It has become a tradition for many people in Asia to give money to their parents once they start working. This money serves as a symbol of gratitude or repayment for the support parents have provided, from food to education, until their children can earn their own income.

In Indonesia, this practice has become a culture. The reasons vary; it’s not just about showing appreciation or repayment, but there is also a genuine desire from children to support their parents since they now have their own income.

In contrast, in places like America, the culture of children giving money to parents is not widely recognized. There, children are expected to become independent adults, and there is no obligation to give money to parents once they start working.

Is Giving Money to Parents Mandatory?

Legally, there are no laws requiring children to give money to their parents. There is no written obligation in the law stating that earning children must provide money to their parents.

This ultimately comes down to individual circumstances. However, societal norms may suggest that not doing so can feel like breaking a rule for some people.

In Islam, giving money to parents is indeed encouraged. There are hadiths supporting this notion. In Islam, parents are honored, and it is only fitting for children to assist them. If you ask whether giving money to parents is considered charity, it can be said that it qualifies as such.

You may have heard real-life stories about the blessings of giving to parents. There are rewards for providing financial support, as well as for showing care, attention, and respect.

The benefits of giving money to your parents include helping to ease their financial burdens at home. They won’t have to worry as much about day-to-day expenses, even if they are no longer earning an income. They will also feel happy and proud of their children.

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What’s the Ideal Amount to Give to Parents?

There is no set rule governing how much money you can give to your parents. However, if you’re unsure, consider the following factors when determining the amount to give:

1. Financial Capability

You should first know your income and expenses. It seems unreasonable to give all your earnings to your parents, especially if you’re living in a different city. You will need money for your own living expenses, including food, housing, and transportation.

Even if you live with your parents, you still need funds for personal expenses. The difference is that you may be able to give more if you reside with them, as you won’t spend as much on food or housing.

Assess your financial situation before deciding how much to give your parents. While you should calculate carefully, you also need to be realistic. You need to take care of yourself, too. For instance, if your income is Rp4 million and your living expenses are around Rp2 million, you can give the remaining Rp2 million to your parents.

2. Parents' Condition

Some parents still work and have an income for their daily living expenses. They may appreciate any extra money provided by their children. If your parents are still employed, you can give them around 20% to 50% of your income.

However, there are also parents who believe that as long as they can support themselves, they don’t want to receive money from their children, allowing them to enjoy the fruits of their labor fully.

If your parents are not working and have no income, you may feel a strong urge to support them, as you might feel responsible for being the family's breadwinner.

There are also parents who live modestly but do not want to burden their children. Thus, they may not ask for or accept financial assistance.

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3. Other Family Members

Your parents might not need money directly for daily living expenses. However, the money you give could be used for other purposes, such as supporting siblings.

It’s common in Indonesia for the eldest child to be asked to help with the expenses of younger siblings, especially regarding education. You may feel responsible for funding your sibling's schooling.

Set aside money according to your sibling's educational needs. For example, if your sibling's school expenses are Rp250,000 per month plus daily allowance of Rp5,000, then you could give Rp400,000 each month.

 If you still have funds left, consider adding a bit more for your sibling's internet data for studying or assisting with the electricity bill at home.

4. Monthly Household Expenses

You can estimate the routine expenses at home. Each family has different needs and expenditures. Start by making a list of needs and the budget required.

Monthly Expense List:

•    Electricity and water: Rp300,000
•    Basic groceries: Rp750,000
•    Vegetables and meat: Rp750,000
•    Toiletries: Rp100,000

Total: IDR 1,900,000

Therefore, you could give Rp1.9 million each month for regular household expenses. Don’t think of this amount as excessive. If you live with your parents, you benefit from it too, right?

Ultimately, the amount of money given to parents depends on your ability and their needs. There is no universal percentage or figure that applies. You need to evaluate based on the factors mentioned above.

If you're unsure, it's best to ask or communicate directly with your parents about how much they actually need. Then adjust that according to your income. For those of you who are men and have families, you can still provide money to your parents, even if you have a wife to support.

Do this transparently. While there is no legal obligation to give money to your parents without your wife's knowledge, it’s better to be honest and open about it. Once again, each parent-child relationship is unique. Whether or how much you give depends on individual circumstances.

In addition to providing money to your parents, don’t forget to save with Bank Neo Commerce. Through the neobank app, you can enjoy savings and deposits with advantageous interest rates.

Download the neobank app on  PlayStore and App Store now!

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PT Bank Neo Commerce Tbk is licensed and supervised by the Indonesia Financial Service Authority (OJK) and an insured member of Deposit Insurance Corporation (LPS).