UIF in South Africa 2026 — Complete Guide to Contributions, Claims, Maternity & uFiling
The Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) provides short-term financial relief to South African workers who lose income through retrenchment, illness, maternity, or the death of a contributor. Both you and your employer contribute 1% of your salary each month — this guide explains your rights, how to claim, and exactly what to expect.
What is the UIF?
Legislation: Unemployment Insurance Act 63 of 2001; Unemployment Insurance Contributions Act 4 of 2002
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UIF is not a tax
It is an insurance fund. Your contributions accumulate as "credit days" that you can draw on when needed.
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Two separate bodies manage UIF:
SARS collects monthly contributions via the EMP201 (alongside PAYE and SDL).Department of Employment and Labour administers benefit claims via ufiling.labour.gov.za.
Source: SARS — sars.gov.za/types-of-tax/unemployment-insurance-fund/
Who must contribute to UIF?
Both the employer and employee must contribute to UIF. Employers register with SARS (via the EMP201 process) and deduct the employee's contribution from their salary, adding their own employer contribution, before paying both to SARS monthly.
Source: SARS — sars.gov.za/types-of-tax/unemployment-insurance-fund/
- You are employed and work 24 hours or more per month for an employer
- You are a domestic worker employed in a private household (included since 1 April 2003)
- You are a company director drawing a salary from your own company
- You are employed on a fixed-term contract (for the duration of the contract)
- You work fewer than 24 hours per month for that employer
- You are employed as an officer or employee in the national or provincial sphere of government (public servants, MPs, MPLs, traditional leaders — they are covered by a separate scheme)
- You are a foreign worker contractually obligated to repatriate to your home country at the end of your work permit
- You are a learner under a registered learnership agreement
- You receive a monthly state old age pension (but this exemption was removed in 2007 — pensioners who continue to work now contribute)
Source: SARS — sars.gov.za/types-of-tax/unemployment-insurance-fund/; Accounter.co.za UIF Guide (citing Unemployment Insurance Contributions Act 4 of 2002)
If you employ a domestic worker (cleaner, nanny, gardener) who works 24+ hours per month, you must register and contribute UIF on their behalf. Failure to do so means they cannot claim UIF benefits if they lose their job or go on maternity leave.
UIF contribution rates and calculation (2026)
| Who | Rate | On what |
|---|---|---|
| Employee | 1% of remuneration | On remuneration up to R17,712/month |
| Employer | 1% of remuneration | On remuneration up to R17,712/month |
| Total | 2% | Maximum R354.24/month total |
Source: SARS — sars.gov.za/types-of-tax/unemployment-insurance-fund/ | Legislation: Section 6 of the Unemployment Insurance Contributions Act 4 of 2002
The monthly remuneration ceiling
The UIF remuneration ceiling is R17,712 per month (R212,544 per year). This ceiling was set in terms of a Government Gazette notice on 28 May 2021 and has not been amended since.
- If an employee earns below R17,712/month: UIF is calculated on their actual salary
- If an employee earns above R17,712/month: UIF is calculated on R17,712 only — the employee pays no more than R177.12/month
Source: SARS — sars.gov.za/types-of-tax/unemployment-insurance-fund/ (confirmed; ceiling set June 2021)
Always verify the current ceiling at sars.gov.za — it can be amended by Government Gazette.
Worked examples:
| Employee monthly salary | UIF-liable amount | Employee contribution (1%) | Employer contribution (1%) | Total UIF |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| R8,000 | R8,000 | R80.00 | R80.00 | R160.00 |
| R15,000 | R15,000 | R150.00 | R150.00 | R300.00 |
| R20,000 | R17,712 (capped) | R177.12 | R177.12 | R354.24 |
| R50,000 | R17,712 (capped) | R177.12 | R177.12 | R354.24 |
What counts as "remuneration" for UIF?
UIF is calculated on most regular remuneration. Commission is generally excluded from UIF calculations. Verify specific inclusions/exclusions with your payroll system or labour consultant. (Source: Labour Guide — labourguide.co.za)
Where is UIF paid?
7th of each month — Employers pay UIF to SARS via the monthly EMP201 declaration — alongside PAYE and SDL. (Source: SARS — confirmed)
UIF benefits — what you can claim
UIF provides five types of benefits. Each has different qualifying conditions, maximum periods, and required documentation.
Unemployment benefits
Who qualifies: Employees who have been retrenched, dismissed (excluding dismissal for misconduct/serious misconduct), whose fixed-term contract has expired, or whose employer has become insolvent.
Maximum period: Up to 365 days (12 months) for contributors with 4+ years of continuous contribution
Registration requirement: Must sign a register every 4 weeks to confirm you are still unemployed and actively seeking work. Missing a registration date can suspend payments.
Apply within: 6 months of losing your job
Source: SARS — sars.gov.za/types-of-tax/unemployment-insurance-fund/
Maternity benefits
Who qualifies: Female employees who are pregnant and take maternity leave
Maximum period: Up to 121 days (approximately 17 weeks)
When to start claim: You can begin claiming from 4 weeks before the expected date of birth
After birth: You may not return to work for 6 weeks after the birth — maternity benefits cover this compulsory period
Miscarriage / stillbirth: If a miscarriage occurs in the third trimester, or the baby is stillborn, maternity benefits may still be claimed
Source: Western Cape Government — westerncape.gov.za; Labour Guide — labourguide.co.za
Illness benefits
Who qualifies: Employees who are unable to work due to illness for more than 7 days
Maximum period: Up to 365 days (same credit day rules as unemployment)
Condition: You must be receiving less than your normal wages while on sick leave
Documentation: A medical certificate from a registered doctor is required
Source: Western Cape Government — westerncape.gov.za
Adoption and parental benefits
Who qualifies:
- Adoption: Parents who legally adopt a child younger than 2 years and leave work to care for the child — only one adoptive parent may claim
- Parental: New parents (including fathers) may claim parental benefits — check current entitlements at the Department of Employment and Labour as the parental benefit provisions have evolved
Maximum period: Up to 121 days for adoption
Source: Labour Guide — labourguide.co.za; SARS — sars.gov.za
Dependant's benefits
Who qualifies: The surviving spouse or dependants (minor children) of a deceased UIF contributor
Maximum period: The surviving spouse or dependants can claim for the credit days the contributor had accumulated — up to 365 days
Source: Labour Guide — labourguide.co.za; SARS — sars.gov.za
You need at least 13 weeks (approximately 3 months) of UIF contributions in the previous 4 years to qualify for any benefit. If you have just started contributing, you will not have enough credits to claim for some time.
How much will you receive? Understanding UIF benefit calculations
UIF does not pay your full salary. The amount depends on two things: how long you have been contributing (your credit days) and your income replacement rate (IRR) — a sliding scale that pays lower earners a higher percentage of their salary.
Your credit days (how long you can claim)
For every 4 days you work as a contributing employee, you accumulate 1 credit day.
Maximum credit days: 365 (earned after 4+ years of continuous contribution)
Example: If you have worked for 2 years (approximately 520 working days), you have accumulated approximately 130 credit days — so you can claim UIF for up to 130 days.
After the first 238 credit days: The income replacement rate drops to a flat 20% of your daily income for the remaining days up to 365.
Source: Department of Employment and Labour; Labour Guide
Your income replacement rate (IRR)
The IRR is the percentage of your daily income that UIF pays you. It ranges from 38% to 60% on a sliding scale — lower earners receive a higher percentage.
Official IRR formula (set by legislation):
Source: Unemployment Insurance Act — IRR schedule; confirmed by Department of Labour
Lower income → IRR closer to 60% | Higher income → IRR closer to 38%
Your daily benefit amount
Daily benefit = Daily income × IRR%
Daily income = (Monthly salary ÷ 30.4)
(UIF uses 30.4 as the average days in a month — 365 days ÷ 12 months)
Salary above R17,712/month is capped — your daily income for UIF purposes is calculated on R17,712 maximum.
Worked example (R15,000/month salary, retrenched after 3 years):
| Calculation step | Working | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly salary | R15,000 (below R17,712 ceiling — no cap) | R15,000 |
| Daily income | R15,000 ÷ 30.4 | R493.42/day |
| IRR | 29.2 + (7173.92 / (493.42 + 232.92)) | ≈38.9 + 9.87 = ~49% |
| Daily UIF benefit | R493.42 × 49% | ≈R241.78/day |
| Credit days (3 years ≈ 3 × 260 days ÷ 4) | ≈195 credit days | 195 days |
| Estimated total UIF | R241.78 × 195 days | ≈R47,147 |
This is an estimate. Actual benefits are calculated by the Department of Employment and Labour using your last 6 months' salary. Always use the Department's official system for your exact entitlement.
How to claim UIF — step by step
Route 1 (recommended): Online via uFiling
Apply online at ufiling.labour.gov.za — available for unemployment, maternity, illness, and adoption benefit claims.
Register or log in at ufiling.labour.gov.za using your SA ID number
Select your benefit type (unemployment / maternity / illness / adoption)
Enter your personal, employment, and termination details (including reason for leaving)
Upload or submit supporting documents (see documents list below)
Submit and note your claim reference number
Route 2: In person at a Labour Centre
Visit your nearest Department of Employment and Labour Labour Centre. Find your nearest centre at labour.gov.za. Take all required documents in original + copy.
Documents you need (vary by benefit type):
For all claims:
- South African ID document (original + copy)
- UI-19 form — completed by your employer showing your last employment details and reason for leaving
- UI-2.8 form — bank account details form
- Last 3 months' bank statements or bank confirmation letter
- Your last payslip or 6 months' payslips
| Benefit type | Additional documents required |
|---|---|
| Unemployment | Letter of dismissal / retrenchment OR proof contract ended |
| Maternity | Medical certificate from doctor; UI-19 with code "9" for maternity |
| Illness | Medical certificate + doctor's report confirming inability to work |
| Adoption | Court order / adoption order |
| Dependant's | Death certificate of contributor; marriage certificate or birth certificate |
Source: Labour Guide; Western Cape Government — westerncape.gov.za; Debt Solutions 4U (citing Department of Labour)
The UI-19 is the form your employer must complete when you leave their employment. It confirms your employment period, your reason for leaving, and your earnings. Without a UI-19, your claim will likely be rejected.
If your employer refuses to provide a UI-19 or has not registered with UIF, contact the Department of Employment and Labour at 0800 030 007.
After submission:
- First payment typically takes 2–8 weeks after approval
- Subsequent payments are made every 4 weeks
- For unemployment claims: you must sign a register every 4 weeks to confirm you are still unemployed and actively seeking work. Missing this registration can suspend payments.
Common reasons UIF claims are rejected:
- You voluntarily resigned (no UIF unemployment benefit for voluntary resignation)
- UI-19 form incomplete or missing
- Banking details do not match your name
- Applied more than 6 months after losing your job
- Employer not registered with UIF
- Insufficient contribution history (fewer than 13 weeks in the past 4 years)
- Incomplete or missing supporting documents
Source: Debt Solutions 4U; Department of Labour
How to check your UIF status
Log in to ufiling.labour.gov.za → navigate to "Benefit Payments" → select "View My Claims". Your current status and case number are displayed.
Dial *134*843# on any mobile network. Follow the prompts using your ID number to see claim and payment status instantly — no data or smartphone needed.
Source: Referenced in multiple 2026 sources as the current USSD shortcode — verify at ufiling.labour.gov.za
Call the Department of Employment and Labour toll-free: 0800 030 007
If your claim is taking longer than 15 working days after all documents have been submitted correctly, contact the helpline.
UIF for employers — your registration and contribution obligations
- Register all qualifying employees with UIF via SARS (as part of PAYE/EMP201 registration using the EMP101e form)
- Deduct 1% UIF from each qualifying employee's remuneration monthly
- Contribute a matching 1% as the employer
- Pay both contributions to SARS via the EMP201 by the 7th of each month
- Complete a UI-19 form for every employee who leaves your employ, regardless of the reason, and provide it to the employee immediately
- Update the UIF of changes in salary, new employees, or departing employees before the 7th of each month
If you employ a domestic worker (gardener, cleaner, nanny) who works 24+ hours per month, UIF registration and contributions are mandatory. Domestic workers have the same UIF rights as other employees.
Employers who fail to register or contribute to UIF face back-contribution liability from the date employment began, plus potential penalties. Employees who cannot claim because their employer was not registered may have grounds for a legal claim against that employer.
Source: SARS — sars.gov.za/types-of-tax/unemployment-insurance-fund/; ClearComply (citing Unemployment Insurance Contributions Act 4 of 2002)
Frequently Asked Questions
Related guides
Essential UIF Guides
Core Tax Guides
Tools & Resources
Sources and references
All UIF information on this page is sourced from, or verified against, the following official and authoritative references:
- Unemployment Insurance Act 63 of 2001 — Primary legislation for UIF benefits
- SARS — Unemployment Insurance Fund — sars.gov.za/types-of-tax/unemployment-insurance-fund/
- Department of Employment and Labour — uFiling — ufiling.labour.gov.za/uif/
- Western Cape Government — Claiming Unemployment Insurance — westerncape.gov.za
- Labour Guide — UIF — labourguide.co.za
Last reviewed April 2026 by Solly Maanaso, CA(SA). Next review: verify UIF ceiling on sars.gov.za after each Budget Speech (February) and after any Government Gazette notice amending the ceiling.