Information on UIF applications
The Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) is a temporary insurance against loss of income which provides short-term relief to workers when they become unemployed, unable to work due to illness, maternity or adoption leave.
Izalette Engelbrecht, deputy director of operations says the Department of Labour needs employers to declare periods of employment as a contributor to the fund before an application can be finalised.
Applicants must apply within six months from date when they became unemployed.
The following benefits can be claimed for:
- Unemployment (not when resigned or absconded).
- Maternity leave
- Unpaid adoption leave,
When approved in terms of the Childcare Act of 1983, the child is below the age of two years and application is submitted within six months from court order.
- Unpaid sick leave,
- Dependent’s benefits to dependent spouses, life partners or children of deceased contributors.
Submit the following:
- Bar coded identification,
- UI2.8 form,
- One page bank stamped bank statement.
- Unemployment benefits and unpaid sick leave – U12.1 and 2.7 forms (obtainable at the labour centre)
- Unpaid adoption leave – form UI2.4 and an adoption letter from the children’s court
- Dependent’s benefits – proof of school, university, death certificate, IDs, guardianship proof or Sassa letters.
“All applications are computerised,” says Engelbrecht.
Employers must check their UIF declarations in order to establish the number of credit days available for payment.
Engelbrecht says assessors then assess the applications to ensure that it qualifies for payment in terms of the UIF Act.
After approval, the applicant must complete continuation forms at the centre where payment will be created online, which is rotated to a paymaster who will process payment.
Reasons for delay of a claim:
- Outstanding information,
- Contributions not declared by the seventh of each month.
“Incorrect declarations from employers are the main reason for slow finalisation of claims,” says Engelbrecht.
Employers can register and declare their employees on the UIF website, www.ufiling.co.za
“We encourage employers to activate their uFiling account and declare and pay their UIF online,” she adds.
When claims are finalised, applicants can be paid for a maximum of 238 credit days.
Maternity beneficiaries are paid for a maximum of 121 credit days.
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