What UIF is for
The Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) is a social security scheme, separate from income tax, that provides short-term financial relief to workers who lose income through no fault of their own. It's not a savings account tied to your individual contributions — it's a pooled fund, similar in concept to unemployment insurance schemes in other countries.
Who contributes, and how much
Both you and your employer contribute 1% of your gross monthly salary each, for a combined 2% going into the fund every month. Your contribution is capped once your salary passes the UIF earnings ceiling — see the current figure on our tax tables page — so higher earners don't pay UIF on their full salary, only up to the ceiling.
Almost all employees are covered, with a small number of exceptions — for example, workers employed for less than 24 hours a month, and certain categories of public servants who have their own separate schemes.
What UIF actually pays out for
UIF isn't only for retrenchment. You can claim under several circumstances:
- Unemployment — after being retrenched, dismissed, or your fixed-term contract ending
- Maternity leave — a portion of income during the period you're off work
- Parental/adoption leave — for the qualifying parent
- Illness — if you're unable to work for more than 7 days due to illness
- Dependant's benefit — paid to dependants if a contributor passes away
UIF does not pay out if you resign voluntarily without good cause, or if you're dismissed for misconduct.
How much you can claim
The benefit amount is based on an income replacement rate that's higher for lower earners and lower for higher earners (a sliding scale), and is paid for a limited number of days based on how long you contributed. Broadly, for every 6 months you contributed, you accumulate about 1 day of benefit, up to a maximum of 365 days over a four-year cycle. Because the exact calculation depends on your full contribution history, the only fully accurate figure comes directly from the Department of Employment and Labour's UIF system — this site's UIF calculator estimates your monthly contribution, not your potential payout amount.
How to claim UIF
Claims are submitted through the Department of Employment and Labour, either online via the uFiling system or in person at a labour centre, using your UI-19 form (issued by your last employer) along with your ID and bank details. Processing typically takes a few weeks once all documents are correctly submitted — the most common cause of delay is an employer failing to submit the UI-19 declaration on time.
Related reading
UIF Calculator — work out your monthly contribution.
How PAYE Works — understand the other deduction on your payslip.
Frequently asked questions
Who qualifies to claim UIF?
Employees who have contributed to UIF and lose their job through retrenchment or dismissal (not misconduct), go on maternity or parental leave, or become unable to work due to illness, generally qualify to claim.
Can I claim UIF if I resign?
No. UIF does not pay out if you resign voluntarily without good cause, or if you're dismissed for misconduct.
How long does it take to receive UIF payments?
Processing typically takes a few weeks once all documents are correctly submitted. The most common cause of delay is an employer failing to submit the UI-19 declaration on time.
How do I apply for UIF?
Claims are submitted through the Department of Employment and Labour, either online via the uFiling system or in person at a labour centre, using your UI-19 form, ID, and bank details. See the UIF calculator to work out your contribution first.