Frequently Asked Questions
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What is UIF?

Unemployment Insurance Fund which was established because of The Unemployment Insurance Act No. 63 of 2001 (Republic of South Africa).

What is UIF Maternity Benefits?

In terms of Section 24, expectant mothers are entitled to benefits during the period of pregnancy and delivery as prescribed by the UIF (Maximum of 4 months).

Categories of workers not covered by the scope of the ACT

  • Workers working less than 24 hours a month for an employer.
  • Learners.
  • Public servants.
  • Foreigners working on contract.
  • Workers who get a monthly State (old age) pension.
  • Workers who are self employed (if you are a sole proprietor and do not have registered company).
  • Workers who are non-contributors.
  • For the updated ACT  log on www.labour.gov.za

 

Do I qualify to claim?

If you have been contributing to UIF you do qualify to claim for maternity benefits provided you did not collect UIF claim ( retrenchment ) in the last 4 years. If you have claimed for maternity in the last 4 years, you still qualify to claim.

How much will I get paid?

Due to the new ACT implemented on 01/02/19 benefits have increased .Please contact us on This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it / This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Is the amount taxable?

No, UIF is tax free.

I recently started working for my current company; will I get paid all the 4 months I will be on leave?

Please note that each six months you have worked entitles you 1 month of maternity benefits up to a maximum of 4 months. It does not mean that you will get paid more than four months just because you have been contributing to the UIF for the past 10 years but it means you can only be paid less than four months if you have started working recently. If you have changed jobs in the last 4 years, your previous employer will have to complete the form UI.19 in order for you to qualify for 4 months maternity benefits.

I do not live in Johannesburg will I be able to use your service?

Our service is nationwide, anyone who has accessible email address can use our service

How soon will I receive my first payment?

Please note that your forms can only be sent to the Department of Labour when your leave commences and the processing normally takes Minimum of 4 weeks (unfortunately we have no control over that. Your first payment is available once your application is processed and the proof of your child’s birth is submitted to the Department of Labour).

I had a miscarriage will I still claim?

Yes, you are liable for six weeks maternity leave and you can still claim UIF.

Is there a time frame in submitting my claim?

Yes, you can only submit your claim within 6 months from the date your baby was born. You can not claim UIF if your baby is older than 6 months, meaning that your UIF money will be forfeited.

How soon should I apply with Mother'sjoy?

Anytime after your third  trimester but we will only submit your original application forms to the Labour Department on commencement of your leave. (you can not contribute or work and claim UIF at the same time).

Am not pregnant , Can i still utilise Mothersjoy UIF  services?

Yes,  you can utilise our services, please check our services and fees for more information

How will I know if my employer is paying  the deducted UIF to the department of labour?

You can contact any labour centre of your choice and give them your ID number and your employer’s name, they will check for you.

Still not sure?

Please kindly send us an email or visit the Department of Labour website at www.labour.gov.za

Department of Labour call centre numbers:

(012) 012 309 5072/3/4 (Pretoria)

(011) 861 6130 / 907 6097/6081/6338 (Alberton)

(011) 345 6300 (Germiston)

(051) 633 2633 (Aliwal North )

(015) 516 0207/1025 ( Limpopo, Makhado )

(013) 712 3066/3353 (Mpumalanga , Barberton).

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