UIF (Unemployment Insurance Fund) is South Africa’s mandatory short-term safety net. Employers and employees each contribute 1% of the employee’s remuneration, capped at R17,712/month (R177.12 each side, R354.24 total).
Benefits draw on credits accumulated through past contributions: 1 day of benefit for every 4 days worked, up to a maximum of 365 days. The income replacement rate is sliding — lower-earners get up to 60% of their previous wage, higher-earners about 38%.
You can claim UIF for unemployment (other than dismissal for misconduct), illness, maternity (17.32 weeks), adoption, parental leave, or to a dependant on the contributor’s death. Claims are filed via uFiling or at a Labour Centre and typically take 4–8 weeks to process.