Maternity benefits Singapore in 2024

Maternity benefits are a crucial aspect of supporting working mothers during one of the most significant phases of their lives. Maternity benefits Singapore has been implemented with various schemes and policies to ensure that working mothers receive adequate support during their maternity leave. However, navigating through these benefits can be complex, especially for international employees. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the maternity benefits available in Singapore in 2024.

Maternity benefits Singapore play a pivotal role in supporting the well-being of working mothers

Importance of maternity benefits Singapore for working mothers

Maternity benefits Singapore play a crucial role in supporting working mothers during one of the most significant phases of their lives. In Singapore, where the workforce is highly competitive and the cost of living is relatively high, these benefits are particularly crucial. Here's why maternity benefits are essential for working mothers in Singapore:

• Financial Security: Maternity benefits in Singapore provide financial stability to working mothers during their maternity leave. This support ensures that they can meet their financial obligations and sustain their households while taking time off work to care for their newborn.

• Health and Well-being: Maternity benefits Singapore enable working mothers to prioritize their health and well-being during the postpartum period. This time off allows them to recover from childbirth, establish breastfeeding, and bond with their newborn, promoting their overall physical and mental health.

• Work-Life Balance: Maternity benefits Singapore contribute to achieving a better work-life balance for working mothers. By providing them with the opportunity to take time off work without worrying about income loss, these benefits enable them to focus on their family responsibilities without compromising their careers.

• Employee Retention and Loyalty: Companies that offer comprehensive maternity benefits demonstrate their commitment to supporting their employees through various life stages. This fosters loyalty among working mothers, increasing employee retention rates and enhancing the overall morale and productivity of the workforce.

• Promotion of Gender Equality: Maternity benefits contribute to promoting gender equality in the workplace by recognizing and accommodating the unique needs of working mothers. By ensuring that women are not penalized for taking time off to have children, these benefits help to level the playing field and encourage greater participation of women in the workforce.

• Positive Impact on Child Development: Adequate maternity leave allows mothers to provide essential care and nurturing to their infants during the crucial early months of life. This has a positive impact on child development, fostering secure attachment and laying the foundation for healthy emotional and cognitive development.

• Social Cohesion: Maternity benefits contribute to social cohesion by supporting families and strengthening the fabric of society. By investing in the well-being of mothers and children, these benefits help to build stronger and more resilient communities.

>>>See more: Payroll Singapore: Guide to Payroll in Singapore

Maternity benefits in Singapore ensure work-life balance

Maternity leave eligibility and entitlement

Working mothers in Singapore are entitled to maternity leave benefits under the Child Development Co-Savings Act. Here is a concise overview of eligibility and entitlement.

Eligibility

You qualify for 16 weeks of paid maternity leave if:

• Your child is a Singapore citizen.

• For employees: You've served your employer for at least 3 continuous months before childbirth.

• For self-employed: You've been engaged in work for at least 3 continuous months and experienced income loss during maternity leave.

* Notice: Inform your employer at least 1 week before maternity leave, or risk receiving only half the payment unless you have a valid reason.

Entitlement

Maternity leave is paid by the employer, with reimbursement from the government based on the Government-Paid Maternity Leave (GPML) scheme:

• For the first and second child: Employer pays the first 8 weeks, and the government reimburses the last 8 weeks, capped at $20,000.

• For the third and subsequent child: Government reimburses all 16 weeks, capped at $40,000.

Special situations

• If the child is not a Singapore citizen, eligible mothers are entitled to 12 weeks of maternity leave under the Employment Act.

• Single or unmarried mothers can still receive up to 16 weeks of maternity leave.

• Contract, temporar, or part-time employees qualify for maternity leave if they meet eligibility criteria and employees on probation are eligible after serving their employer for at least 3 months before childbirth.

• Twins or premature births are treated as a single delivery, while stillbirths warrant full maternity leave entitlement.

However, miscarriages or abortions do not qualify for maternity leave benefits. Additionally, falling sick during maternity leave does not entitle one to paid sick leave.

Maternity benefits Singapore is under the Child Development Co-Savings Act

>>> See more: Headhunter : Executive Search Excellence in Singapore

Number of Maternity Leave Weeks for Working Mothers

The rights of working mothers in Singapore have significantly improved since 2024, with maternity leave increased to a total of 16 weeks. This marks a doubling from before, when only 8 weeks were paid by employers. Specifically, the enhanced maternity leave regulations from 2024 include:

• 8-weeks - Employer paid leave

• Plus 8-weeks - Government paid leave

Out of this total of 16 weeks, at least 8 weeks must be counted from the date of childbirth for postnatal care and strengthening the bond between mother and child. The additional 8 weeks provide expectant mothers with more flexibility to take leave before delivery if there is a medical need up to the 36th week of pregnancy.

It is worth noting that to supplement income during maternity leave, the Government will reimburse/pay for the 9th to 16th week of Government-Paid Maternity Leave (GPML), capped at $10,000 per 4 weeks or a total of $20,000 per child order, while company payments depend on existing salary terms.

Apply for Maternity and Paternity Leave

Applying for maternity and paternity leave involves several steps to ensure a smooth process:

• Step 1 - Notify your employer: Inform your employer or HR department about your intention to take maternity or paternity leave. This notification should ideally be done as early as possible and typically includes providing information on your expected due date or the birth of your child.

• Step 2 - Review company policies: Familiarize yourself with your company's policies regarding maternity and paternity leave. This includes understanding the duration of leave allowed, eligibility criteria, and any required documentation.

• Step 3 - Submit formal request: Complete any required application forms provided by your employer or HR department. These forms may require details such as your personal information, expected dates of leave, and any supporting documentation (e.g., medical certificates).

• Step 4 - Seek approval: Submit your formal request for maternity or paternity leave to your employer or HR department. They will review your request to ensure it aligns with company policies and legal requirements.

• Step 5 - Finalize Leave Arrangements: Once your leave request is approved, work with your employer to finalize arrangements for your absence. This may include determining the start and end dates of your leave, discussing any interim responsibilities or handover procedures, and confirming arrangements for salary payments during your absence.

• Step 6 - Stay in communication: Maintain open communication with your employer or HR department throughout the leave period. Keep them updated on any changes to your plans or circumstances, and adhere to any reporting requirements outlined by your company.

How to access maternity benefits Singapore

The Maternity benefits Singapore stand as a testament to the nation's commitment to supporting working mothers during one of life's most pivotal moments. Aniday - A headhunter agency in Singapore can help you attract top talent and navigate the complexities of maternity benefits in Singapore. Partner with Aniday to build a diverse, inclusive, and supportive workplace culture today!