The Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) provides short-term financial relief to workers who become unemployed, ill, or go on maternity leave. Both employees and employers contribute to the fund.
UIF Contribution Rates
| Contributor | Rate | Monthly Cap |
|---|---|---|
| Employee | 1% | R177.12 |
| Employer | 1% | R177.12 |
| Total | 2% | R354.24 |
The contribution is capped at earnings of R17,712 per month (R212,544 per year).
Why there's a cap
Once your salary exceeds R17,712/month, you still only pay R177.12 in UIF. This cap ensures the fund remains sustainable while providing baseline protection.
Who Must Contribute
Must contribute:
- All employees working more than 24 hours per month
- Domestic workers
- Seasonal workers
- Fixed-term contract workers
Exempt from UIF:
- Employees working less than 24 hours per month
- Learners under learnership agreements
- Public servants (covered by GEPF)
- Foreign workers on contract
UIF Benefits
UIF provides benefits for:
1. Unemployment
- Up to 365 days of benefits (based on credits)
- Must have contributed for at least 24 months
- 38-60% of previous salary (sliding scale)
- 1 day of benefit for every 4 days worked
2. Illness
- Extended illness preventing work
- Up to 238 days of benefits
- Requires medical certification
3. Maternity
- Up to 121 days (approximately 4 months)
- Can claim from 4 weeks before due date
- 66% of previous salary
4. Adoption
- Similar to maternity benefits
- One parent can claim
5. Dependant’s Benefits
- Death of contributor
- Benefits paid to dependants
How to Claim UIF
Step 1: Register
Visit your nearest Labour Centre with:
- ID document
- Last payslip or UI19 form from employer
- Bank statement or proof of banking details
Step 2: Apply Online
Register on the uFiling portal:
- Create account
- Submit claim online
- Upload supporting documents
Step 3: Wait for Approval
- Claims are processed within 2-4 weeks
- Payment made to your bank account
- You may need to report to Labour Centre
Important: UI19 Form
Your employer must provide a UI19 form when you leave employment. This confirms your contribution history and is required for claims.
Employer Obligations
Employers must:
- Register with the Department of Labour
- Deduct employee contributions
- Pay both contributions monthly (by the 7th)
- Submit UI19 when employee leaves
- Keep records for 5 years
UIF Declaration (UI19)
The UI19 form includes:
- Employee details
- Employment dates
- Reason for leaving
- Last 6 months’ earnings
- Contribution confirmation
Check your contributions
Visit uFiling to check your UIF contribution history and ensure your employer is paying correctly.
UIF vs COIDA
| UIF | COIDA |
|---|---|
| Unemployment, maternity, illness | Workplace injuries/diseases |
| Employee + employer contribute | Employer only |
| Managed by Dept of Labour | Managed by Compensation Fund |
| Claim from Labour Centre | Claim from Compensation Fund |
Common Questions
How long can I claim UIF?
Maximum 365 days, but you earn 1 day of benefits for every 4 days contributed. So if you worked 2 years (730 days), you’d qualify for approximately 182 days of benefits.
Can I claim UIF if I resigned?
Yes, but there may be a waiting period. If you resigned without good reason, benefits may be delayed or reduced.
What if my employer didn’t pay UIF?
You can still claim. Report the employer to the Department of Labour, and they will pursue the outstanding contributions.
Related Resources
- PAYE Calculator (shows UIF deductions)
- Labour Law Guides