The Social Security Fund (abbreviated to FSS in Macao) announced that the proposal for the increase of birth allowance of the social security system, which will be discussed at the scheduled meeting of the Standing Committee for the Coordination of Social Affairs, will strive to come into force on 1st April and will date back to 1st January this year.  The estimated number of beneficiaries is about 7,000.

To promote healthy births and the increase of birth rate, the Chief Executive proposed in his 2018 Policy Address that the birth allowance of the social security system will be increased from the current 1,957 patacas to 5,000 patacas, and both eligible parents can receive the allowance.   The proposal for the increase is expected to be discussed by the Standing Committee for the Coordination of Social Affairs next month.  After the proposal has been approved by the Committee, it will be announced in an Executive Order and it strives to be implemented on 1st April this year.  Its effectiveness will date back to 1st January this year, i.e. both parents whose babies are born on or after 1 January 2018 may receive the birth allowance based on the increased amount provided that the eligibility requirements are met.

For more information about the social security system, please visit the website of the FSS at www.fss.gov.mo or call 2853 2850 during office hours for enquiries.