UIF Panic? Here’s How to Be the Expert Clients Call First
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Your client just walked in, panicked. They’ve been let go, or their domestic worker has. They’re not sure what to do, and they’re looking to you for answers. This is your moment to step up as the expert who not only files returns, but protects livelihoods. This guide breaks down UIF: who qualifies, when and how to claim, what to watch out for, and how to make the process work for your clients—and your own team.
Who Can Claim?
Let’s get straight to it. UIF is not a free-for-all. You (or your client) can only claim if:
You were an employee working more than 24 hours a month.
You were legally employed and UIF contributions were made (1% from the employer, 1% from the employee).
This includes domestic workers—as long as they’re registered and paid up.
It also includes legal foreign workers who contributed.
And you can only claim for specific reasons:
Unemployment: retrenchment, end of contract, or dismissal (not misconduct).
Illness: if you’re booked off work long enough.
Maternity: whether employed or on unpaid leave.
Adoption: where the child is under two and adopted legally.
Death: dependants of a contributor who passed away.
You cannot claim if you resigned voluntarily, were fired for misconduct, or are still earning income while claiming.
When Should You Claim?
Timing matters. Miss the deadline and the UIF won’t pay out—no exceptions.
Unemployment and illness: claim within 6 months of your last working day.
Maternity: claim before or within 6 months after the birth.
Adoption: claim within 6 months of receiving the court order.
Dependants: claim within 18 months of the contributor’s death.
Don’t wait. Submitting late is the most common reason claims are rejected.
What Are You Entitled To?
Here's where most people get it wrong. UIF doesn't pay your full salary. It’s a sliding scale, usually between 36% and 58% of your average pay, more for lower earners, less for high earners. There’s also a cap, so even if someone earned R30 000 per month, they’ll only get up to around R6 638 per month in UIF for 6 months.
You also don’t get unlimited payments. UIF pays out based on what you’ve contributed:
For every 6 days worked, you earn 1 day of benefits.
You can claim up to 238 days (about 8 months) in total, over a 4-year cycle.
Maternity and adoption leave caps at 121 days.
Only one parent can claim adoption UIF.
How to Claim UIF: Step-by-Step
This is the part your clients will get stuck on. You can walk them through it or offer it as a paid service. Either way, here’s what they need:
Step 1: Gather the Right Documents
This depends on the claim type, but the core documents include:
South African ID or passport
Last 6 payslips
UI-19: from the employer showing employment history
UI-2.8: verified banking details
Reason for termination (retrenchment letter, etc.)
Registration as a work-seeker (for unemployment claims)
Supporting docs:
Maternity: medical certificate and birth notice
Illness: medical certificate (UI-2.7)
Death: death certificate, marriage certificate or proof of dependency
Adoption: adoption court order
Step 2: Submit Your Claim
Two options:
In person at your nearest Labour Centre
Online via uFiling
Most people prefer online, but the platform can be glitchy—prepare for delays.
Step 3: Register as a Work-Seeker
For unemployment claims, you must register as a work-seeker and sign a register every four weeks (Form UI-6A). Skip a session and the payments stop.
Step 4: Wait for Payment
The first payment usually comes through within 2 to 8 weeks. After that, it’s monthly—assuming you keep signing in and meeting requirements.
Appeals: When Things Go Wrong
If a claim gets declined, there’s an appeals process:
Complete the UI-12 appeal form.
Submit to the Regional Appeals Committee.
If not resolved, escalate to the National Appeals Committee.
Make sure everything is correctly filled out. Missing a field or signature can set you back weeks.
Employer Responsibilities (That You’ll Probably Need to Fix)
If your client is the employer, this is your to-do list:
Register all employees for UIF.
Deduct and contribute 1% each, every month.
File returns and keep records of all UIF payments.
Provide a completed UI-19 when an employee leaves.
No UI-19? The employee can’t claim. That one piece of paper can be the difference between relief and ruin.
Summary Table
Make UIF Work for Them. Get Paid for Knowing How.
UIF is one of those things clients only think about when they’re desperate. But if you know the rules, and how to navigate the paperwork, you are the one they’ll turn to. Better yet, bundle UIF advisory into your HR or payroll services. Show them how to stay compliant, how to get paid when they qualify, and how to avoid mistakes that cost time and money.
You’re not just their accountant. You’re their lifeline when things fall apart.
Join CIBA for a CPD on Compliance Update here
New Rules. New Risks. New Revenue Opportunities.
Every time legislation shifts, your risk goes up—or your value does. It depends on whether you’re ahead of the curve… or scrambling to catch up.
In this month’s CIBA Compliance: Legislation Update, we’re breaking down the latest from SARS, CIPC, FIC, FSCA, PPRA, and international bodies like IFAC and IESBA—so you know exactly what to do, bill for, and adjust in your practice.
What we’ll cover:
✅ Regulatory changes you must act on
✅ Secretarial updates and compliance deadlines
✅ What’s changing in tax, accounting, and assurance
✅ What clients are asking—and how to answer
✅ How to use this knowledge to offer more services
This session is built for accountants who can’t afford to fall behind.
📅 17 July 2025
🕑 14:00–16:00 (2 CPD hours)
💻 Live Online Webinar
🎓 Free for all CIBA designation holders
💳 R230 incl. VAT for others
