How to Apply for UIF Unemployment Benefits?
How to Apply for UIF Unemployment Benefits? In South Africa, online systems have changed the way workers claim UIF benefits. When a person loses their job, stops earning an income for a period of time, or has their salary reduced, the Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) helps.
The purpose of today article is to explain how to claim Unemployment Benefits, whether you are eligible, when to file a claim, and how long it may take for you to receive your UIF funds.
Despite the economy slowly recovering, losing your job is a possibility for anyone at any time. The pandemic did prove this as many people lost their jobs in 2020 – 2021.
Fortunately, UIF and SASSA Social Relief Grant (SRD) stepped in and encouraged people who desperately needed unemployment benefits to apply.
Even though the article will mostly focus on unemployment benefits, it wouldn’t hurt to mention the other benefits that UIF offers.
Read Also: UIF Login
5 Types of Fund Benefits Provided by UIF
- Unemployment:Â Unemployed individuals should apply within six months of losing their jobs.
- Maternity:Â In the unfortunate event of a miscarriage, you may claim for 6 weeks (42 days). Maternity benefits are different from unemployment benefits. If you are pregnant, you can claim for 17 weeks (121 days).
- Illness:Â If you become ill and are unable to work for more than 14 days, and you are not receiving a salary or only getting part of your salary, you may claim sickness benefits.
- Adoption:Â Adopting a child under the age of two and taking unpaid leave or receiving only a portion of their salary while at home caring for the child is covered by this benefit.
- Dependents:Â When a breadwinner passes away, the spouse, a dependent child under the age of 21 or under the age of 25 who is a learner and was mostly dependent on the deceased can apply for the benefits within six months.
Now that you are familiar with all the benefits UIF provides, let’s talk about unemployment benefits…
Who is Eligible to Apply for Unemployment Benefits?
Only employers who contributed to the UIF during their employment can claim the insurance fund.
Applicants must have lost their job due to retrenchment, contract expiration, or bankruptcy of their employer.
Unless the CCMA considers your resignation to be constructive dismissal, you cannot claim if you have resigned, been suspended, or absconded from work.
Documents Required to Apply for UIF
You will need the following documents to apply:
- Passport or identity document.
- Payslips from the last six months.
- Completed application form (U12).
- Employer-supplied information (U119).
- Registration as a work seeker with the Department of Labour.
How to Apply for UIF in Person
You can apply for UIF unemployment benefits in person by visiting your nearest labour center. To sign the unemployment register, you must have all the required documents with you.
For as long as you remain unemployed, the staff will let you know when to return to sign the register. You will begin receiving money within 8 weeks of registering if all your information is correct and your application is approved.
After 8 weeks, if you have not received any money or correspondence from UIF, you can visit the labour center. You will be informed of the amount of money you are entitled to.
How to Claim UIF Unemployment Benefits Online
You may also apply for unemployment benefits online through UIF’s eFiling website. In order to apply, you must first register on the site and activate your eFiling account. Once registered, follow these steps:
- Step 1: On your account profile, click “benefit application and payments,” then “apply for benefits.”
- Step 2: In this case, the benefit you are applying for is unemployment benefits.
- Step 3: Terms and conditions must be accepted.
- Step 4: Check the details of your bank account.
- Step 5: Verify your personal information.
- Step 6: Please enter your occupation and qualifications.
- Step 7: Verify that you are seeking employment.
If your application was successful, you will receive a confirmation message once you click on “submit”.
How Much Does UIF Pay?
UIF benefits depend on your income and the length of time you have contributed.
As you work and contribute to the fund, you earn credits. For every six days you work, you get a credit of one day, up to 238 days.
Work for at least four years to accumulate the maximum number of credits. If you have worked less than 238 days, you can claim the number of days credits you have accumulated.
High-paid workers (earning more than R97 188 per annum, R8099 per month, or R1869 per week) are entitled to a benefit rate of 38%, while the lowest-paid workers are entitled to a benefit rate of 58%.
You can apply for UIF benefits if you have recently been unemployed, on maternity leave, or unable to work due to illness. Make sure you apply in time to avoid late application fees.
Who Qualifies for the UIF Claim?
It is important to remember that unemployment benefits are intended to help people who are no longer working and women who are on maternity leave.
Therefore, you cannot claim under the following work situations:
- Put an end to your career
- You have been suspended from your job due to fraud or a refusal to follow training or advice
- Compensation Fund benefits
As a reminder, you cannot claim UIF benefits if you’ve been fired for fraud.
How long does it take to get your UIF money?
Getting your money into your bank account doesn’t take long.
As soon as you sign for payment at the labour center, you can ask for the date when your money will be paid.
How much you can claim depends on how much was your salary.
You will receive less from UIF if you are earning more than R12 000 per month. If you are earning over R12 000 per month, you will receive less than R4 600 fixed monthly benefit from UIF.
UIF Claim Contact Details
You can reach the UIF call center at 0800 843 843/0800 for more information about UIF benefits.
Read Also: UIF Status Check
Conclusion
In navigating the process of claiming UIF unemployment benefits in South Africa, understanding eligibility criteria, required documents, and application methods is crucial.
Whether applying in person or online, timely submission ensures efficient processing, offering financial relief during periods of job loss, maternity leave, or illness.
Familiarizing yourself with UIF benefits, contribution credits, and entitlement rates further empowers individuals seeking financial support. For additional assistance and inquiries, contacting the UIF call center at 0800 843 843/0800 is recommended.
