When should I apply for maternity pay?

Last Updated on September 21, 2023 by ufiling

In SA, working moms get up to four months of paid maternity leave. In order to take care of your newborn without too many financial worries, you’ll need to fill in a few documents and pay a visit (or three) to the Department of Home Affairs. But here’s a rough guide for new moms looking to claim UIF maternity benefits:

You can claim UIF Maternity Benefits if:

  • You are a South African citizen in possession of a valid green bar-coded ID Book
  • Are a foreign national with a valid passport and meet basic UIF Maternity Benefit criteria
  • You pay UIF contributions on a monthly basis
  • You are adopting a kid under the age of two years old
  • Are self-employed, and you are a member of a Closed Corporation or a Company

You can NOT claim UIF Maternity Benefits if:

  • You work less than 24 hours a month for any given employer
  • You are a student
  • You work as a public servant
  • You receive a monthly state pension
  • You only earn commission

Documents you’ll need to claim UIF Maternity Benefits

After the birth of your baby, you will need a total of 8 documents in order to apply for and claim maternity benefits in South Africa. These include:

  • Two recent payslips
  • A bank statement
  • An original ID or passport or a certified copy of either one of these documents
  • Banking details and a completed form UI-2.8
  • A completed UI-2.7 form, completed by your employer, stating a record of all the funds you received as an employee during your time of employment
  • A completed form UI-2.3, which is the UIF Maternity Benefits application form
  • A medical certificate or your baby’s birth certificate as proof that you actually had a baby
  • A completed form UI-4 (follow up form), which ensures the continuation of payment of maternity benefits
See also  How early can you take maternity leave?

Where to claim maternity benefits in South Africa

New moms will have to go to their nearest labour centre in order to submit the documentation before they can receive maternity benefits.

You can expect compensation of between 38% and 58% of your gross monthly salary when applying for your UIF Maternity Benefits.  New moms are entitled to between one and four month’s salary for every six months they have worked.


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.

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.

See also  How do I check my UIF maternity balance?

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.

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.

See also  How many months can you claim UIF maternity?

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.