Calculate Your UIF Unemployment Benefits
Instant estimates built on the latest South African UIF regulations. Know your payout for unemployment, maternity, or illness in seconds.
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Enter your average salary and the date range you need covered. We use UIF’s official sliding scale to estimate your daily and monthly benefits.
Quick UIF Estimate
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Complete Guide to UIF Benefits in South Africa (Updated 2026)
Everything you need to know about claiming UIF – who qualifies, how much you get, and how to apply.
Adoption Benefits
Application for Adoption Benefits must be submitted within 6 months after the court issues the adoption order. To qualify, the adopted child must be younger than 2 years, and only one of the adopting parents can apply for the benefit, which covers the time spent caring for the child.
The benefit amount is calculated as the difference between any pay received from your employer and the prescribed UIF benefit rate, ensuring your total income does not exceed 100 percent of your normal salary. Your employer must declare any pay given during the adoption leave. Subject to available credits, benefits can be claimed for up to 365 days within a four-year cycle.
Can I Claim If My Spouse Passed Away?
A surviving spouse or life partner must apply for benefits within 18 months from the contributor’s date of death. A dependent child may only apply if the spouse or life partner has not claimed within 14 days after the 18-month period ends.
A child aged between 21 and 25 may also qualify if they are a student or learner and were wholly dependent on the deceased contributor. Subject to available credits, benefits can be paid for a maximum of 365 days within a four-year period.
Contributors may nominate their own beneficiaries for the death benefit only when there is no surviving spouse, life partner, or child.
How Much Will I Get From UIF?
The calculation of benefit days is based on earning one day of credit for every four days worked. If you have contributed for four years or more, you qualify for up to 365 days of benefits.
For Maternity and Adoption claims, the maximum period payable is capped at 121 days. The amount you receive is based on a sliding scale, calculated from a percentage of your previous salary.
The total benefit amount is capped at approximately R65,000.
How to Apply for UIF – Step by Step
You can apply for UIF by visiting your nearest Labour Centre or by submitting an online application through the uFiling portal. Before applying, consider estimating your benefit using UIF calculators such as those on uifcalculators.co.za. You will need essential documents such as your bar-coded ID, the last six payslips, and a UI-19 form from your employer. If applying online, ensure you first create an account on the uFiling platform at uifonline.labour.gov.za before submitting your claim.
Documents Needed (Unemployment)
- 13-digit bar-coded ID or passport
- UI-19 form (from employer)
- Last 6 payslips
- Bank details & proof (UI-2.8)
- Proof of registration as a work seeker
Documents Needed (Maternity)
- 13-digit bar-coded ID or passport
- UI-19 form (from employer)
- UI-2.7 form (maternity application)
- Last 6 payslips
- Bank details & proof (UI-2.8)
- Original birth certificate or medical certificate
Documents Needed (Illness)
- 13-digit bar-coded ID or passport
- UI-19 form (from employer)
- UI-2.2 form (illness application)
- Last 6 payslips
- Bank details & proof (UI-2.8)
- Comprehensive medical certificate from a doctor
UIF Status Meanings
The initial statuses show the application's early processing stage. No Employee Found means your employer has not submitted your details, and you must contact them immediately. If the status shows Application in Progress, the UIF has received your claim and is verifying your documents. When it changes to Sent to Assessor, your documents are undergoing final review.
Once reviewed, statuses such as Assessed (a decision has been made) and Approved (you qualify for payment) will appear. After approval, payment statuses follow: Payment Reserved means funds have been allocated, and Payment Processed means the UIF has released the payment to your bank, though it may take a few days to reflect.
If your status shows Rejected, the claim was unsuccessful due to issues such as insufficient credits or late submission—but you may appeal. Submission for Continuation of Benefits (COB) indicates you have successfully submitted documents to continue receiving payments after the initial period.
UIF Benefits FAQ (2026)
Answers to the most common questions about UIF benefits in South Africa, including payments, eligibility, and application timelines.
UIF payments typically take 4–8 weeks after submission of a complete application. This may vary depending on case complexity, document accuracy, and the Department’s workload.
Applications with all required documents and accurate information are processed faster. Track your claim via the uFiling portal using your reference number.
Yes, you may work while receiving UIF benefits, but you must declare any income earned. Your benefits may be reduced or suspended depending on what you earn.
Always report new employment or income to avoid penalties. UIF is intended to support job seekers, not to provide income while already earning.
If your claim is rejected, you will receive a written notice explaining the reason. Common reasons include incomplete documents, missing the 12-month deadline, or voluntary resignation.
You can appeal within 90 days to the UIF Appeals Committee by submitting a written appeal with supporting documents addressing the rejection reasons.
UIF benefits are calculated on a sliding scale from 38 percent to 58 percent of your gross monthly salary. Lower-income earners receive a higher percentage.
Benefits are capped at R17,712 per month (2026). The scale ensures fair support across all income levels.
Generally, no. UIF benefits do not cover voluntary resignation. They are meant for retrenchment, dismissal (except gross misconduct), contract expiry, or company closure.
Exceptions exist in rare cases like harassment or unsafe conditions, but these require solid evidence.
UIF benefits depend on your credit days, earned at one day of benefit for every five days worked. You can accumulate up to 365 days (about 12 months) of benefits.
Long-term contributors (4+ years) may qualify for the maximum duration, while newer workers have shorter benefit periods.
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