Lost your Job? Here’s How to claim UIF benefits in 2025
South Africa’s economy continues to be under pressure with companies shutting down cutting jobs
Image: File
South Africa’s economy continues to be under pressure with companies shutting down cutting jobs and freezing hiring as they battle rising costs and slow growth.
IOL previously reported that S&P Global Ratings downgraded the country's economic growth forecast for 2025 following a subdued gross domestic product (GDP) print in the first quarter.
According to Statistics South Africa, the country’s official unemployment rate stands at 32.9%, highlighting how difficult it remains for many to find work.
As many people continue to lose their jobs in this tough economic climate, the Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) offers short-term financial relief to workers who lose income due to retrenchment, illness, maternity, or other valid reasons.
Both employees and employers contribute 1% of each of the employee’s gross monthly salary to the fund, up to a cap of R17,712/month.
What is UIF?
The Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) gives short-term relief to workers when they become unemployed or are unable to work because of maternity, adoption and parental leave, or illness. It also provides relief to the dependants of a deceased contributor
There are five different types of benefits payable by the Fund:
- Unemployment benefits;
- Illness benefits;
- Maternity benefits;
- Adoption benefits;
- Dependents’ benefits.
Who can claim from the UIF
To qualify for benefits, you must:
- Have contributed to UIF while employed
- Have lost income due to reasons beyond your control
- Be registered with the Department of Employment and Labour
- Submit your claim within six months of job loss or income reduction
You cannot claim if:
- You were dismissed for misconduct
- You resigned voluntarily
- You work less than 24 hours per month.
How much will you get?
The UIF doesn’t pay your full salary it’s a partial income replacement based on your previous earnings.
How it's calculated
- Average Daily Wage
- (Monthly Salary × 12) ÷ 365
- Capped at R17,712/month
- Income Replacement Rate (IRR)
- Ranges between 38% and 60%, depending on your salary.
- Daily UIF Benefit
- IRR × Daily Wage
- Total Claim
- Daily Benefit × Credit Days
- If you’ve contributed 4+ years, you can claim for up to 365 days
- If less than 4 years, you earn 1 credit day for every 6 days worked
How to claim
- Visit the filing portal
- Register and complete your claim form
Visit the labour centre with
- Your ID or passport
- Latest 6 months' payslips
- Dismissal or retrenchment letter
- Proof of banking details
Processing time
- Initial payment: 6–8 weeks
- Ongoing payouts: Every 4 weeks
What's new
- Salary cap raised to R17,712/month (previously R14,872)
- Maximum monthly contribution now R354.24 (R177.12 each from employer and employee)
- Digital claims have been improved, though in-person follow-up is often still required
mthobisi.nozulela@iol.co.za
IOL Business