Please note that this website cannot answer your questions about your UIF application. You must apply and submit your continuation forms via the UIF website. If you are struggling with the online application process, you can email Ms Ditoro Makgato, Mr Deon van Niekerk or Mr Tsepo Dube.
If you’re going on maternity leave or have been retrenched, you can claim from the government’s Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF), which should help replace a portion of your income and tide you over until you can find another job or return to work after having a baby.
If you haven’t claimed UIF before or are unsure of the process it would help to become informed about recent changes around how claims can be made and how much you qualify for.
“The UIF bill was signed into Act in January this year, so we no longer refer to it as a bill; this means it has become law. However, the Amendment Act is not yet effective as this requires the promulgation of the implementation date. The Act will be implemented once the President promulgates the implementation date,” explains Makhosonke Buthelezi, director of communications and marketing at the Department of Labour (DoL).
The good news is that the changes mostly favour the recipient. Here are some of the main benefits and improvements of the Amendment Act:
- Payment for the unemployment benefit will be for 12 months instead of the current 8 months.
- Maternity benefit will be paid at a flat rate of 66% instead of the current sliding scale of between 38% and 60%.
- The period within which to submit claims is increased from 6 months to 12 months for unemployment, maternity, illness, and adoption benefits. For death benefit you can submit a claim within 18 months.
- Public servants and people in learnerships are going to be able to contribute to and claim from UIF.
- Workers who work for reduced hours or a short time will be able to claim for the lost hours.
Service delivery improvements
Claiming UIF has not been smooth sailing for all concerned. However the DoL has engaged in several initiatives to improve its services. For example, you can claim UIF online, much in the same way you can file your taxes online.
Internal changes have also been made. “We have started to increase bandwidth in some of the labour centres to enable faster processing of documents and this is going to be rolled out in other labour centres throughout the country,” says Buthelezi.
It’s not unheard of to receive your benefits weeks after filing. “At the moment claims submitted in Cape Town are approved in record times of two to three weeks if all documents are complete and correct. The DoL always quotes 35 working days (seven weeks). Some claims can take much longer if something goes wrong. Six-month delays are rare but do occur occasionally,” says Klaus Arnhard, founder of agency UIF-Hero.
However the DoL says it is looking into this following a number of workshops around ‘process re-engineering’, which has resulted in a Service Delivery Improvement Plan. “The DoL has also reviewed claim turnaround times to make them shorter so clients can enjoy their benefits at the time they need them,” explains Buthelezi.
Why agency involvement will be reduced
One of the more contentious changes, however, has been the prohibition in the use of agencies to process claims on your behalf. The DoL’s past inefficiencies has resulted in an entire industry springing up to help applicants process claims, particularly maternity benefits. Agencies providing such services include UIF-Hero, Bunny Hop, UIF Services, and Little Monkey UIF Claims. They typically charge a once-off fee ranging from R400 to R850.
The new Act says: “When processing application for benefits neither the Fund nor any agency or person purporting to act on behalf of the applicant may charge a fee against the applicant.’’ But industry commentators argue that agencies were created to fulfil a need and to help with the complexities of making a claim. They add that it creates jobs and results in more successful claims that are usually processed in shorter periods of time.
But the bone of contention is that they are still charging for a service that’s meant to be free. The DoL points out that no agencies are accredited by UIF. “The UIF discourages the use of agencies because our services are for free, and agencies do not get preferential treatment from the Fund. The current Act does not encourage nor prohibit the use of agencies. However, the new amendment Act prohibits anyone from charging a fee for processing UIF claims, including agencies.”
Until the Act is promulgated it’s still possible to hire an agency to act on your behalf but once it comes into effect, agencies may have to offer different services and charge for their time instead of for processing the claim.
Why it’s still difficult to claim
While much has been done to smooth the process of claiming UIF, it’s still a difficult process. Michael Bagraim, Shadow Deputy Minister of Labour points out that it’s not uncommon for the DoL to lose paperwork and to ask people to come back again. “Where we are at the moment it’s a nightmare and we’re hoping to get to a stage where it becomes more user-friendly,” he says.
However, he is optimistic. “I’m actually feeling quite positive and have spoken at length with the new director of the UIF and he really wants to ensure that things happen. The nightmare continues but I’m hoping to see light at the end of the tunnel.”
Meanwhile, Arnhard points out that the problem could also be on the claimant’s side. “There are a number of reasons [why claims are not processed or rejected], but the most severe problem is the employment history. The employment history should display your entire career with all employers, your salary per employer, your start and end date with each employer and why you left, for example: resignation. In our estimate about 75% of employment histories are not complete,” he says.
Ultimately, it’s vital to ensure that you have all the correct paperwork for the DoL to process your claim. If you’re unsure, you still have the ability to consult an expert. “It’s all purely administrative. Legally a person needs to qualify. Once that’s satisfied you need to prepare for long queues by getting information on time. That is the only way,” says Osborne Molatudi, partner at Hogan Lovells.
This article first appeared in City Press.
Can i still claim for my UIF retrenchment if i have missed the 12 months period?
i need tu claim my uif benefits online please help me with this
Can you claim Maternity benefits again if you claimed last year ?
Good Day
I last worked in April 2018. Can I still claim UIF. I did not know that I could claim and someone just made me aware. Or ts too late.
Too late you must apply within six months
Hi
I would like to know how the uif is calculated,I signed for my first payment on the 13.08.2019 and then on the 14.09.2019 I received R2800 and it was reflecting as uif 02 on the bank statement and now my 2nd signing day is on a Saturday, do the offices open on Saturdays
I’ve applied for UIF as I was dismissed. On the system it show that I resigned. I also phoned them and send numerous emails with the necessary documents, but with no luck. I am a cancer patient and a single mom and really need an answer. If I do not pay the people where I stay, me and my daughter will no longer have a place to stay.
Hi
I sign for third time on the 1st of August but today is 5th I didn’t receive anything. usually I received my payment after 1day please tell me how long does it take.
Hi there,
My uif claim status says its sent to the assessor, how long will it take to be approved?
Have you been paid yet im in the same position mine is also saying sent to the assessor.
Hi I would like to know that how long does the uif claim approves because I have claim from 18 June 2019 but still I haven’t receive my payment they told me that my application is still in process
Did you get it already ?
Please can you tell me if I can submit a uif claim in a diffirent regent to where I last worked. Due to unforseen reasons I must move to the eastern Cape. I worked in Pretoria and have now been retrenched.
I claimed UIF for 6months and didnt receive one payment. Kept being told there was no money to pay me. I stopped going after i go a new job because i couldn’t take the time off to go back to Labour department.
What happens to all that money I was owed?
Hi Zinhle, did you receive a large amount payment after the small amount?
Good day, I would like to know how do you submit the claim online for a deceased person?
Hi I have applied for uif online and all documents are in place and the status of my application says sent to asseser how long does it take for my application to be assessed and what is the next step from there?
Hi, How long does it take for change of bank account details ?
Hi – please can somebody help – I applied on line and was sent a message on my cell phone that my claim has been received – this was on the 17th April 2019. On the 7th May 2019 I received a message again saying my claim was rejected – with no reason – I went on to u-filing and lodged a notice of appeal as I needed a reason. The notice was received and confirmed with an SMS – nothing further has happened – I tried to write a note on the 2nd notice of appeal I did – still nothing and now I have been blocked on u-filing and I cannot get through to the office – I hold on for more than half an hour to 45 minitues – please help.
Don’t feel neglected, this is the way “they” function. Exactly the same happened to me, word by word as you describe (luckily I’m still not blocked!). At long last I’m now taking all the necessary forms to the UIF/DOL locally this coming week of July 15 2019… and take it from there. Believe me this is your ONLY option.
Is there any way to check if my claim was approved? I submitted my claim on 27 may and have not received anything not even a message yet……can someone please advise me.
Its takes at least 21 days to process
If I paid uif for 48 months but worked for different companies an i still claim for 7months
Hello I have only received payment for 7 months .but the new law states 12 months. Kindly advise.
You would have to ask his company if any surplus was due
Good morning.
I would like to get clarity on the benefit payments, specifically the duration , is it for 6months , 8 months ,or 12 months.
I am currently signing and my payments are for 6 months.
Thank you
Hi
I have signed for my uif on the 7th of May and still haven’t received payment can you assit
Thank you
Hi Maya, I need your help. In March 2017 I went on Maternity leave, I applied for uif, I never received it for the 6 months. I went back to work in Septermber 2017. Now November 2018 we were retrenched and when I went to apply for uif, they said I must enter the date I came back from maternity leave not the actual date i started work which is the 01-10-2011. Does this mean I’m only going to receive uif just for 2017 and 2018.
Goodmorning, can one claim for UIF if they are on incapacity leave and will only get 75% of their salary?
Good day I’ve applied for my metenity since February I keep following up today they told me they dont understand it was updated first week of April I’m going back to work already and I have not received a cent Pls help. My id 9211190170088
Same thing I even went to work still nothing they keep saying submit this nd that….but no luck
hi I submitted my forms on the 25 which I normal wait for 3 day for the past month now I have not receive anything n it’s 4day can u please help me
Dear Maya,
My contract ended in Feb 28, I have applied for UIF on 9 April, and today 29 April I received an sms “My UIF claim is rejected” no reason for rejection is mentioned. What could be my recourse?
Thank you kindly
Hi, Did you receive your payment as yet? because i did not
Hi I just want to know its going for my third week I’m waiting for approval message regarding my claim. Can somebody tell me where to call or check claim approval
i claimed in 2015 for retrenchments started working again and got retrenched again uif makes as if that is my own fault and says i cannot get paid out unless its 4 years later so what have i been paying uif for if i cant claim when i get retrenched??? is it my fault companies retrenched me within short periods. i have been paying uif for 2 years now again after my last claim so what happens to that money ive been paying if i have to wait 2 more years then this retrenchment cannot be claimed again because i only get 6 months to claim.
Hi I’ve claim for maternity UIF
Since January I haven’t received it till now next month I must go back to work been told to wait 7 working days then 14 working every time there’s a new waiting period I’m given I’ve been to the office’s 5 times already I call them they never pick up.
Good day.
I went to DOL maponya mall to submit my UIF claim for maternity on 27 March 2019 and was told the money will be paid soon but still haven’t received anything and I’m currently on my 2nd month of maternity.
Where do I go to claim UIF online, I’m already registered on the system
Good day I applied for uif on the 15th of March as I am currently on maternity leave..I haven’t had any payout yet? They told me to wait 7-10 working days? I am going onto my third month of maternity…what do I do?
Thank you and kind regards
I recieved an sms to say I need to wait 7 to 10 working days. I then recieved a lousy R378 after contributing UIF for more the 6 years and this was my first time claiming. When i queried why I received such a small amount I was told this was a payment for 1day. Im going back to work next month and still have not recieved my maternity pay.
Hi
I have received my first payment. It was R13 thousand, the second one was R6600 +- and the third payment was R55oo+-.
Why is the amount so different every time I claim.
hey babra conradie how long did you work for the company
I have applied for uif on the 18th of Feb
Our labour dep is regularly offline and cannot supply me with sufficient info
Is it any way possible to check online if my uif application/claim is approved
And when I will be paid
Hi pls can you check if my claim was approved case number 30002485115 and when will payment be processed
Your assistance will be highly appreciated.
Good afternoon. I NEED HELP!!!
Can UIF be submitted online as in we don’t have to come to UIF OFFICES as my partner is sick and does not have energy to stand queues and we do not have a wheelchair even transport will be a problem. Please PLEASE guide on what necessary steps I can take?
THANK YOU
Go to the site https://www.ufiling.co.za/uif/
Ufiling website is a waste of time. I was emailed two forms to fax back and then heard nothing. When I phoned I was given a whole new list of outstanding forms yet there was nothing mentioned about this on ufiling. Then later that morning before I even had a chance to submit 2nd batch of requested forms my application is rejected – no reason given.
Hi
I tried calling the Call center numerous time, but no job. i have submitted my payment on the 19th of March 2019 and have not received any payment as yet, i was told its takes 10 days working days, which has passed, please advise.
Hello, i went to the UIF Pretoria office and initially filled out my Ui16a form on the 25 ‘March 2019, it’s now the 9 April and still no payment. Would you please look into my case why payment seems to be so late.
Hi Maya
I applied for UIF on the 11 February 2019. They asked me to come back on the 28 March 2019. On the day I filled in a form and handed it to them. I was told my money will be in my account in the next 7 days. It’s now 11 days and I still did not receive payment. Can you kindly assist me.
Hi.
Please advice.I have recieved on average 8500 for my UIF past 3 months and my last payment today 600.is it possibly? Really stressed.
Thanks
I was dismissed in Desember 2018 and now tried claiming UIF and it was refused, I have had no income in 3 months and now they tell me that, no reason just refused but I did appeal it.
Hi Maya..I have signed for my uif on the 20th March..was told to wait for 7 to 10 days…still nothing up to this date… could U kindly assist on this matter..tanx in advance
Hi Good day
I was working at a company who was deducting UIF. I then left in other words gave minute notice but then went on a learnership where they also deducted UIF. Will I be able to claim UIF for both my previous workplace and learnership?
Could you please assist me…
Good day,
I would just like to find out our company introduced short hour since May 2018. We have recently learnt that you can claim for the lost hours? If this is true how does it work and how do you calculate? Will they only get a certain percentage of the lost hours, will they be able to claim for all the lost hours and when can you claim/for how long can you claim.
I would very much appreciate feedback.
Kind Regards,
Good Day
I am currently on maternity leave and applied for uif on the 18th of March. How will it take until I get the first payment or feedback with regards to my application.
Please assist, i worked for the company for 4years and resigned 2013. never claim for uif. how do i know how much i will get.
Morning
I like to know how many days it takes to receive my first payment.
Hi Maya
Kindly advise on the formula used to determine how much one will get. I have worked for about 26 months with R24000 salary and have subsequently resigned. I saw a post saying roughly R1104, how true is this?
Hi I was working for SARS for +- 15 Years and was medically boarded now 5 Years later i realize that i have never claimed UIF before and searched for all my documents and now ive found them along with a certificate and letters etc. Can i still claim UIF please. im really desperate for the right advice
I didn’t claim after fulfilling my permanent position… was at home for about 4 yrs… worked as a temp for a month and received my Ui19… wI’ll I be able to claim for the last position I geld as a temp or will the older unclaimed uif also be paid out? Please advise… salary was R5000 less than previous permanent position