About applying to claim UIF illness benefits
If you are an employed contributor to the Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF), but you are unable to work as a result of illness, you can apply for illness benefits at your nearest labour centre.
To qualify for the benefits, you must be receiving less than your normal wages while you are on sick leave.
If you were contributing to the UIF monthly, your benefits will be calculated by multiplying your monthly remuneration by 12 and dividing it by 365.
If you were contributing to UIF weekly, your benefits will be calculated by multiplying your weekly remuneration by 52 and dividing it by 365.
Based on your available credit days, benefits are paid up to a maximum of 238 days in any period of four years.
You must apply within six months of the illness and you are not entitled to illness benefits if you get ill for less than 14 days.
Note: If you become unemployed while on sick leave, you must inform the claims officer. You will be able to claim unemployment benefits for the period not covered by the illness benefits. If you are too ill, a friend or family member can get the forms on your behalf.