Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the implementation of a differentiated childcare subsidy policy in Ordos City, Inner Mongolia, which is the first local adjustment following the national childcare subsidy system established in July 2023. The new policy aims to provide higher subsidies for families with three children compared to the national standard [3][4]. Summary by Sections - The Ordos City Health Commission has released a proposal stating that the subsidy will follow a "higher not lower" principle, meaning that families will not receive overlapping subsidies. For one and two children, the national subsidy standard of 3,600 yuan per year will apply, while for three children, the subsidy will exceed the national standard, amounting to 10,000 yuan per year [3][6]. - The national childcare subsidy system, effective from January 1, 2025, guarantees an annual subsidy of 3,600 yuan for all children until they reach three years old. The central government will provide financial support to local governments based on regional economic conditions, allowing for local adjustments [4][5]. - The article highlights the importance of aligning previous local subsidy policies with the new national standards. Ordos City previously offered higher subsidies for families with two and three children, which included 6,000 yuan for two children and 30,000 yuan for three children. The new policy will ensure that families receive the higher of the two subsidy amounts without overlap [6][7]. - The proposal also mentions that families who have already received local subsidies will continue to receive them under the new alignment policy. Residents who submitted offline applications before March 31, 2025, can reapply through online channels to streamline the process [7].

Core Points - The first local detailed guidelines for the national childcare subsidy system have been released, with Ordos City in Inner Mongolia leading the way in implementing differentiated subsidy policies [1] - The subsidy for the first and second child remains at the national standard of 3600 yuan per year, while for the third child, the subsidy exceeds the national standard, totaling 10,000 yuan per year [1][3] - The national childcare subsidy system was announced on July 28, 2023, providing 3600 yuan annually for all children until they reach three years old, with local governments allowed to adjust subsidies based on their financial capabilities [1][2] Local Implementation - Ordos City has previously issued a policy providing 6000 yuan for families with a second child and 30,000 yuan for families with a third child, with annual disbursements until the children reach the age of two and three, respectively [3] - The new guidelines state that subsidies will not be cumulative, adhering to the principle of "higher not lower," meaning families will receive the higher of the national or local subsidy [3][4] - Residents who have previously applied for local subsidies can continue to receive them under the new guidelines, and those who submitted offline applications can reapply online to streamline the process [4] Policy Coordination - The national health commission emphasizes the importance of policy coordination to protect citizens' interests, ensuring that local policies align with the national system [4] - Local governments are required to create specific plans for integrating previous subsidy policies with the new national standards, especially if local subsidies were higher than the national baseline [4]

Core Viewpoint - The introduction of a national childcare subsidy system in China will include support for families with one child, addressing the need for broader coverage and support for child-rearing. Group 1: National Childcare Subsidy System - The national childcare subsidy system will now include families with one child, which was previously excluded in many local policies [1][2] - The decision to include one-child families is based on the fact that over half of the annual births in China are from one-child families, aiming for comprehensive coverage of childcare support [2] - Supporting one-child families is seen as crucial for improving the childbirth experience and alleviating the financial burden of raising children, which may encourage families to consider having more children [2]