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Everything You Need to Know About the Childcare and Extended Childcare Leave in Singapore

Childcare Leave and Extended Childcare Leave in SingaporeTo help working parents spend quality time with their young children below seven years old, the Singapore government has brought forward the childcare leave. On the other hand, the extended childcare leave in Singapore is for parents with older children between 7 and 12 years old.

 

Childcare Leave in Singapore (GPCL)

Here are the requirements:

  • Your youngest child should be below seven years old.
  • You should have worked for your employer for at least three months
  • If you are self-employed, you must be self-employed for least 3 months and have lost income during your childcare leave period.

Entitlement

Your childcare leave entitlement will vary depending on the nationality of your child.

If your child is a Singapore Citizen, you get six days paid child-care leave under the Government Paid Child-Care leave.

If your child is not a Singapore Citizen, you are entitled to 2 days of paid childcare leave in accordance with the Employment Act. If you meet the following requirements:

  • You child is below 7 years old.
  • You must have worked for your employer for at least 3 months.

Is the Paid-Child Care Leave Applicable for Both Spouses?

Yes, both you and your spouse are entitled to paid-child care leave, if you meet the requirements.

How Can You Take the Leave?

You and your spouse are entitled 42 days of childcare leave over a period of 7 years until your child turn 7 years old. You will get 6 days each year and any unutilised leaves cannot be carry forward for the following year.

Regarding the Payment

The first 3 days of your childcare leave will be employer-paid, and the remaining 3 days will be government-paid. The payment will be capped at $500 per day and is inclusive of CFP contribution.

 

The Extended Childcare Leave

The extended childcare leave in Singapore is for parents whose youngest child is between 7 to 12 years old (inclusive of 12 years old). The entitlement is 2 days per year.

Requirements

You will be entitled to 2 days of childcare leaves if your child is a Singapore citizen. If you are self-employed you must be engaged in your work for no less than a continuous period of 3 months, and have lost income during your childcare leave period.

Entitlement

The 2 days of extended childcare leave will be government paid and the pay-out will be capped at $500 per day. However, the calculation will be different for part-time employee. If you are a part-time employee, your 2 days of extended childcare leave will be adjusted based on your work schedule. For example, say you work 3 hours a day, your entitlement will be 3 hours X 2 days = 6 hours

If your children fall in both age group (e.g. below7 years and between 7 and 12 years), the maximum number of paid childcare leave for each parents is 6 days per year.

 

How to Apply for the Childcare and Extended Childcare Leave in Singapore?

To apply for the leave, first,  download the application form from the Government -Paid Leave Portal.

Then, complete the application form and submit it to your employer along with the required supporting documents.

For self-employed, you may submit your claim directly via the Government-Paid Leave Portal.