Government-Paid Paternity Leave: Who Qualifies and What You Get
Learn how working fathers in Singapore can access paid leave to care for their newborn children.
This scheme provides paid time off for working fathers to bond with their newborn children and support their families during the early stages of parenthood.
Who it's for
This scheme is specifically designed for working fathers who have children with Singaporean citizenship. If you are employed and your child is a Singaporean citizen, you may qualify for this support.
What you get
Eligible fathers can receive up to 4 weeks of paid leave. This time off is intended to allow you to be present at home, assist with the care of your newborn, and manage the transition into parenthood without losing your regular income during those first few weeks.
What it costs you
There is no direct financial fee to apply for this scheme. However, there is a practical requirement: you must obtain approval from your employer. Because this involves taking time away from your professional duties, you will need to coordinate with your workplace to ensure your absence is managed according to their policies.
The catch to know
The most important detail to remember is the timeframe. This leave cannot be saved for later in a child's life; it must be taken within the first 12 months following the birth of your child. If you do not use the leave within this one-year window, you may lose the benefit.
How to apply
- Confirm that your child is a Singaporean citizen to ensure you meet the primary eligibility requirement.
- Check with your employer regarding their specific internal procedures for requesting leave.
- Coordinate with your manager to ensure your 4 weeks of leave is scheduled within the required 12-month window.
- Submit your request through your company's official channels to secure your paid leave.