The Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) has resumed its campaign of processing UIF payments to teaching assistants. Education Assistants and General School Assistants have been encouraged to apply for the UIF benefits they are entitled to.
The Basic Education Employment Initiative (BEEI) created employment opportunities for unemployed youth around South Africa. More than 850,000 employment opportunities were created for individuals between the ages of 18 and 34 years old during the first three phases of the programme.
Phase four of the BEEI is set to begin in February 2023. However, youth employed during the first three phases of the programme are not eligible to apply for jobs in the programme's fourth phase.
This means that thousands of youth who were previously in employment may require some financial support in the coming months. Teaching assistants who participated in the first three phases of the BEEI are entitled to apply for UIF benefits.
The UIF provides temporary financial support to workers who previously contributed to the fund. All workers in South Africa are required to contribute to the UIF.
Teaching assistants are eligible to receive UIF benefits as they previously contributed to the fund. Their UIF contributions were deducted from their monthly remuneration before being paid into their bank accounts.
To date, the UIF has processed R36.5 million to 7,750 contributors.
As of 9 January until 20 January 2023, the Fund will be processing and paying out claims in the Zululand District Municipality are as follows:
- 9-10 January 2023: Nuwe Republiek Primary School Vryheid.
- 11-12 January 2023: Masibumbane High School in Ulundi.
- 13, 16 and 17 January 2023: Bhekuzulu High School in Nongoma.
- 18-19 January 2023: Pongola Akademie.
- 20 January 2023: Paulpietersburg Primary School.
The Department of Employment and Labour said teaching assistants must have a valid Identity Document or valid Passport Documents, a fully charged smartphone with data, and proof of account (banking details).
