Benefits
Apply for the Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF)
UIF is the guarantee every employee needs to be sure he can support his family in difficult times. Below is how you can request this help!
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Receive a federal pension of up to R17,712 monthly while looking for a new job

Apply for the Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) and access financial assistance in times of unemployment.
Apply for federal assistance to receive up to one year of pension while you search for a job. Find out how to request this help below!
Who is eligible for the program?
To apply to the Unemployment Insurance Fund, a worker must meet the following criteria:
- Be a South African citizen, permanent resident, or foreign national with a valid work permit;
- Have contributed to the UIF through regular deductions from your salary;
- Becoming unemployed or unable to work due to illness, maternity or adoption, or other specified circumstances;
- Be registered as a job seeker with the Ministry of Labour;
- Be available and willing to work and actively look for a job.
Finally, workers dismissed for misconduct or who resigned from their jobs without a valid reason may not be entitled to this benefit.
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What documents do you need to provide?
To apply to the Unemployment Insurance Fund, you will need to provide the following documents:
- Your South African ID or passport if you are a foreigner;
- Your employment contract, if any;
- Proof of your recent employment (most recent paycheck or a letter from your employer confirming your employment and earnings);
- A copy of your bank statement;
- A completed form UI-2.8 (available from the Department of Employment and Labor or the Department’s website);
- Copy of your baby’s birth certificate (for maternity benefits).
Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) application

Indeed, there are several ways to apply to the Unemployment Insurance Fund. Discover each of these below:
Apply for the Unemployment Insurance Fund online
You can apply for UIF benefits online on the Department of Employment and Labor website.
To do so, you will need to register for an account on the portal. Then fill in the online application form and upload the supporting documents.
In-person application
You can visit the nearest UIF processing center to apply in person. To do so, you will need to fill out a UI-2.8 form.
In addition, you must provide your documents and the completed form to an official of the UIF.
Apply for Unemployment Insurance Fund by email
You can also email your application and supporting documents to the UIF. To do this, you will need to download and fill out the UI-2.8 form.
I then scanned your supporting documents and sent them to [email protected].
After applying, track your application on the Department of Employment and Labor website.
Indeed, the processing of UIF benefits can take several weeks.
Find other assistance programs: Social Relief of Distress
The Government of South Africa stands ready to reach out to families in times of need.
With Social Relief of Distress, you can receive cash or food aid. To learn how to count on this help, see the following post!
Apply for the Social Relief of Distress: find out how
Apply to Social Relief of Distress and receive cash or food aid in time of need. Find out how to use this program here!
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