Methods and apparatus are provided to enable on-demand requests for a time reference for time-sensitive communications (TSC). The network can optionally configure a UE to enable on-demand requests for TSC. When the UE needs a time reference for TSC, the UE sends a message to the network including an explicit indication that a time reference for TSC is needed by the UE. In response to the request, the network sends to the UE on-demand system information comprising the time reference in a broadcast message or a dedicated message.