Your maternity leave and maternity pay checklist

Checklist for you working Mothers

• Tell your boss the big news. It may vary according to individual, but you normally need to inform your boss by week 24 latest. 

• Find out if there’s anyone else you need to tell at work e.g. your coworker. 

• Ask for a risk assessment in your workplace, things like your workstation and posture may be looked at, as well as exposure to any chemicals. 

• Consider when the best end date for work is.  

• Compare how much infant care or childcare will cost versus your salary. 
• Ask about any company parenthood package that may be offered.

Next you would ask yourself, when would you start your maternity leave in Singapore?

• Firstly know how long and how many week of maternity leave you are entitled to. This is different from incremental days in which companies may/may not supplement. 

• Is your baby a Singapore citizen / Permanent Resident (PR) or Non-Citizen - This also changes your entitlements.

• Also think about how you want to plan your maternity leave whether to go by default, mutual agreement or flexi leave arrangement. For more information, you may refer to: https://www.mom.gov.sg/employment-practices/leave/maternity-leave/planning-your-leave

• Additionally with enhanced paternity leave and shared parental leave this will impact your decisions.

• If you are in a high risk pregnancy, also ensure you consult healthcare provider (HCP) about when to start your maternity leave

• Consider whether you want to extend your maternity leave after baby arrives. You may want to discuss early with your employer to see whether an extension is possible or explore options like flexi-work arrangement to allow you to take care of your newborn.  

• Ultimately, think about whether you want to take your maternity leave before baby arrives—you may be able to start your maternity leave before your baby is born to catch some rest, get some me-time or to spend more time with your first born because you need to think about when the best return date to work is. 

   

  Now you’ve got that admin out of the way, you can reward yourself with a fun task—baby names?! See our checklist for ideas.