Navigating the intricacies of maternity leave policies can be challenging for working parents. We’ve compiled a comprehensive guide to understanding extended maternity leave in Singapore.
Extended Maternity Leave Singapore: Eligibility and Entitlements
As a parent, it’s essential to be aware of your maternity leave entitlements based on eligibility, especially when you live in Singapore. The government has put in place a system to support mothers during this crucial time.
In Singapore, eligible working mothers can avail of extended maternity leave. Depending on certain factors, you may be entitled to either 16 weeks of Government-Paid Maternity Leave or 12 weeks of maternity leave.
Differing Entitlements Based on Eligibility
Your eligibility for maternity leave entitlements in Singapore depends on various factors. Let’s explore these factors and understand how they affect the duration of your maternity leave.
Eligibility Criteria
Is She Legally Married to the Child’s Father?
When it comes to determining your entitlement to maternity leave in Singapore, the first and foremost criterion to consider is your marital status. Depending on whether you are legally married to the child’s father or not, your eligibility for maternity leave entitlements will differ.
Source: iStock
Here’s a breakdown of the eligibility based on your marital status:
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Marital Status: Yes
- For a Singaporean Child: Yes
- For a Non-Singaporean Child: Yes
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Marital Status: No
- For a Singaporean Child: No
- For a Non-Singaporean Child: No
Understanding your marital status in relation to the child’s father is a fundamental step in determining your eligibility for maternity leave benefits in Singapore. This criterion is a crucial starting point for accessing the support you need during your maternity journey.
Child’s Birth Date
The second criterion is the birth date of your child. The eligibility for maternity leave is affected by whether your child is born or has an estimated delivery date (EDD) on or after 1 January 2017.
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|---|
|
Child’s Birth Date
|
Singaporean Child
|
Non-Singaporean Child
|
|
On or after 1 Jan 2017
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
|
Before 1 Jan 2017
|
No
|
No
|
Period of Entitlement
Based on the criteria mentioned above, your period of entitlement for maternity leave will vary. Here’s what you can expect:
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|---|
|
Marital Status
|
Child’s Birth Date
|
Period of Entitlement (Weeks)
|
|
Yes
|
On or after 1 Jan 2017
|
16
|
|
No
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On or after 1 Jan 2017
|
16
|
|
Yes
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Before 1 Jan 2017
|
16
|
|
No
|
Before 1 Jan 2017
|
12
|
Government Support
In Singapore, the government provides financial support to mothers during their maternity leave. Additionally, the level of support varies depending on the number of children you have.
- For your 1st and 2nd child, the government will pay for the 9th to 16th week of your maternity leave, capped at $20,000 per child.
- Conversely, for your 3rd and subsequent child, the government will pay for all 16 weeks of your maternity leave, capped at $40,000 per child.
Children Born or Adopted Outside of Singapore
Moreover, when it comes to Children Born or Adopted Outside of Singapore, if your child is adopted or born outside of Singapore, your child is considered a non-Singaporean, and your eligibility for maternity leave is as follows:
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|---|
|
Marital Status
|
Child’s Birth Date
|
Period of Entitlement (Weeks)
|
|
Yes
|
On or after 1 Jan 2017
|
12
|
|
No
|
On or after 1 Jan 2017
|
12
|
|
Yes
|
Before 1 Jan 2017
|
12
|
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No
|
Before 1 Jan 2017
|
12
|
Special Considerations
It’s important to note that the eligibility and entitlements mentioned above exclude stepchildren and children adopted out before the date of the child’s birth or formal intent to adopt (FIA), for both Singaporean and non-Singaporean children.
Mothers with stillborn children, however, who would have been Singapore citizens, may still qualify for the Government-Paid Maternity Leave (GPML) if their circumstances meet the requirements. If not, they may be eligible for benefits under the Government-Paid Maternity Benefit (GPMB) scheme.
Understanding your maternity leave entitlements is crucial to ensure you receive the support you need during this important time in your life. If you have any questions or need further information, don’t hesitate to reach out to the relevant government authorities or your employer for guidance.
Compensation
During the leave period, your employer will pay your usual monthly salary. They can then claim reimbursement from the government under the Government-Paid Maternity Leave (GPML) scheme. For the first two births, the employer pays for the first eight weeks, and the government reimburses the last eight weeks. For the third birth and subsequent ones, the government reimburses all 16 weeks.
Source: iStock
Extended Maternity Leave Singapore: Application Process
To apply for your maternity leave or reimbursement claims, you can visit the Government-Paid Leave (GPL) Portal.
Additional Information
For more details about Government-Paid leave schemes, you can explore the Government-Paid Leave (GPL) Portal and the Made For Families website.
Extended Maternity Leave Singapore for Unmarried Mothers
Unwed mothers whose Singaporean child is born or has an estimated delivery date on or after 1 January 2017 can also enjoy extended Government-Paid Maternity Leave.
Extended Maternity Leave Singapore for Non-Singaporean Children
If your child isn’t a Singapore citizen, you’re not eligible for the extended GPML. However, if your child becomes a Singapore citizen within 12 months of birth, you can take any remaining maternity leave, including the extended GPML.
Adoption Leave vs Extended Maternity Leave in Singapore
Adoptive parents aren’t eligible for maternity leave. However, they are entitled to adoption leave if they meet the eligibility criteria.
Extended Maternity Leave Singapore for Foreigners
Foreigners working in Singapore are also eligible for maternity leave if they meet the required criteria.
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