UIF Maternity Benefits: How to Claim During Maternity Leave
If you are a UIF contributor and you take maternity leave, you are entitled to claim maternity benefits from the Unemployment Insurance Fund for up to 17.32 weeks (121 days). This benefit is separate from your employer maternity pay and is paid directly by the UIF.
Who Qualifies for UIF Maternity Benefits?
Any female worker who has contributed to the UIF for at least 13 weeks is eligible to claim maternity benefits. You do not need to resign or be retrenched. You can claim while still employed, as long as you are on maternity leave.
Domestic workers and part-time workers who contribute to UIF also qualify, provided they meet the minimum contribution period.
- You must be a UIF contributor (contributions deducted from your salary)
- You must have contributed for at least 13 weeks before going on maternity leave
- You must be pregnant or have recently given birth (within the last 12 months)
- Stillbirths also qualify for maternity benefits
How Long and How Much Will You Receive?
Maternity benefits are paid for a maximum of 17.32 weeks (121 days). The daily benefit is calculated using the same Income Replacement Rate (IRR) formula as other UIF benefits: between 38% and 58% of your daily remuneration, depending on your salary.
Unlike unemployment benefits, maternity benefits are not deducted from your total credit days balance. They are a separate entitlement.
| Monthly Salary | Daily Remuneration | IRR | Daily Benefit | Total for 121 Days |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| R5,000 | R166.67 | 52% | R86.67 | R10,487 |
| R8,000 | R266.67 | 46% | R122.67 | R14,843 |
| R12,000 | R400.00 | 42% | R168.00 | R20,328 |
| R17,712 (cap) | R590.40 | 38% | R224.35 | R27,147 |
Apply early. The UIF recommends applying at least 8 weeks before your due date to allow time for processing. Payments will be back-dated to the start of your maternity leave once your claim is approved.
When to Apply for Maternity Benefits
You can apply for maternity benefits from the start of your maternity leave, even before the baby is born. It is recommended to apply at least 4 weeks before your expected date of confinement so that payments can start promptly.
The deadline to apply is within 12 months after the birth. Claims submitted after 12 months will not be processed.
Documents Required for a Maternity Claim
- Completed UI-2.3 form (maternity benefits application form)
- Your South African ID (original)
- UI-19 form completed and signed by your employer
- Letter from your employer confirming when maternity leave started
- Letter from a registered doctor or midwife confirming your pregnancy and expected or actual birth date
- Child birth certificate (once born)
- Bank details form (UI-2.8) stamped by your bank
- Your most recent three payslips
How to Apply for Maternity Benefits
You can apply in person at your nearest Department of Employment and Labour office or online via uFiling at www.ufiling.co.za. The online route is faster and allows you to track the status of your claim.
- Gather all required documents listed above
- Register on uFiling at www.ufiling.co.za or visit your nearest labour centre
- Complete and submit the UI-2.3 maternity benefits application form
- Upload or submit supporting documents
- Wait for confirmation. Payments are usually made every 4 weeks into your bank account
- Continue to update your status on uFiling or at the labour centre every 4 weeks
UIF maternity benefits are separate from your employer maternity pay. Even if your employer pays you full salary during maternity leave, you are still entitled to claim UIF maternity benefits. The UIF benefit is not offset against employer payments.
What Happens If You Experience a Miscarriage or Stillbirth?
If you suffer a miscarriage during the third trimester or give birth to a stillborn child, you are still entitled to maternity benefits for at least six weeks after the event. You will need a medical certificate from your doctor confirming the circumstances.
The same application process applies. Submit the UI-2.3 form with your medical certificate and the relevant documentation.