UIF Registration

Service Details

South African law requires all employers to register with the Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) and contribute towards the fund for employees that work more than 24 hours per month. UIF is a form of insurance that makes sure South African employees are provided for in the case of involuntary unemployment.

When must you register for UIF?

If you are an employer then you must register with the Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF). Your company must also be registered with the UIF in order to be eligible for the Government Relief Fund. Your employees will also not be able to claim UIF benefits if you are not registered for UIF.

How does UIF work in South Africa?

When your employer terminates your service, you can apply to the Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) for benefits. The benefits are only available to you if you have and your employer have been contributing to the UIF while employed. You cannot claim if you have resigned, been suspended or absconded from work.

Is it compulsory to pay UIF?

Any employee, including a domestic worker, who works for you for more than 24 hours per month must be registered with the Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) and the employer is legally obliged to make monthly payments to UIF.

How are UIF contributions calculated?

Payments are a 1% contribution from the employer plus a 1% deduction from the employee’s wages.

What is a UIF Compliance Certificate?

The UIF Certificate of Compliance confirms that your Company is in ‘good standing’ with its UIF contributions. A UIF Certificate of Compliance has recently become a compulsory compliance document for all Government Service Providers and Tender Applications.

How many months can you claim for Unemployment at UIF?

UIF can be claimed for 12 months, provided that you have full credit days. Credits accrue as follows: for every four days that you work as a contributor, you receive one day’s credit, subject to a maximum of 12 months.