The Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) provides a number of benefits in the form of short-term financial relief to workers who are unemployment or unable to work. A worker's inability to work can be due to a number of reasons, including: maternity leave, adoption and parental leave, or illness.
In order to qualify to receive benefits, employees must work for more than 24 hours per month and be registered with the UIF.
This means, domestic workers are indeed covered by UIF, granted that they work for more than 24 hours per month and are registered with the UIF by their employers.
Employers can register employees through one of the following methods:
- Telephonically at 012 337 1680.
- Send an e-mail to [email protected] .
- Send physical mail to: The UIF, Pretoria, 0052
Alternatively, you can visit your nearest Labour Centre in order to register your employee.
A number of documents and information will be needed in order to complete the registration process. The documents needed, include:
- The employer's 13 Digit South African ID.
- The employee's valid 13 Digit South African ID number.
- The employee's employment details.
- Your e-mail address, which will be used for all correspondence.
- Your banking details, as well as a valid branch code. These bank details will be used for the payment of the UIF contributions.
How UIF benefits work for domestic workers
The employer will be tasked with deducting 1% for every worker they employ, as well as an additional 1% from the domestic worker's payment.
This will bring the total contribution to 2% in payments made to the UIF. This percentage must be paid for the duration of the employee’s work contract with their employer.
Making these payments will ensure that the employee is protected and can claim UIF benefits in the event of unemployment or their inability to work.
