April 2026 New Livelihood Policies: These Payments Go Directly to Your Account, No Application Needed
This week several readers asked me: “I heard there are many new policies in April where you can get money—is that true?”
It’s true, and not just one.
I spent half a day organizing all the livelihood policies taking effect in April and found a pattern: This time the government got smart—most money goes directly to your account, no application needed.
This is good. You know how many policies ended up unclaimed because “application process was too complex”?
Alright, no more nonsense, straight to the point.
First Payment: Pension Backpay
I wrote a whole article about this last week, so I’ll keep it brief.
If you retired in 2025, after this year’s pension base recalculation, the difference will be paid in a lump sum. No application needed—goes directly to your pension account.
When does it arrive? April-June, rolling out. Varies by region—if you haven’t received it, call 12333.
Second Payment: Medical Insurance Personal Account Cashback
Many people don’t know about this.
If your employee medical insurance personal account has a balance and you haven’t used it for a long time, some regions now offer cashback.
How does it work?
- Account balance exceeds a certain threshold (varies by region, usually 2000-5000)
- Haven’t used your medical insurance card for 12 consecutive months
- Can apply for withdrawal or transfer to family members
Not available nationwide, but if your city has this policy, go check it out.
How to check?
- Log into local HR bureau website or medical insurance bureau official account
- Check “Medical Insurance Personal Account” related policies
- If there’s a withdrawal portal, apply directly
Third Payment: Childcare Subsidy
This one’s new in April, and I really want to talk about it.
Childcare subsidies used to vary by region with complex application processes. This time the national level issued guidance:
- Two-child families: 6000-12000 yuan annually (regional standards vary)
- Three-child families: 12000-24000 yuan annually
- Subsidy period: Child aged 0-3
The key point: In most places, no application needed—goes directly to your social security card or bank card.
How to check if you qualify?
- Check your city’s specific policy (standards vary by region)
- Confirm your child is within policy coverage (generally those born after Jan 1, 2023)
- Check if payment arrived in your social security card or bank card
If not received, contact local neighborhood office or community.
Fourth Payment: Housing Provident Fund Interest
This is an annual routine, but many don’t know about it.
Every June 30, Housing Provident Fund settles interest once and deposits it to your account.
How much interest?
Calculated based on your account balance. For example, if you have 50,000 yuan balance, at 1.5% annual rate, that’s 750 yuan interest per year.
Not much, but who turns down free money?
How to check?
Log into local Housing Provident Fund Management Center website or app, check “Annual Interest Settlement”.
Fifth Payment: Unemployment Insurance
If you’re unemployed, don’t forget to claim unemployment insurance.
Many people didn’t know about this before, or felt embarrassed to claim. Actually, this is insurance you paid for—you’re entitled to it.
How much can you get?
Based on your contribution years. One year of contributions gets 3 months of benefits; 10 years gets 24 months. About 1000-2000 per month (varies by region).
How to claim?
- Register at local social security bureau within 60 days of unemployment
- Fill out unemployment registration form
- After approval, money is deposited monthly to your bank card
My Advice
These payments add up to quite a bit. Pension backpay several thousand, childcare subsidy over ten thousand, medical insurance cashback a few hundred, provident fund interest a few hundred—altogether maybe 10-20 thousand.
But they all have one thing in common: If you don’t check, you might not know.
So I suggest:
Regularly check accounts April-June. Pension account, social security card, provident fund account—see if money has arrived.
Follow local policies. Implementation details vary by region—go by your city’s policy.
Apply when needed. Some money arrives automatically, some requires application. Don’t miss out due to laziness or embarrassment.
One last thing: This money is rightfully yours—it’s insurance you paid, benefits you deserve. Claiming it isn’t shameful; missing out is what’s regrettable.
Quick—forward to family and friends, don’t let this money “sit” in government accounts.