How to Claim UIF After Resigning in South Africa Quitting a job is not an easy decision to make and it often brings about some form of confusion especially with regards to finances. The Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF), as the title suggests, is meant to lose income able individuals back into employment.
Understanding UIF Eligibility After Resignation
Generally, the UIF’s aim is to provide support to individuals who involuntarily lose employment such as in cases of retrenchment, termination of contract or other similar situations beyond their control which are otherwise not self-induced actions. However, there are certain instances when one may lodge a claim for the UIF benefits even in the event that they voluntarily resigned.
How to Claim UIF After Resigning
Registering at a labour centre
Step 1: Get the necessary information (ID numbers and addresses of employers and workers) ready before visiting a labour centre near you.
Step 2: Get the UI-8 (commercial employers) or the UI-8D and UI-19 (domestic/private employers) forms from your nearest Department of Labour office.
Step 3: Fill in the forms. Employers must complete the forms for both themselves and their workers. This form of registration of workers asks for an employer reference number. However, if the employer does not have a reference number yet, this part can be left open. The UIF will create a reference number and send it to the employer.
Step 4: Hand in the forms to the labour centre staff.
What employers may not do:
- Deduct more than 1%
- Deduct outstanding amounts when they fall behind with payments
- May not ask for a fee deducting the money.
If employers deduct too much money by accident, they must pay the extra money back to workers.
Unemployed workers can apply for benefits at their nearest labour centre in person. They must be registered as work-seekers and take the necessary documents with them.
There are different procedures for claiming the various benefits available:
Claiming unemployment benefits
If you want to claim from the UIF you need to go to your nearest Labour Office or register and claim online. There you will be asked to sign the unemployment register. You will be told when you need to come back and sign the register again. You will have to sign every four weeks to show that you still need to claim the UIF benefits.
You must go back to the office and sign the register on the correct date. If you are ill, you must take a doctor’s certificate with you to the labour centre.
You will be given a white card, which the UIF officer will sign each time you sign the register.
If everything is in order, you should start getting money from the fund within eight weeks of registering. The money will then be paid every four weeks, until all the benefits are used up.
If you don’t receive your money in eight weeks, you should phone the Labour Centre and ask them to find out why there is a delay. Remember to have your name and ID number ready.
You will receive a slip every time you receive money so that you can see how much you have received and how much you can still get.
To claim unemployment benefits you need to have:
- A copy of 13-digit bar-coded identity document.
- A copy of your last six payslips.
- Information supplied by your employer (UI-19).
- A service certificate from the employer.
- Proof of registration as a work seeker.
- A fully completed registration form.
If you want to receive unemployment benefits you need to be prepared to:
- Go for training or career counseling if the UIF officer asks you to.
- Be available for work. If you are offered work, you need to be ready to work.
- Go to different companies to ask for work. You will get a form that needs to be signed showing that you have looked for work and that there are no jobs available.
You need to collect your unemployment benefits from the Labour Office on the date they said the money will be there. You have to collect the money yourself and you must have your white card and ID book with you.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I claim UIF if I resign voluntarily?
In most cases, no. Voluntary resignation usually disqualifies you.
When can I claim UIF after resigning?
Only in special cases like medical reasons or forced resignation.
How do I apply for UIF after resigning?
You apply through uFiling with supporting documents.
What documents are needed for UIF claims?
ID, UI-19 form, payslips, banking details, and resignation proof.
How long does UIF take to pay?
It may take a few weeks after approval.
Can I claim UIF if I start a new job?
No. UIF stops once you are employed again.
What is constructive dismissal?
It is when an employee is forced to resign due to unbearable conditions.
How much UIF will I get?
Usually between 38% and 60% of your salary.
Can UIF reject my resignation claim?
Yes, if it is voluntary without valid reasons.
Where do I check my UIF status?
You can use the uFiling system.
Can I appeal a UIF rejection?
Yes, you can request reconsideration.
Do I need employer approval to claim UIF?
Your employer must submit UIF documents, but approval is done by UIF.
Can I claim UIF while unemployed?
Yes, if you meet eligibility requirements.
Is UIF compulsory in South Africa?
Yes, for most employees and employers.
What is uFiling?
It is the official online UIF management system.
What happens if documents are missing?
Your claim may be delayed or rejected.
Can domestic workers claim UIF after resignation?
Yes, if they meet UIF conditions.
How do I check UIF payment progress?
Through uFiling or UIF offices.
Can UIF help after retrenchment?
Yes, retrenched workers usually qualify.
What is UIF credit days?
They determine how long you can receive benefits.
