UIF Death Benefits for Dependants of a Deceased Contributor
When a UIF contributor dies, their surviving spouse, life partner or dependent children can claim UIF death benefits. These benefits replace a portion of the income that was lost when the contributor passed away. Claims must be submitted within 18 months of the contributor death.
Who Can Claim Death Benefits?
Death benefits can be claimed by the registered dependants of a deceased UIF contributor. The contributor must have been registered with the UIF and must have made at least 13 weeks of contributions before death.
The following people can claim, in order of priority:
- Surviving spouse (husband or wife under a civil or customary marriage)
- Life partner (a person in a permanent same-sex or opposite-sex life partnership)
- Dependent children (biological, adopted or step-children who were financially dependent on the contributor)
- If there are multiple dependants, the benefit is divided equally among them
How Much Are Death Benefits?
Death benefits are calculated using the same Income Replacement Rate (IRR) formula applied to the deceased contributor last salary. The total benefit is paid over a maximum of 238 days or the contributor remaining credit days, whichever is lower.
If there are multiple dependants, the total benefit amount is divided equally. For example, if the total benefit is R30,000 and there are three dependants, each receives R10,000.
| Monthly Salary of Deceased | Daily Benefit | Maximum Total (238 days) |
|---|---|---|
| R5,000 | R86.67 | R20,627 |
| R10,000 | R140.00 | R33,320 |
| R15,000 | R190.00 | R45,230 |
| R17,712 (cap) | R224.35 | R53,395 |
Do not delay. Gather the required documents as soon as possible after the death and submit your claim promptly. The 18-month deadline is strictly enforced by the UIF.
Deadline to Apply
Dependants must submit a death benefit claim within 18 months of the contributor death. If you miss this deadline, you will not be able to claim regardless of the circumstances.
If the contributor died while already claiming UIF (for example, while on illness benefits), the dependants claim the remaining credit days.
Documents Required for a Death Benefit Claim
- Completed UI-53 form (application for UIF death benefits by a dependant)
- Death certificate of the deceased contributor (original or certified copy)
- Proof of relationship to the deceased: marriage certificate, customary marriage certificate, life partnership affidavit, or child birth certificate
- UI-19 form completed by the deceased person last employer
- Certified copy of the deceased contributor ID document
- The claimant own South African ID (original)
- Bank details form (UI-2.8) in the claimant name, stamped by the bank
- Last three payslips of the deceased (if available)
- If the employer no longer exists: any proof of employment such as payslips or a letter from SARS
Death benefits cannot currently be submitted via uFiling. You must visit a labour centre in person to lodge the claim.
How to Apply for Death Benefits
- Obtain certified copies of the death certificate and the deceased person ID
- Collect the UI-19 form from the deceased person last employer
- Gather proof of your relationship to the deceased (marriage certificate, birth certificate, etc.)
- Visit your nearest Department of Employment and Labour office
- Complete the UI-53 form with the assistance of a labour officer if needed
- Submit all documents. The labour officer will capture your claim
- You will receive an SMS or letter once your claim is approved. Payments are made into your bank account
What If the Deceased Was Self-Employed or a Domestic Worker?
Self-employed persons are not required to contribute to UIF and their dependants are therefore not entitled to death benefits unless the deceased voluntarily registered as a UIF contributor.
Domestic workers are required by law to be registered for UIF. If the deceased was a domestic worker whose employer registered them and made contributions, their dependants can claim death benefits in the same way as any other contributor.