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.
My son has been retreched in Feb 2019 – submitted a claim 28 March 2019. Still waiting for payment – checked all documents in order. What now? Anywhere I can complain?
Thanks
Hi maya got dismissed Last week…got 13 years working…which trusted company can I trust to claim on my behalf
The Labour department stopped agents claiming for individuals – you need to go through the website.
Hi, I was working for a company which is located in Gauteng and I’m in kzn now. So if I want to claim my uif, is it possible for them to email or fax me the uif claim form?
I haven’t received my claim yet, yesterday I went to labour to check and they said I was paid. I should consultant with my bank so I want to know if there is any problem?
Hi, due to complications during pregnancy and after birth, I use an agency to submit my maternity claim. it was submitted 13 Nov 2019, I receive a rejection mail-in Jan. my company gave me all the required documents and all was submitted. do they reject because I am a foreigner? or because I used an agency? what can I do?
Hi Maya,
I submitted my forms for maternity to the uif department today the 28th jan 2020 as i had to go back and forth in terms of some forms i did not have and some that was incorrect… i got an sms saying they received my claim, it is in progress and i will receive feedback within 35 days, the consultant gave me a form and said i must come back the 5th march to sign for payment, but now i am going back the 6th of april 2020 to work and only signing for 1st payment the 5th of march what happens then to Jan And Feb that i wasnt paid as it takes so long? Will they backpay me as i am entitled to payment for 3 months…
Hi I started my maternity on the 1st October 2019 and will be returning to work on the 31st January however I’m still struggling to get my money from them. Everytime I call they ask me send my child’s birth certificate and I took it into the branch in Athlone and I sent it by email thrice and faxed it to them. Please help as I feel like I’m never gonna get my money
Try contacting them through the website https://www.ufiling.co.za/uif/contact-us
Good day
I have applied for uif on th 5th of Nov 2019. Was told to come back and sign on the 18th of Dec, then I was told I will recieve payment after 4 days. I never recieved payment. I then contactect the call centre. I was told my claim has been approved and then marked final manually by the paymaster. Call centre advised me to go back to Pietermaritzburg branch to check why. I was assisted there by Mr Dladla who told me he does not know why my claim was marked final. He then gave another date to come back and sign on 20th of Feb. I decided to call the call centre again. I was told they need to reinstate my claim, they told me to go back to branch and ask for manager. I did and was told he/she is in training. I was told to speak to Muzi Bhengu, he was also not available, and I was told to come back on Monday 28th of Jan 2019. I am very frustrated, and I guess my claim is going to expire on the 5 th of February as 3 months will be over. No one is able to assist.
Hi Maya. I did apply for the claim for UIF since I’m retrenched from work on the 9 of December 2019 the consultant told me to come back on the 14 of January 2020 i did only to find out that my U19 form has not yet captured how is it possible for that to happen?
For enquiries call
0800 843 843 or (012) 337 1680
http://www.labour.gov.za
http://www.ufiling.co.za.
Hi there
I just went on the ufilling site to apply for my uif. It said application successful and I got an sms. But nowhere did it require me to load my documents. How do I upload my documents. I don’t want this to cause any delays
For enquiries call
0800 843 843 or (012) 337 1680
http://www.labour.gov.za
http://www.ufiling.co.za.
Good day Maya, my husband was forced to resign from his work instead of being fired. Is he still eligible to claim UIF though his UI19 states he resigned?
They seem quite clear that it cannot be a resignation
There is this in the brochure:
If the worker terminates his/her employment/ absconds,
no benefits are payable, unless the termination can be deemed to be a
constructive dismissal
If you have resigned and not claim the uif, is it going to forfeit or not?can you kindly explain for me in brief this what would happened?
My understanding is that your credits will remain, so if you get another job and pay UIF that will be added to your credits
What happens to your UIF if you change jobs. Is it carried over to the next one or do you loose it??
If you change jobs and there was never a period where you claimed, your credits accumulate. However if you’re terminated and you happen to claim and receive unemployment benefit for a certain period, e.g 4 months and thereafter you find a job – the payment will stop and you’ll starting accumulating credits again.
Hi i am going to maternity leave as of end February when is the soonest i can collect forms to submit at my work place?
how is uif benefits calculated What percentage for payment and how many days do u get on your first payment .
If for instance i was terminated on the 13th November 2019 and asked to come back on the 07.01.2020 (how many days will i get paid in my first payment)
I just resigned from my job and been contributing for 13 years. Can I claim my UIF I am 60yrs. Regards
You cannot get UIF if you resign
I was called to collect my claim which was the total of all 6 months unclaimed bcos i immediately got the job after being retrenched.but i did not get it.is it kept or what happened.
It would surprise me that you would still receive UIF if you have found a job. Maybe it was an error?
I asked the UIF department and they agree that UIF would never have contacted you for a lump sum payment, especially if you had found a job. It is most likely an SMS scam that is doing the rounds
Hi i would ask to know i have worked since 2013 and recently my contract expired can i claim uif and do i also need to go to the previous companies as i have only one ui19 form for 2018 and 2019
This is the information you need https://www.ufiling.co.za/uif/
My contract was ended end of March 2018 but received only 7 months money. I was however told that due to change of legislation they still owe me 5 months money. They fill notify me when.
To date I haven’t heard anything. What must I do?
If I resigned from my domestic job only because I am tired and don’t want to work anymore, I believe I don’t qualify for UIF. Is that correct?
I receive the message today said my uif approved .submit reguest after 15 days
Good day, I applied for UIF in June, got paid first payment in November, I was asked to come and sign day after money appear in account, which I did. Very small amount was paid as second payment, I was asked to come and sign 12 January 2020, got a call from the supervisor that I must not go back, full payment was made. I am shocked, 2months after 35yrs work and never claim? Please advice….
Hi,
Can i still go and sign to my second payment for my maternity benefit, If I have already gone back to work? I have submitted online in the 21.10.19 but no payment yet.
Does the department of labour close in December at any point? Would like to know if claiming uif during this period will be an issue
Maya
I have been contributing to UIF for the past 64 months. My final salary was R 37 500. Average salary over period contributed is R 35 812.80. What amount can I expect to receive and for what period.
Hi
I resign in 2012 and I lost UI-19 form can I claim UIF?
Hi Maya,
I was retrenched, with last payment being made in MARCH 2019. I note in this article, and your TV insert, that one of the recent changes is the claim period being extended from 6 months to 1 year, however on the official UIF.gov site, and the various claim businesses etc it still refers to a 6 month claim period. I submitted a claim on 31 October and it was rejected – I submitted an appeal with no response.
Please advise as its the 6 month claim period that is a concern to me. Thanks
According to the Director of Communications at UIF “if the claim in question was made this year, then it should not have been rejected because it is still within 12 months”.
Hi. I applied for maternity benefit in october and not yet received my payment and i called labour polokwane they saying they dont have my document but wen i go to labou where i applied they just give me different date to go back. Is it possible
I have been retrenched, how do I get UIF payouts
the details of the online site are in the article
Hi, I have just retired and am getting conflicting advice. I have been advised that one can claim for UIF if you retire, however, I see one of your replys says that you can’t. Please advise.
You can only claim UIF if you have lost your job – so a retrenchment letter for example. It is not a retirement benefit
Hi I would like to inquire about if you received an SMS stating you should come to sign for the first payment after 15 days is there a penalty for coming after that 15 days have lapse
Hi I claimed for uif maternity benefits in Sept 2019 n I have not received payment yet n they said they still verifying documents how long would it take
Hi, if you have resigned at work and get another job within 5months can you still claim the benefit you resigned?
Good day
I have been collecting uif for 5 months so far this month which is November will be my 6th month and it’s final month for uif
Unfortunately I have still not found a job can I appeal or extend my uif
Thanks
I have lost my original ID card can’t able to apply Uif I even tried uifilling system my application is locked because I filled wrong details at first when I call (012) 337-1680 they keep on telling my ID is locked but when I go back to http://www.uifilling I face some problem is been a 2 weeks
I worked for 34 years was retrenced in Oct 2008.
I tried to claim uif in 2009, but was told my application was too late and that I had to claim within 6 months
I appealed the decision at the time, but my appeal was rejected, so I never got my uif.
Is there any possibility for me to claim uif now?
Just asking……
I’m 68 yrs old and have been working continuosly for the past more than 20 years. I have never claimed UIF. I will be retiring soon. Am I eligible for UIF?
UIF is not a retirement fund – it is only for people who have lost their jobs and actively looking for work
Hi
I recently started working and i only claimed two months of my 4 months. What happens to the other months pay i was supposed to receive.
i still have 10 months left
Can i claim my late mother’s uif after +/- 10 years ?
good day i registered yesterday they told me i wil get a sms so i can know bur dit not get please tel me how its going to work
thanks
pieter
Unfortunately not Gladwin; my understanding is that 10years exceeds the allowed claim period of 18 months for death claims.
I jst signed for my uif claim on the 28 th of October but up to today I hvnt recieved my payment why is this like this cause my first and second payment didn’t take this long
Hi how can I claim UIF when I work 8 months since 2015
Hy.may I claim my uif money while I lost the company paper
And now. Is being 4 months without going to labour
What is the process for claiming for loss of hours worked due to short time implementation?
hi
how long does it take for maternity benefits to pay out; will i get the money now that i have gone back to work as i applied in September already
I have signed my uif claims last month on 1st on October ever now I am still waiting for SMS while some of my co-workers who claims after has already received their payments.
Can I claim UIF when i reached the age of 55 years
It depends whether or not you have taken retirement. If you are retired then you are not seeking work and cannot apply for UIF. If you have not retired and have lost your job – then you can claim
im now over 5years not finding a job and i never claim for my uif.can i get my uif by now if i may go and claim for it
I lost my father in 2013 and neva claim for his UIF but when I went last week they told me that it expired so I want to know how?
You cannot claim from your father”s UIF – it is not a death benefit. You could only claim from a life policy or pension
Unfortunately not; you have 12 months to claim UIF benefits after termination of emploment…thereafter I believe the benefit lapses.
Hi can I claim maternity benefits if I have already claimed before, but i did not recieve my full maternity as it was a still birth?
Hi If u worked for 8 months how many months UIF can u get.
If u worked for 7 months how many months UIF must u get.
I need to apply for dependants UIF claim as my husband passed away. Can someone do it for you OR can you do it online? Do you need to go in yourself?
Please advice which is the convenience way to claim.
How do i check on my payment of disability u if . Forms done and handed in on the 3 September 2019 ?