General information regarding UIF Maternity Benefits
The Basic Conditions of Employment Act gives pregnant workers the right to take maternity leave.
The Unemployment Insurance Act and Unemployment Insurance Contributions Act apply to all employers and workers, but not to -
· workers working less than 24 hours a month for an employer;
· learners;
· public servants;
· foreigners working on contract;
· workers who get a monthly State (old age) pension; or
· workers who only earn commission.
Claiming Maternity Benefits
Workers on maternity leave must apply for benefits at their nearest labour centre in person or organise for someone to go in their place. They must take the necessary documents with them. Workers on maternity leave have the right to claim from the UIF.
If workers want to claim maternity benefits they should use the following steps:
Step 1: Get the documents ready
Before workers can claim, they must get the following documents ready:
Step 2: Go to the nearest labour centre
Pregnant workers must go to the nearest labour centre themselves and hand in the documents. If they are too ill, they can organise for someone else to go in their place. Staff at the labour centre will assist them with all the processes and give them more information.
Step 3: Follow all the instructions of the staff at the labour centre
Staff at the labour centre may ask pregnant workers to go to the doctor again or to visit the labour centre at certain times. Workers should do what they ask, or they may not be able to claim.
Number of Leave Days
Pregnant workers are entitled to at least 4 consecutive months of maternity leave.
Contact Details
The Department of Labour’s contact details are:
Telephone Number: (012) 309 5050
Fax Number: (012) 320 5627
Street Address: Cnr Skinner and Andries Street, Pretoria
Operating Hours: 07:30 to 16:00 (Monday to Friday)