The UIF allows for spouses or beneficiaries of contributors to apply for relief benefits. This could help support dependants complete school or help maintain their standard of living after the breadwinner has passed away.
Required Documentation When applying For UIF Dependant Benefits
- 13 Digit Bar Coded/Smart card ID, Passport or Asylum Seekers Permit for both dependents and deceased death certificate.
- Death certificate of the deceased contributor. (Only South African burial order issued by the Department of Home Affairs will be accepted).
- For Children: in the case of a guardian, proof of guardianship is required if applicable, a letter confirming that a minor is still in school and a birth certificate will be required. For Spouse: Marriage certificate.
- For Partner: Lobola letter or an affidavit in case of life partner.
- Proof of schooling is required for dependants who are between the ages of 21 and 25.
You have to complete and submit all the above mentioned documentation and information. This can be submitted at a department of labour center or done on the uFiling website.
Qualifying Conditions
- The surviving spouse/life partner must apply for benefits within 18 months from the date of death of the contributor.
- A dependent child can only apply if the spouse/life partner has not applied.
- Children must also apply for benefits within 18 months from the date of death of the contributor.
- If the surviving spouse failed to apply in the 18 months after the death of the contributor, the guardian of the child/children under the age of 18 can apply.
- Children between the ages of 21 and 25 can also apply.
- Children of a deceased contributor between the ages of 21 and 25 can apply for benefits.
- They must have been wholly dependent on the deceased contributor.
- Maximum credits of 365 are paid once every 4 years.
- Contributors are allowed to nominate their own beneficiaries provided there is no surviving spouse/life partner.
