Currently, the contribution rate for the UIF is 2% of the worker’s gross salary. Of this percentage, half (1%) is paid by the employer and the other half (1%) is paid by the worker. This means that, to be entitled to the UIF benefit, the worker must have contributed at least 1% of his gross salary while employed. It is important to remember that the fund also offers other types of benefits, such as maternity leave, paternity leave, sick pay and Social Assistance for Accidents (SRD).

The minimum contribution time to qualify for the Unemployment Insurance Fund is 13 weeks of continuous contribution, i.e. approximately three months. This means that, to be eligible for the UIF unemployment insurance benefit, the worker must have contributed to the fund for at least 13 consecutive weeks before becoming unemployed. In addition to the contribution time, the worker must have been involuntarily dismissed from the job and cannot have left voluntarily or for just cause.

There are some workers who are exempt from paying the Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) fee. These exemptions apply to low-income workers and some specific sectors of the economy. Low-income workers, who earn less than R2,050.00 per month, are exempt from paying the contribution fee to the UIF. However, these workers need to apply to the fund and qualify for UIF benefits if they become unemployed.