What Is UIF?
The Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) provides temporary financial relief to workers who become unemployed, or cannot work due to maternity, adoption, or illness. If your employer deducted UIF from your salary you are entitled to claim.
Who Can Claim?
- You were employed and UIF was deducted from your salary
- You were retrenched, dismissed, or your contract ended
- You did not resign (resignation usually disqualifies you)
- You are registered as a work seeker
- Domestic workers and farm workers also qualify
How Much Will You Receive?
UIF pays between 38% and 60% of your previous salary depending on how much you earned. Lower earners receive a higher percentage.
| Previous Salary | Approximate UIF % |
|---|---|
| R1,000 – R5,000 | ±58–60% |
| R5,001 – R10,000 | ±50–55% |
| R10,001 – R17,712 | ±38–45% |
| Above R17,712 | Capped at max benefit |
You receive 1 day of benefits for every 4 days worked, up to a maximum of 365 days.
How To Claim (Step By Step)
Get your documents from your employer
Your employer must give you a UI-19 form (discharge certificate) and a payslip or salary advice.
Register online or visit a labour centre
Go to uifecc.labour.gov.za to apply online, or visit your nearest Department of Labour office.
Complete the UI-2.1 form
Fill in the application for unemployment benefits form.
Submit all documents
Submit your ID, UI-19, UI-2.1, banking details, and proof of registration as a work seeker.
Wait for approval
UIF processes claims within 2–8 weeks. Payment goes to your bank account.
Documents Needed
- South African ID
- UI-19 form from employer
- UI-2.1 application form
- Last payslip
- Banking details (bank statement or letter)
- Proof of registration as work seeker
How To Check UIF Status
- Go to uifecc.labour.gov.za
- Click "Check Claim Status"
- Enter your ID number and reference number
- Your claim status will display
UIF Contact Details
| Contact | Details |
|---|---|
| UIF Call Centre | 012 337 1997 |
| uaborelations@labour.gov.za | |
| Website | uifecc.labour.gov.za |
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