UIF Dependant’s Benefits

A worker’s spouse, life partner or children have the right to claim benefits from the Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) when the worker dies. Dependants must apply and will be paid 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 to -

• 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?

Dependants cannot claim if the worker –

• got benefits from –
  • the Compensation Fund; or
  • an unemployment fund (as defined in the Labour Relations Act); 
  • was suspended from claiming because of fraud.

Spouses or life partners can claim when a worker dies.

Dependent children can claim only if –

• there is no spouse or life partner; or
• the spouse or life partner does not claim within 6 months of the worker’s death.

Based on Legislation in Section 14, Section 30, Section 36, of the Unemployment Insurance Act

When must I claim?

Dependants must claim within 6 months of the worker’s death. Based on Legislation in Section 30, of the Unemployment Insurance Act

How do I claim?

Dependants must fill in the application forms and hand them in, together with other required documents, at a labour centre. Based on Legislation in Section 31, of the Unemployment Insurance Act

Benefits

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. Based on Legislation in Section 34 of the Unemployment Insurance Act

            
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

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