Singapore's employment dispute process is built around strict timelines. Most claims go through TADM mediation and, if unresolved, the Employment Claims Tribunal (ECT). Miss the filing window and your claim is time-barred.
If you want the technical rules for counting days, see the Technical Reference page. For a worked example, the Employment Dispute scenario shows the timeline step-by-step.
1. The Claims Process in Brief
- TADM handles mediation for salary and wrongful dismissal claims.
- ECT hears the claim if mediation fails.
- MOM investigates statutory breaches separately (e.g., under the Employment Act).
Each path has its own deadlines. Do not assume one process pauses the clock for another.
2. Salary-Related Claims (ECT)
Filing deadline:
- If still employed: within 1 year of the salary being due.
- If employment ended: within 6 months of the last day of employment, or within 1 year of the salary being due, whichever is earlier.
Claim cap:
- $20,000 for non-union claimants.
- $30,000 for union-assisted or TADM-mediated claims.
3. Wrongful Dismissal Claims
Deadline: within 1 month of the last day of employment.
Eligibility generally requires at least 2 years' service, with a narrower 1-year threshold for specific protected reasons.
TADM mediation is compulsory before a case can proceed to the ECT.
4. Retrenchment Notifications
Employers must notify MOM within 5 working days of retrenchment.
Mass retrenchment (10 or more employees) has additional requirements and reporting thresholds.
5. Work Injury Claims (WICA)
- Report to MOM: within 10 days of the accident.
- File the claim: within 1 year of the accident.
Medical leave wage claims can have separate timelines, so check the specific WICA guidance before filing.
6. Foreign Worker Issues
Salary claims follow the same timelines as local workers, but issues around repatriation, work permit cancellation, or security bonds often have very short practical windows. In those cases, contact MOM immediately.
Common Deadline Mistakes
- Waiting for mediation to finish before filing a claim.
- Using the wrong end date (use the last day of employment).
- Assuming public holidays pause the clock (they generally do not).
Need to count it?
Use the calculator to confirm the final day.
Try it -> Open the calculator
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What if I did not know about the deadline?
A: Lack of knowledge is not usually a valid reason to extend time. File early.
Q: Can TADM mediation extend my deadline?
A: Not automatically. You should still file within the statutory window.
Q: What if my employer disputes the termination date?
A: Use the last day you actually worked or were paid through. File early to
avoid time-bar issues.
Q: Do public holidays affect the deadline calculation?
A: Generally no. The windows run in calendar time unless a rule specifies
otherwise.
Sources & Further Reading:
Last updated: 26 January 2026. This guide is for informational purposes only. Always verify deadlines with official sources before making critical decisions.