The Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) gives short-term relief to workers when they become unemployed or are unable to work because of maternity, adoption and parental leave, or illness. It also provides relief to the dependents of a deceased contributor.
The Unemployment Insurance Fund provides benefits to people who lost their jobs as a result of Illness, Maternity leave, Adoption leave, and Parental leave. Benefits are also provided for employees who had reduced work time.
What is the Unemployment Insurance Fund (“UIF”)?
- The UIF is a fund created to lighten the effects of unemployment for a short period of time.
- An employer and their employee must each contribute 1% of the employee’s salary to the UIF monthly (“contributions”) in exchange for UIF payments (“benefits”). It is the employer’s responsibility to register an employee and pay these contributions over to the UIF.
- When an employee (“contributor”) becomes unemployed or is unable to work, they may claim benefits from the UIF. Also, when an employee dies, the dependents of that employee may claim benefits from the UIF.
When your employer terminates your service, you can apply to the Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) for benefits. This also applies to those who are employed seasonally, such as farm workers who work during certain times of the year.
What UIF Benefits Do Seasonal Workers Get?
Seasonal workers receive UIF to support themselves during the times of the year when they are not employed, and thus not receiving an income, almost similar to a temporary employee.
One of the most basic requirements in order to qualify for UIF benefits, is that you (as an employee) must have been working for more than 24 hours since you became employed.
Who Can't Claim UIF Benefits?
The benefits are only available to you if you have been contributing to the UIF while you worked. You cannot claim if you have resigned, been suspended or absconded from work.
The following employers and employees are not covered by the law relating to unemployment and may not claim from the UIF:
- an employee that works less than 24 hours a month, or
- independent contractors.
To qualify for benefits, you must register as a work seeker. You must apply for the UIF benefits as soon as you become unemployed or within six months of the termination of your employment.
UIF claims can either be submitted at a labour centre or through the uFiling website online.
You will then be notified regarding the outcome of your claim after it has been processed. Benefits are paid based on the contributor's available credits.
