Both female and male employees are entitled for four months Fostering Leave per parentapplying for parental leave and not for each child fostered, which has to be taken until the child has attained 8 years of age. The first two (2) months or eight (8) weeks are non-transferable and are eligible for benefit payment; while the second two (2) months or eight (8) weeks are transferable between parents but are unpaid of any benefit.
Legal Notice 201 of 2022, provides that the first eight (8) weeks of fostering leave is paid to the employer on behalf of employees who are certified as foster parents. The applicable payment rate is the Married rate established for the Sickness Benefit.
Employers shall claim a refund from the Department of Social Security for a maximum of eight (8) weeks of Fostering Leave period in four (4) two-week payment segments, as shall be explained further ahead. The first four (4) weeks which may be claimed until the child is four (4) years old, can be claimed either separately in two (2) two-week segments or in one (1) four-week Fostering Leave claim.
In compensation the Maternity Trust Fund Contribution that came into effect as of 1st July 2015 through Legal Notice 257 of 2015 ( Trusts and Trustees Act Cap. 331.), shall be adjusted to reflect the Work-Life Balance entitlements set up by Legal Notice 201 of 2022, of 2nd August 2022.
The Public Service and Public Sector Entities; Authorities, Agencies and Public Corporations are exempt from this scheme’s contribution. However, Public Service and Public Sector employees are nonetheless entitled to Fostering Leave.
Please click here for a Schedule of Benefits Rates.
