Maternity Leave in Singapore: A Comprehensive Guide

Navigating maternity leave can be challenging, especially when understanding the specific regulations and benefits available. This comprehensive guide provides a detailed overview of maternity leave in Singapore, addressing common questions and concerns for both employees and the self-employed.

Maternity Leave Entitlement and Benefits

In Singapore, eligible working mothers are entitled to 16 weeks of Government-Paid Maternity Leave (GPML). This leave is structured as follows:

• First 8 weeks: Must be taken consecutively, starting up to 28 days before the expected delivery date but including at least 8 weeks after childbirth.
• Remaining 8 weeks: Can be taken flexibly over a 12-month period from the child's birth date.

Payment Structure

• First 8 weeks: Paid by the employer, who can claim reimbursement from the government.
• Subsequent 8 weeks: Paid by the government under the GPML scheme, capped at $2,500 per week.

Eligibility Criteria

• The child must be a Singapore citizen at birth or obtain citizenship within 12 months.
• Employees must have a continuous employment period of at least three months before the child's birth.
• Self-employed individuals must have been continuously engaged in a business for at least three months before the child's birth and experience income loss during the leave.

Additional Benefits and Protections

• Employment protection: It's unlawful for employers to dismiss employees on maternity leave.
• Childcare leave: 6 days of paid childcare leave per year for children under 7 (3 days employer-paid, 3 days government-reimbursed).
• Shared Parental Leave (SPL): Starting April 1, 2025, up to 10 weeks of additional paid leave (paid by the government up to $2,500 per week) can be shared between parents.

Notice Period

From April 1, 2025, a minimum four-week notice period is required before taking GPML, Government-Paid Paternity Leave, Shared Parental Leave, or adoption leave.

Understanding Government-Paid vs. Company-Paid Maternity Leave

The key difference lies in eligibility, duration, and payment/reimbursement:

Government-Paid Maternity Leave (GPML)

• Eligibility: Child is a Singapore citizen, employee has worked for at least 3 months.
• Duration: 16 weeks.
• Payment: Employer pays, then claims reimbursement from the government.

Company-Paid Maternity Leave

• Eligibility: Does not meet GPML criteria (e.g., child not a Singapore citizen).
• Duration: Typically 12 weeks (8 weeks paid by employer, 4 weeks often unpaid).
• Payment: Employer pays; no government reimbursement.

Minimum Employment Period and Employment Protection

A three-month continuous employment period is required before the child's birth for both employees and the self-employed to qualify for GPML. Crucially, employers are legally prohibited from dismissing employees solely for taking maternity leave.

Applying for Maternity Leave: Process and Required Documents

To apply for maternity leave, you must:

• Notify your employer at least one week (four weeks from April 1, 2025) before starting leave.
• Complete the GPML1 declaration form.
• Submit the completed form and supporting documents (child's birth certificate, proof of employment, proof of Singapore citizenship if applicable) to your employer.
• Follow your employer's standard leave application procedures.
• Submit a claim (you and/or your employer) through the Government-Paid Leave (GPL) Portal within three months of the last day of GPML.

Maternity Leave for Foreign Workers and Self-Employed Individuals

Foreign workers on work permits or employment passes are eligible for maternity leave if they meet the employment duration and child citizenship criteria. Self-employed individuals are also eligible for GPML, provided they meet the eligibility criteria, demonstrate income loss during the leave, and meet the child citizenship requirements. Payment caps apply for both groups.

Addressing Specific Scenarios

Full Pay During Maternity Leave?

You'll generally receive full pay for the first 8 weeks (from your employer) and up to the capped amount ($2,000 for the first two children, $4000 for the third and subsequent children) for the remaining 8 weeks (from the government).

Miscarriage?

Unfortunately, maternity leave isn't applicable for miscarriages. However, employees can use sick or medical leave.

Flexible Maternity Leave?

The first 8 weeks must be continuous, but the remaining 8 weeks can be taken flexibly over 12 months, subject to agreement with your employer.

Extending Maternity Leave?

The standard 16 weeks cannot be extended, but the upcoming SPL scheme provides additional shared parental leave.

Employer Refusal to Grant Maternity Leave?

Contact the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) immediately. Refusal is a violation of labor laws.

Conclusion

Singapore's maternity leave policies aim to support working mothers. By understanding the regulations, benefits, and application process, mothers can better navigate this important period in their lives. Remember to always consult official government resources and seek legal advice if needed.

Disclaimer: This article provides general information and should not be considered legal advice. Always refer to the latest official guidelines from the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) for the most up-to-date information.