UIF Adoption Benefits

Workers who adopt a baby can claim UIF benefits. Workers apply and receive payments at the labour centre of their choice.

Application

The Unemployment Insurance Act and Unemployment Insurance Contributions Act apply to all employers and workers, but not too -

• 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; or
• workers who only earn commission.

Domestic employers and their workers are included under the Act since 1 April 2003.

Who Can Claim?

You cannot claim if you –

• get benefits from –
  • the Compensation Fund for an occupational injury or disease; or
  • any other unemployment fund; or
• have been suspended from claiming because of fraud.

You can claim if your baby is –

• adopted under the conditions described in the Child Care Act;
• under 2 years old; and
• cared for by you when you are not at work.

Only one partner or spouse may claim if a couple adopts. Based on Legislation in Section 14, Section 27, Section 36, of the Unemployment Insurance Act

Benefits

Amount

The amount of benefits you can claim is calculated by multiplying the number of days you can claim for by the daily benefit amount. Based on legislation in Section 13, of the Unemployment Insurance Act

Duration

You can claim from the day the court orders the adoption until –

• your benefits are used up, or
• you go back to work.

Based on Legislation in Section 27 of the Unemployment Insurance Act

Payments

Your benefit payments can be collected at the labour centre of your choice. Based on Legislation in Section 29, of the Unemployment Insurance Act

Tax

No tax is payable on adoption benefits.

Overpayments

If you are paid more money than you should be, you must pay back the extra money to the UIF. Based on Legislation in Section 35, of the Unemployment Insurance Act

Claiming

Time Limit

You must apply for benefits within 6 months of the court ordering the adoption. Based on legislation in Section 28, of the Unemployment Insurance Act

How to Claim

You need to fill in the application forms and hand them in with the required documents at a labour centre. Based on Legislation in Section 28 of the Unemployment Insurance Act

Information provided by The Department of Labour. For more information visit www.labour.gov.za