How to Claim UIF Online: How to Apply for Unemployment Insurance Fund Benefits Get Full guide and Steps to Apply for UIF Online Once you read this article you will get to know types of UIF Benefits ,Eligibility ad Application procedures.
WHAT IS UIF?
UIF (Unemployment Benefits) becomes available to you as an employee when your employer terminates your service of employment, you are then able to apply to the Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) for benefits. Workers who become unemployed have the right to claim from the Unemployment Insurance Fund. The Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) is a policy that is implemented by the South African Revenue Service (SARS), the fund is responsible for collecting and distributing of funds to unemployed workers across the country to assist with alleviating the economic burden imposed on these individuals for a limited time after their official unemployment.
The UIF benefits are only available to you if you have been contributing to the UIF while you have been employed. To qualify for the UIF benefits, you must register as a work seeker. You must apply for the UIF benefits as soon as your become unemployed or within six (6) months of the termination of your employment. Unemployed workers must apply for the UIF benefits at the nearest labour center in person and take the necessary documentation with them to the center.
Types of Fund Benefits Provided by UIF
- Unemployment – For people who lost their jobs. The application should be made within 6 months of being unemployed.
- Maternity – Maternity benefits are different from unemployment benefits. If you are pregnant, you are eligible to claim 17 weeks (121 days) maternity benefits. In the unfortunate event of a miscarriage, you may claim for 6 weeks (42 days).
- Illness – If you are ill and unable to work for more than 14 days and not receiving a salary or only receiving a part of your salary, then you may claim illness benefits. You will also have to undergo medical treatment.
- Adoption – This benefit applies to people that adopt a child under the age of two and take unpaid leave or only receive a portion of their salary while at home caring for the child.
- Dependents – This benefit can be applied if the breadwinner passes on. The spouse, a dependent child under the age of 21 years or under the age of 25 years who is a learner and who was mainly dependent on the deceased are eligible to apply for the benefits within 6 months.
HOW MUCH IS CONTRIBUTED TO UIF?
At least one (1) percent % of an employee’s income must be contributed by both the employer and the employee to the Unemployment Insurance Fund. The employer is responsible for deducting the UIF contribution monthly from the employee’s income and to pay this across to the UIF. If an employee has been registered and the contributions are paid, then that employee will be able to claim from the fund.
It is illegal for employers to take more that one (1) percent % of an employee’s salary for UIF, deduct a larger percentage from salaries if they fall in arrears with UIF payments and may not charge an employee a service fee for deducting the UIF. If an employer does accidentally deduct too much money for the UIF at the end of the month, they must pay it back to the employee.
Eligible to apply for unemployment benefits?
Well, the insurance fund can only be claimed by employers who have been contributing to the UIF during their time of service.
You may only apply if you have lost your job due to retrenchment, contract expiration, or if your employer is bankrupt.
Unfortunately, you cannot claim if you have resigned, have been suspended, or absconded from work. You may only claim if the Commissioner for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA) regards the resignation as constructive dismissal.
WHO CANNOT CLAIM UIF:
All South African employees and employers are subject to UIF contributions. The Unemployment Insurance Act and Unemployment Insurance Contributions Act apply to all employers and workers, but not to:
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Workers working less than 24 hours a month for an employer
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Learners
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Public servants
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Foreigners working on contract
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Workers who get a monthly state (old age) pension and
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Workers who only earn commission
Documents Required to Apply for UIF
To apply you will need the following documents:
- Your Identity document or passport.
- Copies of your last 6 payslips.
- A fully completed application form (U12).
- Information supplied by the employer (U119).
- Proof that you registered at the Department of Labour as a work seeker.
How to Claim UIF Unemployment Benefits Online
Alternatively, you may apply for your unemployment benefits online via the UIF’S eFilling website.
But before you get to all of that, you will have to register on the site and activate your eFilling account. Once registered, you may apply by following the steps below:
- Step 1: Log on to your account profile and, on your left, click on “benefit application and payments” then “apply for benefits.”
- Step 2: Select the benefit you are applying for, in this case, “unemployment benefits”
- Step 3: Accept the terms and conditions.
- Step 4: Verify your banking details.
- Step 5: Complete / verify your personal details.
- Step 6: Fill in your occupation details and qualifications.
- Step 7: Confirm that you are a work seeker.
How long does it take to get your UIF money?
It doesn’t take long for your money to be paid into your banking account.
How long it’ll take will depend on when did you sign for payment at the labour centre. Once you’ve signed, you can ask for the date, when your money will be paid.
How much you can claim depends on how much was your salary.
If you were getting a higher salary, you’re probably going to get a smaller percentage from the UIF benefits. If you were earning over R12 000 per month, you’ll receive less than R4 600 fixed monthly benefit from UIF.
Here are some resources that you may find helpful:
- uFiling website: https://ufiling.labour.gov.za/
- DEL website: https://www.labour.gov.za/
- UIF benefits: https://ufiling.labour.gov.za/
