In Singapore, dads have more chances to be involved with their babies’ first days. Because of the Child Development Co-Savings Act (CDCA), dads who work now get two weeks of paid paternity leave from the government. If the mother is eligible for paid maternity leave from the government, the father can share up to 4 weeks of that time.
Who Can Take Paternity Leave
You must be one of the following to be eligible for paternity leave:
Fathers Who Have Jobs: You can get this if you worked for your employer for at least three months before giving birth.
Dads Who Work for Themselves: Yes, you can too if you had your own business for at least three months before the baby was born and would lose money if you took time off, too. Just make sure you live in Singapore.
Important requirements for other things
Single or Married: You should be married to the mother of your child either at birth or within a year of it.
Citizenship for Children: You must have been born in Singapore or have become a citizen within a year of the birth.
What are the pros?
Dads can get two weeks of paid leave to be with their kids. The number of days you get paid depends on how many days you work in a week, up to six days. Let’s say you work five days a week and get ten days of paid leave. Also, the most you can be paid in a week is $2,500, which includes CPF contributions.
Taking turns taking parental leave
If the mother agrees, fathers can also share up to 4 weeks of her 16-week maternity leave. During the first year of your child’s life, you can take this shared leave all at once or in parts. Also, remember that this will cut the mother’s maternity leave in half.
The ability to take time off
Dad, you don’t have to take all of your time off at once. During the first 16 weeks after giving birth, you should usually take two weeks of uninterrupted paternity leave. However, you can talk to your boss about splitting it up and taking it on different days. The goal is to come up with a plan that works best for your family.
For Fathers Who Adopt
There are some things you can do to still get paid paternity leave if you are adopting:
Within 6 months of being adopted, your child is or will become a Singapore citizen.
Your kid is younger than 12 months.
You had at least three months of work experience or were self-employed before you started the adoption process.
How to Make Payments
During paternity leave, your boss will pay you the same as if you had worked. They can ask the government to pay them back after you leave. You can file a claim directly with the government if you work for yourself.
Obligations of Employers
Your boss can’t say no to paternity leave without a good reason. You could get a $5,000 fine or go to jail for doing that. That being said, you have every right to take your leave.
Are you changing jobs?
You won’t be able to give your new employer the time you have left on your paternity leave if you change jobs before you use it. You should use it while you are still working for the same company.
What If You Can’t Get Paid Paternity Leave from the Government?
Your child was born on or after January 1, 2021, and you don’t qualify for standard paternity leave. You may still be able to get the Government Paid Paternity Benefit (GPPB). The amount of money you get from this benefit is equal to two weeks of paid paternity leave. It is based on your average salary in the 12 months before your child was born or adopted.
Can You Pick Money Over Time Off?
These benefits are not meant to hurt you; they are meant to give you time to care for your newborn. You can’t choose to take cash instead of time off.
Singapore wants fathers to be involved in the early development of their children. Knowing what rights you have will help you make the most of this valuable time. If your boss makes problems with your paternity leave, you can ask for help and file a claim for unfair dismissal.
