Childcare subsidy applications to be processed within 30 days

Applications for China's national childcare subsidy program must be processed within 30 working days, and individuals who fraudulently obtain or claim subsidies will be held accountable, according to a trial regulation issued on Thursday.

The regulation was jointly released by the National Health Commission and the Ministry of Finance as the nation introduced a policy in July that provides families with 3,600 yuan ($507) per year for each child under the age of 3 and began accepting applications earlier this month.

The document emphasizes that application materials and procedures should be streamlined, and that the review process should utilize big data tools to alleviate the workload of grassroots officials.

The initial review and confirmation must be completed within 30 working days.

Subsidies will be disbursed annually in a lump sum through the bank card or other financial account of either the applicant or the child.

Local health and financial authorities are required to establish supervision mechanisms. Funds obtained fraudulently will be recovered, and relevant penalties will be pursued.