Kaya Digital
The Minister of Employment and Labour has announced measures that the Department will put in place as required under the current special circumstance relating to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) and its impact on UIF contributors.
The Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) will compensate affected workers through a new “National Disaster Benefit” and its existing Illness, Reduced Work Time and Unemployment benefits. The benefit and any other normal UIF benefit is only applicable to employers who are registered with UIF and make monthly contributions to the Unemployment Insurance Fund.
How it works:
An employer may decide, as a direct result from the current Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic to close their business for a period and send employees home. This constitutes a temporary lay-off. If the employer cannot pay his employees for this period, the employer can apply for the “National Disaster Benefit” from the UIF.
The benefit will be at a flat rate equal to the minimum wage (R3 500) per employee for the duration of the shutdown or a maximum period of three months, whichever period is the shortest.
If an employee is ill, temporary lay-off or unemployed for longer than three months, the normal UIF benefits as explained below will apply.
How to apply:
Completed documentation can be submitted:
- Online at www.ufiling.co.za. (Illness benefits)
- Email the application to the nearest UIF processing Centre. (Illness/ Reduced Work Time/Death benefits)
- Fax the application to the nearest UIF processing Centre. (Illness/ Reduced Work Time/Death benefits)
Application forms can be downloaded from the Department of Employment and Labour website: www.labour.gov.za.
Download the easy guide by clicking here.
Further employer guides available here.



