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.
The unemployment insurance system in South Africa is governed by the following legislation:
- Unemployment Insurance Act, 2001 (the UI Act)
- Unemployment Insurance Contributions Act, 2002 (the UIC Act)
According to the government, these two Acts provide for the benefits, to which contributors are allowed, and the collection of the contributions to the UIF, respectively, and came into operation on 1 April 2002.
In the event of the employed contributor not being able to work due to illness, they can apply for illness benefits at their nearest labour centre during operating hours in the weekday.
Employed Contributors May Follow These Steps To Claim Their UIF Illness Benefit:
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-19 to show that they are not working;
- form UI-2.7;
- medical certificate from a doctor;
- amplifying medical report; and
- a follow-up form.
Step 2: Go to the nearest labour centre
Ill employees 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. The staff at the 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 ill 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.
Besides being ill, employees will qualify for the benefits should they be receiving less than their normal wages while they are on sick leave.
Should an employee not claim their UIF money for any of their benefits, these funds are transferred to unclaimed benefits fund and will be accessible to the relevant individuals through the proper channels.
