A State Council spokesperson stated: "Supporting young families aligns with national priorities for sustainable development and social stability." The program follows recent expansions of parental leave policies and public childcare services across the Chinese mainland.
