Childcare subsidy applications to start in late August

BEIJING -- Childcare subsidy applications will be gradually rolled out across China in late August, with full access expected by Aug 31, said Wang Haidong, an official with the National Health Commission (NHC), at a press conference on Wednesday.

Wang said the commission, in coordination with relevant departments, is drafting documents, including guidelines on the childcare subsidy system and fund management.

According to Wang, local authorities are required to formulate detailed implementation plans based on local conditions -- and deploy and train grassroots staff.

The subsidy can be applied for online through a unified national information system, allowing everyone to submit applications without leaving home, while offline channels and in-person services will also be in place, said Wang.

Those who, due to special circumstances, are unable to apply online, can do so by going to the township or subdistrict office where the infant is registered, he added.

Measures have been introduced to make the application process easier. Applicants, notably, only need to submit essential materials that verify the infant's identity and caregiving relationship -- such as the birth certificate and household registration book.

A wide range of application channels will also be available, including provincial-level government service platforms and third-party platforms such as Alipay and WeChat, which are all commonly used and can be conveniently accessed online using mobile phones, Wang said.