Maternity leave is compensated leave. These payments are given in accordance with the Unemployment Insurance Act. A worker who contributes to UIF is eligible for a maternity benefit ranging from 38% to 60% of average earnings in the previous six months, depending on the covered person’s income level. Maternity benefits are paid for 17.32 weeks.
The Basic Conditions of Employment Act provides and regulates maternity leave.
Female employees are entitled to at least four months of uninterrupted maternity leave (17.32 weeks). Maternity leave may begin four weeks before the projected date of confinement, or sooner if a medical practitioner certifies that it is required for the worker’s or her child’s health. In addition, unless a medical practitioner authorizes her, a worker is not permitted to work within six weeks following the birth of a child.
In the event of a miscarriage or stillbirth during the third trimester of pregnancy, the woman is entitled to six weeks of leave from the date of the miscarriage or stillbirth, regardless of whether she had begun maternity leave at the time of the miscarriage or stillbirth.
The expectant worker must tell her employer in writing at least four weeks before the start of maternity leave and when she plans to return to work after maternity leave.
How much does the UIF maternity benefit cost?
The UIF benefit ranges from 38 to 58% of your earnings (up to a maximum of R12478). As an example: If your monthly pay is R12478 or above, you will be paid R155.89 each day (about R4676 p.m.). You are not permitted to receive more than the maximum amount.
