Estimate your UIF payout instantly. Based on the official sliding scale — 38% to 58% of your salary. Free, accurate, no sign-up needed.
38–58%of your salary
R17,712max monthly payout
365 daysmax claim period
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UIF Benefit Calculator
Enter your details below for an instant estimate
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📊 Your Estimated UIF Benefit
Estimated Monthly Payout
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Based on your salary and benefit rate
Daily Benefit
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Benefit Rate
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Credit Days
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Total Max Payout
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38% (high earner)Your rate58% (low earner)
⚠️ Estimate only. This is based on the official 2026 UIF sliding scale formula. Actual payments may vary. Visit uFiling for your official assessment.
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How to Claim UIF in South Africa — Step-by-Step
Lost your job? Been retrenched? Here's exactly how to claim your Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) benefits. You can apply online via uFiling or in person at your nearest Labour Centre.
1
Gather your documents before applying
You need your SA ID, last 6 payslips, UI-19 form from your employer, proof of dismissal or retrenchment, and your bank account details. See the full checklist below.
2
Register on uFiling (online method)
Visit uifonline.labour.gov.za. Click "Register", enter your SA ID number, and create a username and password. Activate your account via the confirmation email or SMS.
3
Submit your claim online
Log in to uFiling, go to "Apply for Benefits", select "Unemployment Benefits" (or Maternity/Illness). Upload all required documents and submit. You'll receive a reference number.
4
Track your claim status
Check your status online via uFiling under "Benefit Payments" > "View My Claims". Or dial *134*843# from any mobile phone (no data needed). Allow 4–8 weeks for processing.
5
Continue registering as a work-seeker
You must visit your Labour Centre to sign the register every 4 weeks to keep your UIF claim active. Bring your white UIF card each time.
Can't apply online? Visit your nearest Labour Centre with all documents. Find your nearest office at labour.gov.za.
UIF Documents Checklist 2026
These are the documents required to apply for UIF unemployment benefits. Having everything ready before you apply speeds up your claim significantly.
Document
Details
Status
South African ID
Green barcoded ID or smart ID card. Certified copy if in person.
Required
UI-19 Form
Your employer must complete this form when you leave. Ask HR/payroll.
Required
Last 6 Payslips
Used to calculate your average salary for the sliding scale benefit rate.
Required
Proof of Termination
Retrenchment letter, dismissal letter, or contract expiry notice.
Required
Bank Account Details
Account must be in your name. Include bank name, account number, branch code.
Required
Medical Certificate
Only needed for illness or maternity UIF claims.
If applicable
Death Certificate
Only for dependants claiming on behalf of a deceased contributor.
If applicable
💡 Tip: If your employer hasn't given you a UI-19 form, contact the Department of Employment and Labour at 0800 030 007 (toll-free) for assistance.
Frequently Asked Questions — UIF 2026
UIF benefits are calculated on a sliding scale between 38% and 58% of your average salary. Lower-income earners receive a higher percentage. The maximum monthly payout is capped at R17,712 (2026). Use our calculator above to get your personalised estimate based on your exact salary.
You can claim 1 credit day for every 6 days you worked while contributing to UIF, up to a maximum of 365 days (12 months). Credit days accumulate over a 4-year period. If you worked 2 years consistently, you'd have approximately 122 credit days available.
UIF payments typically take 4–8 weeks after you submit a complete application with all required documents. You can check your claim status at any time using the uFiling portal or by dialling *134*843# from any phone (no data needed).
No. If you are receiving UIF payments, you do not qualify for the SASSA SRD R370 grant. SASSA's system now syncs regularly with the Department of Labour's UIF database. If SASSA detects you received UIF for a specific month, your SRD grant will be declined for that month.
"No Employee Found" means your employer has not submitted your details to the UIF database. You must contact your employer urgently and ask them to register you and submit your contributions. If they refuse or are unresponsive, contact the Department of Labour on 0800 030 007.
"Sent to Assessor" means your documents have been received and are undergoing final review by a UIF assessor. This is a positive status — your claim is progressing. Processing after this stage typically takes 2–4 weeks. You don't need to do anything; just wait and check regularly.
Generally, no. UIF unemployment benefits are for people who lost their jobs through retrenchment, dismissal, contract expiry, or company closure — not voluntary resignation. Exceptions exist in rare cases involving harassment, unsafe working conditions, or constructive dismissal, but these require strong evidence and legal guidance.
The UIF uses a sliding scale to ensure fairness. Workers earning lower salaries receive a higher percentage (up to 58%) of their salary as a benefit, while higher earners receive a lower percentage (minimum 38%). The formula is: Benefit Rate = 29.2% + (7,248/daily salary). The daily benefit is capped at R594 regardless of salary.
Ready to claim your UIF?
Apply online at uFiling or visit your nearest Labour Centre. You have up to 6 months from the date you became unemployed to apply.