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Claiming Maternity Benefits

How to Claim UIF Maternity Benefits

Workers on maternity leave who contribute to the Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) can claim benefits to support them during their leave. Follow these steps to apply for maternity benefits at your nearest labour centre or online via uFiling.

Estimate your maternity benefits using the UIF maternity leave calculator before applying.

Step 1: Prepare the Required Documents

Before applying for UIF maternity benefits, gather the following documents:

  • 13-digit bar-coded ID or valid passport (certified copy)
  • Form UI-19: Employer declaration of your employment history
  • Form UI-2.7: Salary schedule completed by your employer
  • Form UI-2.8: Banking details form (stamped by your bank, in your name)
  • Form UI-2.3: Application form (yellow original, available at labour centres)
  • Form UI-4: Follow-up form (yellow original)
  • Medical certificate from a doctor or birth certificate of the baby

Note: Ensure all forms are correctly filled out to avoid delays. The bank account must be in your name, not a spouse, friend, or employer’s account.

Step 2: Visit the Nearest Labour Centre or Apply Online

Pregnant workers must submit their documents at the nearest labour centre. If you’re too ill to go in person, you can arrange for someone to submit on your behalf. Alternatively, apply online via uFiling.

Staff at the labour centre will guide you through the process. For assistance in Grahamstown, contact Claire at the Department of Labour: 046 622 2104.

Step 3: Follow Labour Centre Instructions

Labour centre staff may request additional doctor visits or follow-up appointments. Comply with all instructions to ensure your claim is processed. Submit proof of ongoing maternity leave monthly using Form UI-4 to continue receiving payments.

Maternity Leave Duration

Pregnant workers are entitled to at least 4 consecutive months of maternity leave. By law, you cannot return to work within 6 weeks after giving birth. You can claim up to 121 consecutive days of benefits, depending on your UIF credit days (calculated based on the last 4 years of employment). For every 6 months worked, you earn 1 month of benefits, up to a maximum of 4 months.

How Much Can You Expect from UIF?

UIF maternity benefits range from 38–58% of your salary, up to a maximum of R12,478 per month (approximately R155.89 per day). For example:

  • If your salary is R12,478 or more, you’ll receive about R4,676 per month.
  • If your salary is R5,000 per month, expect about R2,188 per month (R72.96 per day).
  • If your salary is R3,000 per month, expect about R1,428 per month (R47.62 per day).

Use the UIF maternity benefit calculator to estimate your exact benefit amount.

Note: If your employer pays a portion of your salary (e.g., 75%), you can claim the balance (e.g., 25%) from UIF, but the total cannot exceed 100% of your salary.

When to Submit Your Application

Applications can only be submitted once you stop receiving your full salary from your employer. The Department of Labour’s system will reject applications submitted before this. Ideally, apply as soon as your maternity leave begins, but you can prepare documents up to 8 weeks in advance.

Payment Timelines

Once submitted, it takes approximately 3–6 weeks for your application to be approved and the first payment to be made. Payments are made only for days you provide proof of being on maternity leave. After approval, submit Form UI-4 monthly to continue receiving payments.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I claim if my employer pays part of my salary?

Yes, you can claim the balance from UIF if your employer pays less than 100% of your salary. For example, if they pay 75%, you can claim the remaining 25% from UIF, up to the maximum benefit amount.

Can I claim if I’ve claimed maternity benefits before?

Yes, you can claim again, even within 4 years of a previous maternity claim. However, if you’ve claimed other UIF benefits (e.g., unemployment or illness) in the last 4 years, you may not qualify. Contact the Department of Labour to check your status.

Can I claim if I own my own business?

This can be challenging. Contact the Department of Labour to discuss your options, as special arrangements may apply.

Can I claim if I’m paid by the hour?

Yes, calculate your average monthly salary and UIF contributions by adding the last 6 months’ earnings and contributions, then dividing by 6. Use these figures on Forms UI-19 and UI-2.7.

Can I claim if I miscarry or have a stillborn child?

Yes, you can claim for 6 weeks if you miscarry in the third trimester or have a stillborn child.

Is UIF maternity benefit taxed?

No, UIF maternity benefits are not taxed by SARS, as they are considered social security support.

Who cannot claim maternity benefits?

  • Workers who don’t contribute to UIF (required for those working over 24 hours per month).
  • Non-South African citizens without a valid bar-coded ID or passport.
  • Workers who claimed other UIF benefits (e.g., unemployment or illness) in the last 4 years (check status with the Department).

Contact Information

For assistance in Grahamstown, contact Claire at the Department of Labour: 046 622 2104.

General UIF queries: Call the UIF Call Centre at 0800 030 007 or check your claim status via *134*843# on your phone.

Track your application or submit documents online at uFiling.

Ready to apply? Use the UIF maternity benefit calculator to estimate your benefits and start your application today!