How to Claim UIF For Maternity Leave As an employed female contributor to the Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF), you can apply for maternity benefits when you go on maternity leave.
What Is UIF Maternity Benefit?
The UIF maternity benefit is a financial support payment provided by the Unemployment Insurance Fund to pregnant employees who take maternity leave from work.
It helps cover income loss during:
- Pregnancy leave before birth
- Postnatal recovery period
- Complications related to childbirth
Steps to Apply UIF For Maternity Leave
The Unemployment Insurance Act and Unemployment Insurance Contributions Act apply to all employers and
workers, but not to –
• workers working less than 24 hours a month for an employer;
• learners;
• public servants;
• foreigners working on contract;
• workers who get a monthly State (old age) pension; or
• workers who only earn commission.
Domestic employers and their workers are included under the Act since 1 April 2003.
Who can Claim for UIF Maternity leave Benefit?
You cannot claim if you –
• get benefits from –
o the Compensation Fund for an occupational injury or disease; or
o any other unemployment fund; or
o have been suspended from claiming because of fraud.
You can claim if you are on maternity leave.
Based on legislation in Section 14, Section 24, Section 36, of the Unemployment Insurance Act
When must I claim?
Workers must apply at least 8 weeks before their child is born.
Based on Legislation in Section 25 of the Unemployment Insurance Act
How long can I claim for?
Workers can claim for 17 weeks.
Workers who miscarry in the third trimester or have a stillborn child can claim for six weeks.
Based on Legislation in Section 24, of the Unemployment Insurance Act
UIF Maternity leave Benefit Payments
Benefit payments can be collected from a labour centre of your choice.
Based on legislation in Section 23, of the Unemployment Insurance Act
Tax
No tax is payable on the benefits.
Based on Legislation in Section 34 of the Unemployment Insurance Act
Overpayments
If you get more money than you should, you must pay back the extra money.
Based on Legislation in Section 35, of the Unemployment Insurance Act.
How To Claim UIF Maternity Benefits
Workers on maternity leave must apply for benefits at their nearest labour centre in person or organise for someone
to go in their place. They must take the necessary documents with them.
Step 1: Get the documents ready
Before workers can claim, they must get the following documents ready:
• 13-digit bar-coded ID or passport;
• form UI-2.8 for banking details;
• form UI-2.7;
• form UI-2.3 (application form)
• medical certificate from a doctor or birth certificate of the baby; and
• form UI-4 (follow-up form).
Step 2: Go to the nearest labour centre
Pregnant workers must go to the nearest labour centre themselves and hand in the documents. If they are too ill, they
can organise for someone else to go in their place. Staff at the labour centre will assist them with all the processes
and give them more information.
Step 3: Follow all the instructions of the staff at the labour centre
Staff at the labour centre may ask pregnant workers to go to the doctor again or to visit the labour centre at certain
times. Workers should do what they ask, or they may not be able to claim.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who qualifies for UIF maternity benefits?
Employees who contribute to UIF and take maternity leave.
How much does UIF pay for maternity leave?
Between 38% and 60% of your salary.
When should I apply for UIF maternity benefits?
You can apply before or during maternity leave.
What documents are needed?
ID, UI-19 form, medical certificate, and bank details.
How long does UIF maternity payment last?
It depends on your UIF credit days.
Can I receive UIF while working?
No, benefits stop if you return to full employment.
What is UI-19 form?
A document from your employer confirming employment details.
Is UIF maternity taxable?
Generally, UIF benefits are not taxed.
Can I apply after giving birth?
Yes, but early application is recommended.
What happens if documents are missing?
Your claim may be delayed or rejected.
Do employers pay UIF maternity benefits?
No, UIF pays directly to the employee.
Can I apply on uFiling?
Yes, applications are done online through uFiling.
What is UIF credit days?
They determine how long you can receive benefits.
