You must apply for UIF benefits as soon as you become unemployed or within six months of losing your job. Learn more about unemployment benefits or get in touch with the UIF.
How long do you have to work in South Africa to be eligible for unemployment?
You get one day’s credit for every six days you work, up to a maximum of 238 days. To earn the maximum number of credits, you must work for four years. You can claim for the number of days’ credits you have accumulated if you have worked for less than 238 days.
How long do you have to work before you can claim UIF?
UIF can be claimed for a period of 12 months if you have all of your credit days. Credits are earned in the following manner: for every four days worked as a contributor, you receive one day’s credit, up to a maximum of 12 months. You must have worked as a contributor for more than four years to be eligible for the full credit days.
How do I apply for a job in South Africa?
To make a claim under the UIF, you must go to your nearest Labour Office or register and claim online. You will be asked to sign the unemployment register there. You will be notified when you need to return to sign the register again.
If I resign, will I be eligible for UIF?
When your employer terminates your employment, you can apply for benefits from the Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF). The benefits are only available if you have contributed to the UIF while working. You cannot file a claim if you have resigned, been suspended, or gone missing from work.
