Singapore is known to be a family-friendly city, with various measures and benefits put in place to support working parents. One such benefit is the provision of childcare leave. In this article, we will delve into the essentials of Childcare Leave Singapore, outlining what you need to know as a parent.
Childcare Leave Singapore Eligibility and Entitlement
Eligible working parents of Singapore citizen children are entitled to 6 days of paid childcare leave per year. On the other hand, parents of non-citizens can get 2 days of childcare leave a year, as mandated by the Employment Act.
To ascertain your childcare leave eligibility and entitlement, consider these factors:
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Your child is a Singaporean citizen.
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Your youngest child is below 7 years old.
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You have worked for your employer or have been self-employed for at least 3 continuous months.
If these conditions apply to you, then you are eligible for Government-Paid Childcare Leave under the Child Development Co-Savings Act.
Understanding Government-Paid Childcare Leave (GPCL)
The GPCL is a scheme that allows you to enjoy paid leave if you meet the following requirements:
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Your child is below 7 years old.
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Your child is a Singaporean citizen.
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For employees: you have served your employer for at least 3 months.
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For self-employed: you have been engaged in your work for at least 3 months and have lost income during childcare leave.
Childcare Leave Singapore Entitlement
You and your spouse are each entitled to 6 days of childcare leave per year until the year your child turns 7 years old, regardless of the number of children you have. However, childcare leave is capped at 42 days for each parent.
It’s essential to note that your yearly childcare leave entitlement must be consumed by the end of that leave year. Unused leave cannot be carried forward to the following year.
The payment for your leave is divided between your employer and the government. The first 3 days will be paid by your employer, while the remaining 3 days will be paid by the Government, with payments capped at $500 per day, including CPF contributions.
How to Apply or Claim Your Childcare Leave Singapore
For instructions on how to apply for your leave or claim reimbursements, you can visit the Government-Paid Leave (GPL) Portal.
Additional Resources
For more information about Government-Paid leave schemes, you can visit the Government-Paid Leave (GPL) Portal and the Made For Families website, which provides more details on the Marriage and Parenthood Package.
Source: Ministry of Manpower
Relevant Legislation
Childcare leave in Singapore is provided for under Part III of the Child Development Co-Savings Act and Part IX of the Employment Act.
In conclusion, the Childcare Leave Singapore policy is a testament to the country’s commitment to supporting working parents. It ensures that parents do not have to choose between their careers and spending quality time with their children. With this provision, parents can better balance their professional and personal lives.
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