Can I claim UIF if I retire South Africa?

There are no benefits linked to age or retirement at all in the UIF Main Act that relates to the benefits payable. Unemployment benefits are strictly intended for employees who have involuntarily lost their employment.

There are the 5 pillars of benefits under which you can apply for benefits:

  • Unemployment benefits
  • Illness benefits
  • Maternity benefits
  • Adoption benefits
  • Dependants’ benefits

The purpose of UIF is to accommodate workers who have (involuntarily) lost their job or income due to retrenchment and dismissal, (illness or pregnancy, adoption and death).

A quick summary of when you can claim from the 1st pillar are the following:

  • Your contract of employment has been terminated;
  • Your fixed term contract has ended and not been renewed;
  • You’ve been dismissed (or fired) from your job, as defined by section 186 of the Labour Relations Act ’95;
  • You or your employer has been declared insolvent, in terms of the Insolvency Act, 1936;
  • Your contract of employment has been terminated by the death of your employer;

And you’re registered as a work-seeker with a Labour Centre And you are capable of and available for work.

At the end of each month, the employer is required to submit a declaration to the Department of Labour containing one of the following reasons and if an employee had left your employment one of the following (yellow) reason codes would be on the UI19

The following employment status codes are valid:
01: Active
02: Deceased (death benefits)
03: Retired
04: Dismissed
05: Contract ExpiredUIF Act and Retirement
06: Resigned
07: Constructively Dismissed
08: Employer’s Insolvency
09: Maternity / Adoption Leave
10: Illness Leave
11: Retrenched
12: Transfer to Another Branch
13: Absconded
14: Business Closed

If the reason code is 03 – Retired – no unemployment benefits are available online. However, if the employee believes that they are entitled to benefits, the employee is asked to visit the office with a completed UI2.11, signed by the employer, on which they have declared whether the contract was terminated by the employer or the employee. If the employee has terminated the contract, or has agreed to the termination of contract, there are no benefits due, only if the employer has stated that there was an involuntary benefit.

See also  Can you claim UIF if you retire at 55?

There is confusion as to the reasons when the DOL see a reason ‘code 03’, and there have been discussions around whether it should say, voluntary retirement, i.e. no benefits due.

Below is an extract that makes it pretty clear what the intention of the act is:

Question:
If I decide to retire at 60 instead of 65 can I claim UIF?

Answer:
There is a difference between unemployed, and being retired. The purpose of UIF is to tie over workers who have (involuntarily) lost their job or income due to retrenchment, dismissal, illness or pregnancy. It is implied that these workers will attempt to get back into the job market. If you retire early, you do so voluntarily, with the assurance that you have a pension to support you. So early retirement does not entitle you to a UIF benefit, otherwise everyone would be doing it.


Top 15 Online Courses and Degrees to improve your employability

Technology and Computer Science Online Courses and Online degrees:

– Computer Science 101 Online Course from Stanford University through edX is a beginner-friendly course that introduces the core concepts of Computer Science, available for free with an option for certification for a fee.
– Programming for Everybody Online degree — Getting Started with Python** by the University of Michigan on Coursera is intended as an entry-level coding class, freely accessible with an optional paid certificate.

See also  Who can I contact about my UIF claim?

Web Development: Online Courses and Online degrees

– Introduction to HTML offered by Codecademy covers HTML basics for free, with advanced options available through paid upgrades.
– Dash by General Assembly is a free course that teaches HTML, CSS, and JavaScript through hands-on project learning.

AI and Data Science: Online Courses and Online degrees

Introduction to Big Data Online Courses provided by the University of San Diego via Coursera delves into the fundamentals of big data, available at no cost with a certificate available for an extra charge.
Machine Learning Online Degrees by Stanford University on Coursera is a broad course on machine learning, data mining, and statistical pattern recognition, free to access with optional certification.

Business and Management: Online Courses and Online degrees

The PG Diploma in Data Science Online Course from IIIT-B focuses on a variety of programming languages and tools and is developed in partnership with leading industry players.
– A Business Analytics Certification Online degree draws attention especially for those targeting analyst and managerial roles, covering essential tools for analytics and data visualization.

Cloud Computing: Online Courses and Online degrees

– The Advanced Certification in Cloud Computing is targeted at engineering graduates looking to fill roles such as Cloud Developer or Cloud Architect.

Project Management and Software Development: Online Courses and Online degrees

Online degrees in Project Management from leading universities incorporate essential management concepts and business communication.
– The MSc. in Computer Science Online degree from Liverpool John Moores University provides the same level of quality and exposure as on-campus degrees through an 18-month online format.

See also  What is South Africa's unemployment problem?

Cybersecurity: Online Courses and Online degrees

The Advanced Certificate Programme in Cyber Security by upGrad and IIIT-B offers an in-depth learning experience over 12 months, combining content hours, projects, and live sessions.

Platforms Offering Diverse Learning Opportunities: Online Courses and Online degrees

FutureLearn offers accelerated courses, microcredentials, and professional certificates across multiple fields with various payment options including subscriptions.
Coursera partners with over 275 universities and organizations worldwide, offering a wide range of degrees and professional certificates.
Udacity specializes in IT and technology courses, with nanodegrees and programs designed in collaboration with industry leaders.
– Codecademy focuses on coding and programming, providing free learning opportunities in various coding languages with additional professional development programs.

These courses and degrees are designed to equip individuals with in-demand skills across various sectors, enhancing employability and providing valuable certifications. Whether interested in technology, data science, business, or other areas, these online resources offer flexible and comprehensive ways to learn and advance in your career.