Revision to the reimbursement procedure for Government-Paid Maternity Leave

Current policy

1   Statutory paid maternity leave was extended from 12 weeks to 16 weeks with effect from 31 Oct 2008.  Working mothers (employees and self-employed) who meet the eligibility criteria will be eligible for 16 weeks of paid maternity leave of which the last 8 weeks may be taken in a flexible arrangement (upon mutual agreement with employer). 

2   The first 8 weeks of maternity leave for the first 2 confinements will be paid by the employer.  The Government will pay for the last 8 weeks of maternity leave for the first 2 confinements and the full 16 weeks of maternity leave for the third and subsequent confinements. 

3   Due to the current economic climate and the feedback received from employers, we have adjusted the claim procedure with the intention to help ease the cash flow needs of employers and self-employed mothers. 

Revision to the claim procedure

4   Previously, employers and self-employed mothers may submit the claim for reimbursement only after the full 16 weeks of maternity leave are consumed including leave taken flexibly.  From 1 May 2009, they will be able to submit up to 2 claims for reimbursement in respect of each confinement.

For employees/self-employed mothers in the first 2 confinements

5   The first 8 weeks of maternity leave must be taken as a continuous block and will be paid by the employer/self-employed mother.  If they would like to seek reimbursement before the last 8 weeks of leave is fully consumed, they may do so anytime after the completion of the 8th week of maternity leave. 

For employees/self-employed mothers in the third and subsequent confinements

6   Similar to those in the first 2 confinements, the first 8 weeks of maternity leave must be taken as a continuous block.  The first claim for reimbursement may be made anytime after the completion of the 8th week of maternity leave. 

Procedure to claim

7   Employers/self-employed mothers may submit the first claim via the online claim system by logging in with the claimant’s Singpass.  Once the login is complete, the claimant will need to indicate that this is a new application by clicking on the appropriate radio button.  Subsequently, the claimant will need to complete the relevant required information for the system to process the first claim. 

8   After the mother had finished consuming the remaining maternity leave, the employer/self-employed mother may submit the final claim at the same online claim system.  The claimant will need to indicate that the submission is the second claim by selecting the appropriate radio button.  He/She will need to ensure that the type of maternity leave claimed (continuous or non-continuous) and the maternity leave period are consistent. 

9   Please click here if you are ready to submit the claim for reimbursement.