Government-Paid Adoption Leave Scheme

Current provision

1      The Government-Paid Adoption Leave scheme, which was introduced in August 2004, provides 4 weeks of leave for an adoptive mother who is employed (employee or self-employed) to care for her adopted newborn child aged 6 months and below if her employer is willing to grant her the leave. The Government will reimburse employers up to 4 weeks of salary, capped at $10,000 (including CPF contributions).  The adoptive mother must have fewer than 4 other children to be eligible for Government-Paid Adoption Leave (GPAL).

Enhanced scheme

2      From 31 October 2008, the child order restriction will be lifted.  An adoptive mother will be eligible for 4 weeks of GPAL if she meets all the criteria and her employer is willing to grant her the leave regardless of the number of children she has. 

Eligibility criteria

3      An adoptive mother must satisfy all the following criteria to be eligible for the reimbursement of GPAL :

                   i.            The adopted child is a Singapore citizen or becomes one within 6 months of the adoption order being granted, whichever is later;

                ii.            The child is below 6 months of age and the adoptive mother is lawfully married, widowed or divorced at the point of :

·      Appointment of Director of Social Welfare as Guardian-In-Adoption by Court Order (for a child who is a Singapore citizen at the point of birth); or

·      Issuance of Dependant’s Pass by MCYS (for a child who is not a Singapore citizen at the point of birth)

4      In addition, a self-employed mother must show that she has lost income as a result of not engaging in her trade, business, profession or vocation during the adoption leave period.

Commencement of adoption leave

For a child who is a Singapore citizen

5      The adoptive mother can apply for GPAL when the Court appoints the Director of Social Welfare as Guardian-In-Adoption. 

For a child who is not a Singapore citizen (born overseas)

6      The adoptive mother can apply for adoption leave when she is issued with a Dependant’s Pass by MCYS.  The adoptive parents would have to obtain Singapore citizenship for the child within 6 months of the Adoption Order being granted.

Submission of claim for reimbursement

7      Please refer to the section on "Submission of claim" for more information.
 

Things to note

What should I take note of as an employer?

What should I do if I am an employee?

What should I do as a self-employed mother?