Employment and Labour relaxes processes to minimise physical contact during Coronavirus COVID-19 lockdown

Unemployment Insurance Fund relaxes processes to minimise physical contact during the lockdown

The Unemployment Insurance Fund has relaxed adherence to its processes by allowing claims to be paid without mandatory source documents for those clients who are already receiving payment benefits from the Fund.

Clients who are receiving unemployment insurance benefits are normally expected to go to  Labour Centres on a monthly basis to sign a continuation form, which serves as proof that the client is still unemployed.

To avoid movement and reduce contact, clients will be contacted via short message service (sms) functionality for them to confirm unemployment status and banking details. The sms functionality will only be implemented in the lockdown period.

New claims applications for normal UIF benefits such as unemployment (reduced work time), maternity, illness, adoption, and parental can be sent either by email or fax to:

Claims applications can also be done online at www.uFiling.co.za, the Guide to Electronic Claims is available on www.labour.gov.za .

Employers who are unable to pay the full salaries of workers during the lock down period can apply for the Covid19 Temporary Employer-Employee Relief Scheme (Covid19TERS). Employers are advised to send their applications to Covid19ters@labour.gov.za , and enquiries about the scheme can be made at 0800 030 007, which operates from Monday – Friday between 08h00 – 17h00.

Media enquiries:
Lungelo Mkamba
UIF Deputy Director: Communication
Cell: 079 889 0719

Makhosonke Buthelezi
UIF Director: Communication and Marketing
Cell: 071 491 7236