UIF Reveals Extended Operating Hours. The Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) has announced an extension of operating hours at select service points throughout September 2024. This move aims to provide better access to services for clients and employers, especially as demand has risen following a recent court decision that impacts the UIF’s online service, uFiling.
The extended hours will allow more South Africans to access crucial UIF services, such as applying for benefits, registering companies, declaring employees, and making contributions. This proactive approach by the UIF ensures that clients are not left stranded due to system disruptions.
Why Extended Hours Were Necessary
The decision to extend service hours was made following a Pretoria High Court ruling in late August 2024. The court issued an interim interdict preventing a service provider from executing a new contract to support and maintain the UIF’s uFiling platform. uFiling, a popular online platform, allows employers and clients to apply for UIF benefits, register companies, and declare employees. However, due to the lack of support and maintenance, the platform was suspended, resulting in the need for more manual, in-person services.
The Department of Employment and Labour emphasized that uFiling is separate from the main UIF system used to process claims. Despite the suspension of uFiling, the UIF has continued to process claims at its service points nationwide. In just a short time, over 181,000 claims have been handled, with a total payout exceeding R419 million.
With the extended hours, the UIF aims to accommodate this increase in demand while offering real-time services to clients affected by the uFiling disruption.
Extended Operating Hours: Where and When
For the month of September 2024, selected UIF service points within labour centres across several provinces will operate from 07:30 to 16:00 on Saturdays. This extension provides a critical opportunity for individuals and employers who may not be able to access services during regular working hours.
The following locations will offer extended service hours:
- Eastern Cape: Gqeberha, East London, Qonce
- KwaZulu-Natal: Pietermaritzburg, Richards Bay
- Mpumalanga: Emalahleni, Secunda, Middleburg, Malelane, Mbombela
- North West: Mahikeng, Potchefstroom, Lichtenburg, Klerksdorp, Vryburg, Christiana, Brits, Taung, Rustenburg
- Western Cape: Cape Town, Paarl, Mitchells Plain, Bellville
This list of labour centres is aimed at covering as much of the country as possible, ensuring that individuals in various regions have the chance to receive the support they need.
Registering Employers: A Streamlined Process
New employer registrations can be done through the BizPortal platform. BizPortal, accessible at BizPortal.gov.za, simplifies the process of registering employers with the UIF. However, it’s important to note that BizPortal is only for employer registration and not for registering employees.
For employee registration, businesses will need to visit the nearest labour centre or submit the required documents online.
Employers can also download the necessary forms—UI.8 and UI.19—from the Department of Employment and Labour’s website and email the completed forms to [email protected]. This process ensures that all employer registrations are handled smoothly, even with the current uFiling suspension.
Declaring Employees: Ensuring Compliance
Employers are required to declare their employees to the UIF. Those with electronic payroll systems can send live payroll files to [email protected], or they can visit the nearest labour centre for assistance.
For manual declarations, employers need to download the UI.19 form from the Department of Employment and Labour website and submit it to [email protected]. Staying compliant with these declaration requirements is essential for businesses to ensure their employees are covered under UIF.
Contribution Deadlines
Contributions to the UIF must be paid before the 7th of each month. If the 7th falls on a non-business day, such as a Saturday, Sunday, or public holiday, contributions must be made by the last business day before the deadline.
UIF contributions consist of 2% of an employee’s salary: 1% is deducted from the employee’s salary, and 1% is contributed by the employer. Employers who are registered for tax or the Skills Development Levy (SDL) must pay these contributions directly to the South African Revenue Service (SARS).
For employers not registered with SARS, contributions can be paid directly to the UIF using bank details provided on the Department of Employment and Labour’s website. Employers should use their UIF reference number when making payments to ensure proper allocation.
Managing Increased Demand: A Plan for the Future
Despite the challenges posed by the suspension of the uFiling platform, the UIF has been able to handle the influx of claims and service requests through careful planning. By implementing queue management systems, repurposing staff, and monitoring operations, the UIF has ensured that it meets the growing demand for services.
The extended hours will provide additional support to individuals and businesses during this period of disruption. Moreover, the UIF is working diligently to develop alternative online solutions for clients and employers, aiming to reduce reliance on uFiling in the future.
Conclusion
The UIF’s decision to extend operating hours in September 2024 is a timely and necessary response to the increased demand for in-person services. With the temporary suspension of the uFiling platform, the UIF has ensured that clients and employers can still access the services they need.