How to Claim UIF in South Africa 2026
UIF (Unemployment Insurance Fund) provides financial relief to workers who lose their jobs, go on maternity leave, or cannot work due to illness. If your employer deducted UIF contributions from your salary, you are entitled to claim when you become unemployed. This guide explains who can claim, how much you will receive, and exactly how to submit your claim.
Who Can Claim UIF?
You can claim UIF if:
- Your employer contributed to UIF on your behalf (1% of your salary, matched by 1% from the employer)
- You were employed for at least 13 weeks (one credit day per 4 days worked, maximum 238 days)
- You lost your job through retrenchment, dismissal, or employer closure
- You are on maternity leave, adoption leave, or sick leave
- You have not claimed UIF in the past 12 months for unemployment
You cannot claim UIF if:
- You resigned voluntarily
- You are self-employed and not registered with UIF
- You reached retirement age and received a pension
Domestic workers: As of recent law, employers of domestic workers working more than 24 hours/month are legally required to register them for UIF and contribute. Domestic workers are fully entitled to UIF benefits.
How Much UIF Will You Receive?
UIF pays a percentage of your daily salary on a sliding scale:
- The higher your salary, the lower the percentage (approximately 38% to 58% of daily earnings)
- There is a maximum salary ceiling for UIF calculations — verify the current amount at ufiling.labour.gov.za
- Benefits are paid per credit day (1 credit day for every 4 days worked)
- Maximum credit days: 238 days (approximately 8 months)
Documents You Need to Claim UIF
- Original South African ID or Smart ID card
- UI-19 form (completed and signed by your employer — request this immediately after losing your job)
- Salary schedule from your employer (last 6 months of earnings)
- Proof of banking details (bank-stamped letter or bank statement showing your name and account number)
- Your termination letter or retrenchment notice
- UI-2.8 form (banking details form — download from labour.gov.za)
- UI-2.7 form (monthly continuation of payment form — for each month you continue to claim)
For maternity UIF claims, also bring: UI-4 form and medical certificate confirming the birth date.
How to Submit Your UIF Claim
Option 1 — Online via uFiling (Recommended)
- Go to ufiling.labour.gov.za
- Register or log in to your uFiling account
- Complete your UIF claim online
- Upload your supporting documents
- Submit and note your claim reference number
- Track your claim status on uFiling
Option 2 — In Person at a Labour Centre
- Locate your nearest Department of Employment and Labour office at labour.gov.za
- Take all your documents and arrive early — queues can be very long
- Ask for the UIF claims section
- Complete forms with the assistance of a UIF officer
- Submit your claim and get a reference number
Monthly Sign-In — Important
Once you have claimed UIF, you must “sign in” monthly to confirm you are still unemployed. You can sign in online at ufiling.labour.gov.za or at your Labour Centre.
Warning: If you do not sign in monthly, your UIF benefits will stop. Sign in even if you have not yet received payment.
How Long Does UIF Take to Pay?
First payment typically takes 4–8 weeks from the date of claim submission. Subsequent monthly payments are processed faster. If you have not received payment after 8 weeks, contact the Department of Employment and Labour on 080 003 0007.
UIF for Maternity Leave
Working mothers going on maternity leave can claim UIF for up to 17.32 weeks (4 months). Complete the UI-4 maternity claim form and submit with your medical certificate. You can claim even if you plan to return to work after maternity leave.
Contact Details — Department of Employment and Labour
- Toll-free: 080 003 0007
- uFiling: ufiling.labour.gov.za
- Website: labour.gov.za
- Email: contactus@labour.gov.za