How to apply for UIF or Who can Claim it and How? in 2024

Employers must register with the UIF when they start hiring and paying individuals, whether in cash or in kind. The employer is responsible for completing the registration process for the business or household with the Fund.

Furthermore, the employer must deduct the necessary amounts from the worker’s pay and quickly inform the UIF about any changes in the employee information, like new hires, job terminations, pay adjustments, or situations involving illnesses, adoption leaves, maternity, or the sad event of a worker passing away. In addition, employers are advised to submit declarations electronically using their monthly payrolls system or the user-friendly uFiling system. Alternatively, they have the option to file declarations manually.

To apply for UIF, you have to first understand uFiling. uFiling is a free online system for citizens to apply, declare, and register in the UIF. It is developed by the South African Department of Labour to manage unemployment insurance funding complications, such as its benefits and contributions.

The platform is used for a number of purposes:

Registration and Declaration of Employees.
Paying UIF contribution securely.
Managing all the data efficiently.
Receiving applications of UIF enrolled employees.
Analyzing the progress of employees.

First Step: uFiling Registration

The registration process is simple, but you may find it challenging if you have never applied for financial assistance online. Additionally, people who are less familiar with technology find the registration process tricky. Before we jump into the process, you should note that there is no registration fee, so if any platform demands a fee, you should avoid using that platform.

Step 1: Go to the link https://www.qa.ufiling.co.za/uif/
Step 2: You will see multiple options, tap “UIF Benefits.”
Step 3: A drop-down list will appear, click the first option, “Unemployment Benefit.”
Step 4: It will show you the entire procedure in 5 steps, now go to the right side and tap the “Register” button.
Step 5: Do not advance forward without reading the Terms & Conditions carefully.
Step 6: Once you finished reading, tap the empty box that you agree with.
Step 7: A blue mark will appear, then tap the “Continue” button at the end of the page.
Step 8: A new page will appear with empty bars, providing your details, such as ID number, name, and contact.
Step 9: Review details and tap the “Registered” button.
Step 10: Create a strong password.
Step 11: You will receive an e-mail or message containing OTP confirming your account.
Step 14: Verify the details and your account will be registered.

Second Step: uFiling Login

You need to register or create an account on the uFiling if you want to log in. If you have not yet registered, you can see the above steps to create an account on the uFiling. Let’s see how to log in with simple steps after registering the account.

Step 1: Go to the link I have provided below https://www.qa.ufiling.co.za/uif/
Step 2: You will see two options on the right side: “Registered” and “Login.”
Step 3: Navigate to the second option, and a drop-down list will appear.
Step 4: Enter the username and password you created while registering the account.
Step 5: Tap the “Login” button, and the uFiling account will be logged in.

Third Step: Apply For UIF Online

There are two ways to apply for UIF, either as an employee or as a company

uFiling Register as Employee

Step 1: Log in to your uFiling account.
Step 2: You will see the 5-step application process, tap the “Apply” button on the down-right side below the picture.
Step 3: It will show a page containing terms and conditions, read them carefully and tap “Next” if you agree.
Step 4: A new page will arrive containing the banking details option, providing the account number and bank name, etc.
Step 5: The next page contains empty bars of personal details, fill out the bars with your name, address, and other required information.
Step 6: Now, you need to provide the qualification details and tap “Next.”
Step 7: The last page containing work seeker information, fill out the bars and submit your application.
Step 8: You need to upload the forms, which will be received through mail.
Step 9: Go to application history, and tap “Upload Documents” then start uploading them one by one.
Step 10: Once your documents are uploaded, submit your application, and you will receive a confirmation mail.

How To Register a Company for UIF?

Step 1: Register your account as an employer.
Step 2: Log in to your account and select your domain, for example, “Domestic Employer.”
Step 3: Tap the “Register” button and verify by providing your name, ID number, and email step by step.
Step 4: Now, provide your qualification and tap “Next.”
Step 5: Here, you need to provide “Employer Details” such as your contact number and address.
Step 6: You need to fill out the employee declaration and later employment details.
Step 7: Provide the beneficiary details in the last step and submit your form.
Step 8: Upload the documents received by mail and submit the application.
Step 8: You will receive a confirmation mail from the Department of Labour that you have been registered as an employer of the company.

Forms Needed For Claims

There are various forms based on the program you are applying for. For instance, if you are applying for assistance based on unemployment, you need to submit a UI-2.1 application form, and if you are applying because of an illness, you need to upload a UI-2.2 application form. I have listed the names of the forms under the headings.

For Claims Due to Losing the Job

UIF Employer Forms
UI-2.1 Application form
Bank form completed by the bank

For Claim Benefit Due to an Illness

UIF Employer Forms
UI-2.2
- A part of the form is needed to be completed by a medical doctor.
Bank form completed by the bank

For Death Benefits

UI-19 and UI-53 (completed by the deceased’s employer)
UI-2.5 or UI-2.6
Bank form completed by the bank

How Do I Know If My UIF Claim Is Approved?

You will receive a confirmation email that your application has been received and the department is working on the application when you submit the UIF application. However, it does not verify whether your application has been approved or if you need to change the details. However, the Department of Labour will notify you with the help of an SMS or email that your application has been approved.

In case you are doubtful about whether the application is under process or the department has rejected your appeal, you need to log in to the uFiling account. As it advances to another page, the website will show you the date, time, and the day when you will receive payment. It means that your application has been approved.

On the other hand, you can call the UIF helpline or visit the office in order to check whether the application has been approved or not. If your application has been rejected, you can ask for the reason and the factors that contributed to its rejection.

Is UIF Compulsory?

According to the reports, some employees and employers must contribute to the Unemployed Insurance Fund (UIF). Therefore, it is not a compulsion for every employer and employee working in South Africa. However, this mandatory program can greatly relieve tough times when you cannot work due to some injury, illness, or maternity leave.

Mind that it is not compulsory for every employee and employer, so not all workers can get this fund. There are a few requirements that should be fulfilled to enjoy the benefits of this fund. Considering the benefits of the Unemployment Insurance Fund, it is a compulsory contribution for some employers and their employees.

Can You Claim UIF While Working?

Benefits are accessible only if you have contributed to the UIF during your employment.

You are ineligible for claims if you resigned, were suspended, or abandoned employment. However, you may be eligible for the claim if the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation, and Arbitration (CCMA) deems your resignation as a constructive dismissal. Moreover, the Unemployment Insurance Act and Unemployment Contributions Act are applicable to all employers and workers but not to:

Individuals working less than 24 hours a month for an employer
Public servants
Learners
Foreigners working on contract
Workers receiving a government old age pension
Workers whose sole income is from commission earnings

READ UIF Declaration Problems

Benefits of UIF

Workers registered with the UIF and contributing to the fund can make claims in case of job loss or inability to work. The Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) provides coverage for the following benefits:

Illness benefits
Unemployment benefits
Adoption benefits
Maternity benefits
Dependents benefits

Employment Benefits

You are only eligible to receive unemployment benefits if you have been terminated, retrenched, or your contract has ended. However, voluntary resignation from your job disqualifies you from making a claim.

Illness Benefits

You are eligible to claim illness benefits if you are unable to work for more than seven days due to illness. Benefits are provided from the date you ceased working.

Maternity Benefits

Pregnant individuals taking maternity leave can claim benefits for seventeen weeks. Additionally, in the unfortunate event of a miscarriage in the third trimester or if the baby is stillborn, you are eligible to claim maternity benefits.

Dependents Benefits

The spouse or minor child of a deceased individual who contributed to the fund can claim the dependent’s benefits. You need to apply for these benefits within six months following the worker’s death.

Adoption Benefits

Adoption benefits can be claimed when legally adopting a child under two years old and taking leave from work to take care of the child. Moreover, note that only one of the adopting parents is eligible to apply for benefits.

Who Does Not Qualify For UIF?

If an individual is employed for less than 24 hours a month under a specific employer, he cannot claim financial assistance.
If an individual is employed in the national government or provincial government office, he cannot claim financial assistance.
If an individual is a traditional healer or member of the municipal council, he cannot claim financial assistance.
If an individual has not contributed to the UIF, he cannot claim funds.

Eligibility Criteria

An applicant must be a citizen of South Africa.
An applicant must be a resident of South Africa.
An applicant must have contributed to the UIF while working.
An applicant must apply within 6 months of becoming unemployed.
An applicant must not receive other social grants.
An applicant must not be suspended, fired due to committing fraud, resigned, or retired.

UIF investigates before giving funds to an applicant, so if you are trying to manipulate the department, it will decline your application. Therefore, always provide authentic documents, and if you do not qualify for the funding, you should not apply for UIF. In case you are caught committing fraud, the department will take action against you.

MEANING of: UIF Claim Approved. Submit Request For Payment After 15 Days

Once your UIF claim is approved by the organization, you can submit your request for payment exactly after fifteen days of approval. It is really a very straightforward process and hardly takes a few minutes of your time to get your request ready and submitted. If you are new to this and don’t know how to go about it, then keep on reading down below.

How To Submit A Payment Request For UIF?

There are two ways in which you can submit your UIF request for payment. One way is to physically visit the nearest Labor branch office and have an official assist you through the entire process or, you could also do it online yourself.

For an online application, you will need a good internet connection and an active UIF account. Simply open their website and enter your login credentials to access your portal.

After that, click on the option saying ‘Benefit Application and Payments’ and then on ‘Continuation of benefits’. You will be displayed a list of benefits amongst which you will have to checkmark the one you got approved.

After that, a new window will open requiring you to input your personal information including your bank details. Make sure that you provide all the correct information for quick and seamless transfer of payments. In the end, simply click on the submit option appearing at the bottom of the form and that’s it!

What Documents are Needed to Claim UIF Online?

To claim UIF, you must fulfill its criteria. Only eligible individuals can claim and receive the UIF grant. If you are eligible, you must submit the required documents, and the documents needed to claim UIF are:

ID document or passport
UI 2.8 form for banking details
UI-19 form will prove that you are no longer working for your employer. Your employer will provide this form.
A pay slip copy for the last 3 to 6 months
Registration proof as a job seeker
Valid Email address
Registered UIF number

Can I Claim UIF After 3 Or 5 Years?

The number of days for which you can make a valid claim for your UIF funds depends upon the duration of your contributions. In simple words, you will have to be a contributor to the UIF before you can make a claim for the funds. In fact, for every six days, you will get a one-day claim for every six working days starting from the day you made your first contribution to the UIF fund.

Can I Claim UIF After 3 Years?

Yes, you can definitely claim your UIF funds after making contributions for three years. But the question is for how many days, after your last contribution to the UIF fund, would your claim stand valid? So, in essence, if you have been an active and regular contributor to the UIF fund, then you can make your claim within 182 days from the date you made your last contribution to the fund.

Can I Claim UIF After 5 Years?

Yes, you can claim your UIF payment after you have been making contributions for straight five years. For this, you will have to apply for the claim within a valid period of time. The valid period of time would be 304 days from the date you made your last UIF contribution.

When To Apply For UIF? You can apply for the payment of UIF within fifteen days of approval of your funds. This means that once you start making your UIF contributions, you become eligible for retrieving your funds within fifteen days of approval.

How To Claim UIF For A Deceased Person Online?

Unemployment Insurance Fund is a financial assistance program in which employees and their employers contribute every month. If the employee is fired by his employer or from the authorities for no reason, he can claim the fund. Additionally, the person on illness leave or maternity leave can claim UIF benefits.

A few years ago, UIF updated its guidelines and added a new category of claimants. Now, the deceased’s spouse or child can also claim the UIF benefit if the deceased person contributed to the UIF.

Its procedure is very simple and short. Let’s see how to get a deceased UIF benefit.

Simple Steps To Claim Deceased One UIF Benefit

Step 1: Go to the official website of the UIF, the link is mentioned below: UIF Online Platform: https://ufiling.labour.gov.za/uif/
Step 2: Scroll down and you will see two buttons, if you have a UIF account then tap on the “Login button” otherwise you need to click “Register.”
Step 3: When you click the “Register” button it will take you to a new page where you can see the terms and conditions, scroll down and you will see a box, tap the agree button if you have carefully read the terms and conditions then click “Continue.”
Step 4: Once you click the “Continue” button, it will show you a form with multiple empty bars, fill out the form carefully.
Step 5: When you have completed the form then scroll down and click the “Register” button.
Step 6: You have successfully registered an account, now go to the home page and login to your account.
Step 7: A new page will appear in front of you, go to the “Dependent Benefits.”
Step 8: Here, you need to provide multiple documents such as the death certificate or proof of life partner, etc.
Step 9: Upload all the authentic documents and then click the “Submit: button.
Step 10: You will receive an SMS or mail that your application has been received, and you will be informed in short while.

READ UIF App - All You Need to Know About the UIF App

Who Can Claim UIF For A Deceased Person?

There is a misconception that multiple people in the circle of the deceased person can claim the UIF benefits, such as the niece or nephew, etc. However, according to the guidelines of the UIF, only the spouse, a life partner, or the guardian of the deceased person can claim his UIF benefits. Additionally, children under the age of 21 can also claim the UIF of their deceased parent.

Important Considerations

The Unemployment Insurance Fund has multiple categories, the deceased benefits are part of the dependent benefits. One should consider the possibility that each claim has a strength, such as the maternity benefit claim is more powerful than the adoption benefit claim. In these scenarios, the dependent benefit claim is not strong but there are higher chances the dependent upon the deceased one gets the funding.

Additionally, one needs to apply within 18 months after the death of the contributor. In case you delay the decision and do not claim the benefits within 18 months, you will not be able to get them after the mentioned duration. Lastly, if the deceased person never nominated a beneficiary in his life, the amount will be paid to the estate of the deceased person after 12 months.

How Do I Apply for UIF After Being Dismissed?

If you have been dismissed by the employer, UIF gives you the right to apply for the grant money. All you need to do is register yourself with the Department of Labor. Here is how you can do this.

First, visit your nearest labor center and register for the UIF claims.
After this, a UIF consultant will give you an application form. Fill in this form and attach the required documents. Make sure to do your research regarding the documents.
Now, you can complete the application.
You will receive an approval or rejection letter after the authorities have taken a decision.

Can You Claim UIF If You Retire?

According to the UIF Act, there are no UIF benefits regarding retirement. One can only claim UIF benefits if he/she loses job involuntarily. However, if you are about to cross 60 years of age and have no plans to continue working you can claim your UIF benefits but this does not apply to someone who resigns or takes retirement before 60 years of age.

The purpose of the Unemployment Insurance Fund is to provide financial security to the workers who have lost their due to illness, contract date completion, death, pregnancy, etc. If you are 60 years old and retiring soon make sure you claim your UIF before leaving the company. Keep in mind you can claim UIF only within six months of your retirement.

How Soon-to-be Retirees Can Claim UIF?

If your work journey is ending soon you must be thinking about claiming your UIF benefits, right? Well, claiming UIF when you retire is a difficult task. I have recently applied for retirement UIF for my dad so if you want to apply too here’s what you need to do.

Request a UI 19 form from your employer and fill in all the information accurately. You can also get it from the labor department.
After putting in all your information you must get it signed and stamped by your employer.
Ensure you are not registered as a job seeker by visiting the labor department.
Once the form is signed all you need to do is submit its copies to your employer and the labor department.
After initial processing, you will be requested to confirm and complete your bank details.
The evaluation and confirmation process takes time so wait patiently till the labor department responds to your submitted application.

It normally takes four to six weeks. The process is time-consuming to make sure your application is not incomplete and the provided information is accurate because incomplete records take longer than usual and your UIF payment will be delayed. You don’t want that to happen, right?

Retirement UIF Amount

Are you wondering how much you will receive if you apply for retirement UIF benefits? The UIF amount for the retirees is between 35% and 58% of the employee’s salary. All payments are calculated as credits and are sent directly to your registered bank account.

Why Would My UIF Claim be Rejected?

In South Africa, the Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) offers monetary support to employees who have lost their job for various reasons. To become eligible for the UIF funds, you must regularly contribute to it. Employees and employers must contribute 2% to the funds.

The 2% is divided into two categories; 1% is contributed by the employee, whereas the remaining 1% is contributed to the UIF by the employer. However, take note that when applying for the UIF, your application has the chance of getting rejected.

Therefore, it is necessary to understand the reason behind your UIF claim getting rejected, and what you can do to solve this matter. Regrettably, refusals are a common occurrence, and numerous factors could lead to the denial of your claim. Understanding the reasons behind the rejection can help you make an informed decision.

Factors Leading To Rejection of Your Claim?

A worker’s claim can be rejected by the UIF due to a variety of factors. The reasons are mentioned below:

The most frequent cause for rejection is incomplete or inaccurate information provided by the applicant on the application form. Therefore, it is crucial to provide authentic and up-to-date details to avoid getting rejected. These details include proof of earnings, tax certificates, and ID documents.
Another reason why your claim might be rejected is due to submitting incomplete UIF applications, forms, or employment records.
Your claim can also be rejected if you fail to meet the eligibility criteria. For instance, to qualify for UIF benefits, factors like age, work history, and marital status play a role. Hence, make sure you understand these criteria before applying for UIF benefits to qualify.
Lastly, if you submit UIF claims after the due date, you will face rejection. To be eligible for the benefits, you must file your claims swiftly, ideally within six months of losing the job or a decrease in income due to illness or maternity leave.

What Actions To Take After Rejection?

After your claim is rejected, you can take several actions to resolve this problem. Read the following instructions:

To inquire about the reason for the rejection, you can reach out to UIF through their call center at 08000 3000 7.
You can also visit the labor center where you submitted your UIF benefit application.
Lastly, if your claim is denied, you have the option to appeal the decision. To challenge the decision made by the Commissioner or a claim officer, you can submit the UI-12 form to the closest Department of Labor office. Furthermore, remember to include any supporting documents or proof that strengthens your appeal.

The time it takes for a UIF appeal to be resolved or reviewed depends on how complicated the case is and how quickly the appeal officer responds. Typically, it will take five days or less for your appeal to be resolved.

UIF is a light of hope in the crisis of unemployment; it helps unemployed people or bankrupt employers get financial assistance. An employee may register the account on uFiling, an online platform, and apply for financial aid. I have explained the entire procedure step by step, I hope this information will help you in the future.