Last Updated on September 21, 2023 by ufiling
In South Africa, the Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) is a social security system that provides short-term relief to workers who have lost their jobs or who cannot work due to certain types of illness or maternity. Here are the eligibility criteria for UIF:
- You must be a contributor to the UIF: All employees who earn a salary of up to R17,712 per month are required by law to contribute 1% of their salary to the UIF, and employers are required to match this contribution. If you have been contributing to the UIF, you may be eligible for benefits.
- You must have lost your job: You can claim UIF if you have been retrenched, your contract has ended, or your employer has closed down. You cannot claim UIF if you resign from your job or are dismissed for misconduct.
- You must have worked for a certain period: To be eligible for UIF, you must have worked for at least 24 months in the 36 months immediately before you became unemployed. If you have been on maternity leave, you can claim UIF even if you have not worked for the full 24 months.
- You must be available and actively seeking employment: You must be able and willing to work and actively seeking employment while you are receiving UIF benefits.
- You must not be receiving any other income: You cannot claim UIF if you are receiving a pension or if you are receiving any other income while you are unemployed.