About applying for normal benefits

When your employer terminates your service, you can apply to the Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) for benefits.

The benefits are only available to you if you have been contributing to the UIF during your period of employment.

You cannot claim if you have resigned, been suspended or absconded from work, unless the particular resignation is deemed as a constructive dismissal by the CCMA. You can only claim for UIF if your employment contract has been terminated, your fixed contract has expired without renewal or your services are terminated as a result of the employer being insolvent.

To qualify, you must register as a work seeker and declare yourself as capable of and available for work. You must apply for the UIF benefits as soon as you become unemployed or within six months of the termination of your employment.

If you were contributing to the UIF monthly, your benefits will be calculated by multiplying your monthly remuneration by 12 and then dividing it by 365.

If you were contributing weekly, your benefits will be calculated by multiplying your weekly remuneration by 52 and dividing it by 365.

What you should do

• Visit your nearest labour centre.
• Complete application forms.
• Submit your valid identity document or passport. 
• In the event of termination of contract, ask your employer to forward a declaration in the form of a UI-19 or an electronic declaration directly to the UIF stating the reasons for the termination of your employment to UIF offices.
• The claims officer will investigate your application and, if necessary, request further information regarding your continued unemployment.
• If the claims officer is satisfied with your application he will:
• approve your application
• determine the amount of benefits
• authorise the payment of the benefits; and stipulate when you must report to the UIF office to confirm that you have been unemployed for the period in respect of which you are claiming unemployment benefits and that you are capable of and available for work. 
• If your application does not comply with the provisions of this Chapter, the claims officer must advise you in writing that your application is defective and give reasons why it is defective.
  

Note: Remember to give the correct banking details confirmed by your bank.

Timeframe

The UIF promises to process or finalise your claim within five weeks of receiving your application and all relevant documents.

How much does it cost

The service is free.

Forms to complete

• Application to pay UIF benefits into banking account, ID: UI-2.8
• Information of employee for declaration, ID UI-19
  

Who to contact

Your local Labour Centre or phone (012) 337 1680 to get the details of the nearest Labour Centre.