There are five different types of benefits you can claim from the UIF
Unemployment benefits, illness benefits, maternity benefits, adoption benefits and dependant benefits. The value of the benefit you are claiming depends on how much you were earning when you were contributing to the fund and how long you were a contributor. You do not pay tax on UIF benefits. The benefits, as they stand currently, are as follows:
UNEMPLOYMENT
You must apply to the Department of Labour for unemployment benefits within six months of becoming unemployed. You can claim benefits for a maximum of 34 weeks (238 days), depending on how long you contributed to the UIF. You cannot claim if you resign or you abscond, but you can claim if you were on a contract that ended, as long as the employer – not you -terminated your services, or if you were fired. In order to claim benefits, you have to register as a work-seeker with the Department of Labour. Registering as a work-seeker means that suitable employment, where available will be offered to you. The department will contact you should suitable employment become available. Staff at the labour centre may ask unemployed workers to go for training or advice or to visit the labour centre at certain times. If you refuse any employment offered and your refusal is regarded as unreasonable, or you refuse to go for training, or you refuse to go for advice you may lose your benefits or they may be suspended. Domestic workers can claim if:
– You work for more than one employer and you lose one of your jobs; or
– Your employer dies.
ILLNESS
If you are ill and are unable to work for 14 consecutive days or more and you are not receiving a salary or are receiving only part of your salary, you can claim illness benefits for a maximum of 34 weeks, or 238 days.
MATERNITY
When you take maternity leave, you are entitled to claim maternity benefits for a maximum of 12 days. Lf you have a miscarriage the third trimester you can claim for six weeks (42 days). You are also entitled to claim if your employer pays you only a portion of your normal wages or salary while you are on maternity leave. You should apply for maternity benefits when your employer stops paying your full wages or salary. If you do not apply within six months of the birth of your child, the benefits will lapse. The benefit is based on the period for which you were employed and contributed to the fund, and the income you were earning when you went on maternity leave.
ADOPTION
You can claim adoption benefits when you adopt a child under the age of two and take unpaid leave or receive only part of your salary while you are at home caring for the child. Only one partner or spouse may claim if a couple adopts. You must apply within six months of the adoption order being issued. You are entitled to receive benefits for a maximum of 238 days. You can claim from the day the court orders the adoption until your benefits are used up, or you go back to work.
DEPENDANT BENEFITS
lf your spouse or life partner who contributed to the UIF dies, you can claim a dependant benefit, even if you ate employed. You must apply for the benefit within six Months of your spouse or life partners’ death. A Child dependant of the deceased who is under 21, Or a child of the deceased who is under 25 and who is a learner and who was wholly or manly dependent on the deceased can claim dependant benefits if the spouse or life partner does not claim within six months of the death. Dependent benefits are payable for a maximum of 238 days; the benefit is based on the income the breadwinner was earning when he or she died.
WHO’S NOT ENTITLED TO BENEFITS
You are disqualified from receiving UIF benefits if:
– You receive payments from the Compensation Fund;
– You receive benefits from any other scheme established by the Labour Relations Act;
– You resign from your job;
– You fail to comply with the provisions of the UIF Act;
– You refuse training or advice;
– You are suspended from receiving benefits, or
– You claim benefits fraudulently.
Reference: Laura du Preez