Are you worried about your finances as a first-time mom? You need not worry if you have contributed to the UIF since you became employed. The Unemployment Insurance Fund ensures all the mommies get financial relief after giving birth.
A guide is prepared for all the working moms so they can get through this. The information will help you apply for the benefits before going on leave. You’ll be prepared for everything before the little one arrives.
Female contributors to the UIF can get the funds when they go on maternity leave.
What is Maternity UIF?
Like all other employees claiming for UIF, working mothers can also claim benefits. The UIF gives relief to the new moms who just gave birth. They get financial relief through funds when they can’t go to work for a few months.
Hence, workers on maternity leave have full rights to claim UIF and will be paid without any doubt. They must be registered and contribute to the unemployment fund before going on leave. Although some conditions apply, they can get the funds after applying for it.
How to Apply for Maternity Benefits?
As mentioned, working women in South Africa can apply for UIF maternity benefits. If they have contributed to the fund for years, the UIF will relieve you during your maternity leave. You must submit a few documents to be eligible for this fund.
The UIF management will verify these before approval. As a contributor to UIF and a new mother, you will only receive the money for the months you’re on leave. To initiate the process, visit the nearest Labor Centre and apply for the UIF.
You can ask someone else if you’re not in the state to visit the office. An online system called “UFiling System” has also been introduced for online applications. Once you get done with your application, wait for two weeks.
After the two weeks have passed, call 0800 030 007 to get an update. You will be asked to provide your bank details or visit the nearest Labor Centre to get your benefits.
When Should You Claim for Maternity Benefits?
Based on the Unemployment Insurance Act in South Africa, female workers should claim for UIF at least eight weeks before giving birth. The management only pays them for 17 weeks of leave. In case workers have a stillbirth or miscarriage during their third trimester, they get relief for six weeks only.
How Long Does UIF Cover for?
You can apply for the UIF maternity benefits for four months only. As a contributor, you can use the services for four months, i.e., 121 days, but only if you’ve been in service for four years.
Hence, you are entitled to four months’ leave if you have worked for years. The UIF pays the money monthly or gives the whole amount in two payments.
Maternity UIF Calculator
How is the UIF Payout Calculated for Maternity Benefits?
Let us say your salary is R15,000 and you get R10,000 salary on leave. Here is how your maternity payout benefits are calculated.
- Daily Income = Average Monthly Salary x 12 Months / 365 days = (15000 X 12) / 12 = R493.15.
- DBA or Daily Benefit Amount = 66% of the Daily Income = R15,000 x 66% = R9,900.
- Daily Income while you are on leave = Leave Income x 12 Months / 365 Days = R10,000 x 12 / 365 = R328.77.
- Top-Up UIF Benefits = Daily Income – Leave Income = R493.15 – R328.77 = R164.33.
What Forms Do I Need For Maternity UIF?
Workers contributing to the UIF since the beginning of their employment should claim maternity benefits. They can get financial relief after giving birth.
The following forms and documents are required to apply for the maternity UIF. Go through the list to be prepared before claiming the fund money.
- A 13 digit ID document or passport is needed to claim the UIF for maternity leave.
- Your employer should complete form UI-19.
- Form UI-2.7 also needs to be filled by your boss/employer.
- Form UI-2.8 is needed for all your banking records and details.
- An application form, UI-2.3, is also required.
- The UI-4 is a follow-up form for your application.
- Gather your six last payslips along with the filled registration form.
- Lastly, a medical certificate from your doctor should also be attached. If you’ve given birth already, attach the birth certificate of your baby.
Hence, all these forms/documents will be needed to claim the maternity UIF. These may take some time to complete, but they are worth it.
Form Submission
The pregnant workers claiming for the UIF should visit the nearest Labor Centre and submit these forms. If they cannot go, they can ask their husband or friend.
The staff at the Labor Centre will assist you with the process. You will be given an ID number, which will be used to get updates regarding the application’s status.
How To Claim Maternity UIF
There are three ways in which you can apply for the UIF maternity benefits. The first method is to visit the nearest labor center and apply physically. The management will give you a few forms, and you will have to fill them out with all the relevant details.
However, if you are not in the condition to visit the center yourself, you may also send someone else on your behalf. However, make sure that they have all your correct credentials so that they can put all the correct information in the forms.
The last and most feasible method to apply to the maternity claim UIF is to apply online through their official website. Use this link to land directly on the page: ufiling.labour.gov.za/uif/maternity-benefits.
When should I apply for Maternity UIF?
You can take a maternity leave 11 weeks before giving birth. This is the earliest to go on leave, but it depends on your physical condition. Some people may work till the last few weeks if they are physically fit.
Who can claim maternity benefits?
Female workers in South Africa can claim maternity benefits before going on leave. If they contribute to the UIF before leaving, they will get relief for a few months. The time depends upon their contributions to the fund.
How do I apply for maternity benefits?
Women employees should always inform their employers about their pregnancy. They can claim benefits from the organization or apply for UIF maternity benefits for financial relief after giving birth.
An informative article on applying for maternity UIF is written so first-time moms can get help. They can apply for the benefits before leaving to relieve themselves after having the baby.
The process is straightforward but may take a few weeks. Hence, females can enjoy their maternity leaves without worrying about finances.