UIF Claim Documents: Full List of What You Need
Arriving at a labour centre or submitting via uFiling without the correct documents will delay your UIF claim by weeks. This page lists every document you need for each type of UIF benefit so you can prepare before you claim.
General Documents Required for All UIF Claims
Regardless of the type of benefit you are claiming, you will always need the following documents. Make sure all copies are clear and that your ID number matches across all documents.
- South African green barcoded ID book or smart ID card (original and a clear copy)
- Completed UI-19 form (Employer Declaration) -- your employer must complete this
- Completed UI-2.8 form (banking details) -- your bank must stamp and sign this
- A recent original bank statement (not older than 3 months) or a bank-stamped letter confirming your account details
- Proof of registration on the UIF system (if you have your UIF reference number)
- Completed UI-6 form (service certificate) from your employer showing your start and end date
If your employer has closed down or refuses to complete the UI-19 form, visit your nearest labour centre with your last three payslips and ID. A labour officer can assist you.
Documents for Unemployment Benefits
If you were dismissed, retrenched, or your contract expired, you need the following additional documents on top of the general list above.
- Completed UI-2.1 form (application for unemployment benefits)
- Letter of dismissal, retrenchment letter, or a letter confirming contract expiry from your employer
- Last three payslips
- UI-19 Employer Declaration completed and signed by your employer
- If retrenched: a copy of the retrenchment notice (Section 189 letter if applicable)
Documents for Maternity Benefits
You must apply for maternity benefits before or shortly after giving birth. Claims submitted more than 12 months after the birth will not be accepted.
- Completed UI-2.3 form (application for maternity benefits)
- UI-19 form completed by your employer
- A letter from your employer confirming when your maternity leave started
- Letter from a registered medical practitioner or midwife confirming the expected date of confinement (or actual birth date if already born)
- If the baby has been born: the child birth certificate
- Your bank details form (UI-2.8) with bank stamp
- Your South African ID
Documents for Illness Benefits
Illness benefits are for contributors who cannot work due to illness, injury or quarantine. You need a medical certificate from a registered doctor.
- Completed UI-2.2 form (application for illness benefits)
- Medical certificate from a registered medical practitioner confirming the illness and expected duration of incapacity
- UI-19 form from your employer (or proof that you are still employed but unable to work)
- Your South African ID
- Bank details form (UI-2.8) with bank stamp
Documents for Death Benefits (Dependants)
A surviving spouse, life partner or dependent child can claim death benefits. The dependant must apply within 18 months of the contributor death.
If there are multiple dependants, the benefit is divided equally among them.
- Completed UI-53 form (application for death benefits by a dependant)
- Death certificate of the deceased contributor (original or certified copy)
- Proof of the relationship: marriage certificate, life partnership affidavit or birth certificate of the child
- UI-19 form from the deceased person last employer
- The dependant South African ID
- Bank details form (UI-2.8) for the dependant account
- Certified copy of the deceased contributor ID document
All forms must be completed in full. Incomplete forms are the number one reason for delayed or rejected UIF claims. Download the latest versions of all UI forms from www.labour.gov.za.
Documents for Adoption Benefits
Workers who adopt a child under two years of age and take adoption leave are entitled to UIF adoption benefits.
- Completed UI-2.6 form (application for adoption benefits)
- Adoption order issued by the court
- Letter from your employer confirming the start of adoption leave
- UI-19 form from your employer
- Your South African ID
- Bank details form (UI-2.8)