UIF Maternity Benefits

Workers on maternity leave have the right to claim from the UIF. Workers 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.

Claiming

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 you are on maternity leave. Based on legislation in Section 14, Section 24, Section 36, of the Unemployment Insurance Act

When must I claim?

Workers must apply at least 8 weeks before their child is born. Based on Legislation in Section 25 of the Unemployment Insurance Act

How long can I claim for?

Workers can claim for 17 weeks. Workers who miscarry in the third trimester or have a stillborn child can claim for six weeks. Based on Legislation in Section 24, of the Unemployment Insurance Act

How do I claim?

Workers must fill in the application forms and, together with other required documents, hand it in at a labour centre.

Benefit Payments

How will I be paid?

Benefit payments can be collected from a labour centre of your choice. Based on legislation in Section 23, of the Unemployment Insurance Act

Tax

No tax is payable on the benefits. Based on Legislation in Section 34 of the Unemployment Insurance Act

Overpayments

If you get more money than you should, you must pay back the extra money. 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