Navigating Family Leave in Singapore: A Comprehensive Guide
Singapore's family leave policies are constantly evolving to better support working parents and promote a healthy work-life balance. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the available leave types, eligibility requirements, application processes, and employee rights.
Types of Family Leave in Singapore
Singapore offers several types of family leave, primarily governed by the Child Development Co-Savings Act (CDCA) and other relevant legislation. These include:
- Government-Paid Maternity Leave (GPML): Eligible working mothers are entitled to 16 weeks of GPML for Singapore citizen children and 12 weeks for non-citizen children.
Eligible working mothers are entitled to 16 weeks of Government-Paid Maternity Leave (GPML) if their child is a Singapore citizen. For non-citizen children, mothers can receive 12 weeks of maternity leave under the Employment Act, but this is not necessarily covered by the government unless the child obtains Singapore citizenship within 12 months of birth.
This leave can be taken in one block or split into two, with employer agreement. - Government-Paid Paternity Leave (GPPL): As of January 1, 2024, eligible fathers are entitled to four weeks of GPPL. From April 1, 2025, all four weeks will be mandatory.
As of January 1, 2024, eligible fathers in Singapore are entitled to four weeks of Government-Paid Paternity Leave (GPPL), but the first two weeks are mandatory, and the additional two weeks are voluntary and require employer agreement. From April 1, 2025, all four weeks will become mandatory.
- Adoption Leave: Adoptive mothers receive adoption leave benefits similar to maternity leave, varying based on the number of children.
- Shared Parental Leave (SPL): Starting April 1, 2025, a new SPL scheme will provide six weeks of leave (increasing to 10 weeks from April 1, 2026), shared between parents.
- Childcare Leave: Parents are entitled to 6 days of paid childcare leave per year for Singapore citizen children and 2 days for non-citizen children.
Parents are entitled to 6 days of paid childcare leave per year if their youngest child is a Singapore citizen below the age of seven. However, for Singapore citizen children aged 7 to 12, the entitlement is reduced to 2 days of extended paid childcare leave per year. For non-citizen children, parents are entitled to only 2 days of paid childcare leave per year, regardless of the child's age.
Additional leave is available if the youngest child is in primary school.
Eligibility Requirements
Maternity and Paternity Leave
Eligibility for GPML and GPPL generally requires:
- The child must be a Singapore citizen (or obtain citizenship within 12 months).
- Continuous employment for at least three months before the child's birth.
- For fathers, lawful marriage to the child's mother at some point between conception and birth or within 12 months of birth.
Childcare Leave
Eligibility for childcare leave depends on the child's citizenship and age. For Singapore citizen children under 7, it's 6 days; 2 days for non-citizen children. Extended childcare leave (2 days) is available for children aged 7-12.
Applying for Family Leave
The application process typically involves notifying your employer and submitting the necessary forms and documentation. These vary depending on the type of leave. For example, maternity leave requires a GPML1 form, while paternity leave has its own declaration form. Self-employed individuals need to demonstrate a loss of income during the leave period.
Starting April 1, 2025, a minimum four-week notice period will be required before taking any family leave.
Benefits and Protections
The Government Paid Leave Scheme covers a significant portion of the leave costs, with employers receiving reimbursement from the government. Your annual leave remains separate from family leave. Importantly, it's unlawful for employers to dismiss employees on government-paid family leave.
Part-Time Employees and Family Leave
Part-time employees are eligible for family leave benefits on a pro-rated basis, depending on their working hours and employment contract.
Employer Denial of Family Leave
If your employer denies your family leave request unjustly, you can seek assistance from the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) or the Tripartite Alliance for Fair and Progressive Employment Practices (TAFEP). Legal action may be an option in cases of unlawful denial.
Foreign Employees
Foreign employees are not entitled to CDCA benefits and are instead covered by the Employment Act, which mandates employer-paid maternity leave (12 weeks for up to two births) and childcare leave (two days per year), without government reimbursement.
Foreign employees in Singapore are not covered by the Child Development Co-Savings Act (CDCA) benefits, which are reserved for citizens. Instead, they are subject to the Employment Act, which grants 12 weeks of employer-paid maternity leave for up to two births and two days of childcare leave annually, with no government reimbursement.
Leave for Short-Term Contracts and Retrenched Parents
Parents employed on short-term contracts, recently laid off, or newly employed before the birth or adoption of their child are eligible for government-paid leave, provided they meet specific criteria. Retrenched parents who didn't take leave due to redundancy are also eligible for benefit payments.
Conclusion
Singapore's family leave policies aim to support working parents and encourage family growth. Understanding your entitlements, eligibility requirements, and rights is crucial for navigating this important aspect of your employment.
| Leave Type | Duration (Weeks) | Eligibility | Pay |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maternity Leave (Citizen Child) | 16 | Citizen child, employed for 3 months | Government-paid (partially for first two, fully for third and subsequent) |
| Maternity Leave (Non-Citizen Child) | 12 | Non-citizen child, employed for 3 months | Government-paid (partially for first two, fully for third and subsequent) |
| Paternity Leave (From April 1, 2025) | 4 | Citizen child, employed for 3 months | Government-paid |
| Childcare Leave (Citizen Child) | 6 days/year | Citizen child, employed for 3 months | Employer-paid (3 days), Government-paid (3 days) |
| Childcare Leave (Non-Citizen Child) | 2 days/year | Non-citizen child, employed for 3 months | Employer-paid |
Note: This information is for guidance only and should not be considered legal advice. Always refer to the latest official government publications and your employment contract for the most accurate and up-to-date details.
