Couples have the flexibility to declare the allocation of SPL to the father any time before the child turns 12 months old. This should be sufficient to enable a couple to discuss and decide on an arrangement that best suits their needs. Couples should also consult their respective employers before deciding on their allocation. If fathers are unsure whether they can commit to taking the leave, they can wait until they have more certainty before making the declaration, within 12 months from the birth of the child (inclusive of date of birth). A SPL election can only be cancelled in certain circumstances. Please email contactus@profamilyleave.gov.sg if you wish to do so.
This approach balances parents' needs for flexibility with employers' concerns on the impact on business operations and productivity, particularly given the implementation complexities of the SPL, a complex leave scheme that involves 4 parties – the father, mother, and their respective employers.
[Note: The amount of SPL that can be elected to the father will depend on the remaining Maternity Leave/ Adoption Leave for Mothers (whichever is applicable) that the mother has. For example, if the mother had used 14 weeks of her Maternity Leave, she can only share up to 2 weeks with her spouse as SPL.]