Twinkle Toes

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:

  • 13-digit bar-coded ID or passport;
  • Form UI-19 (completed by employer)
  • Form UI-2.7 (completed by employer)
  • Form UI-2.8 (for banking details)
  • Form UI-2.3 (application form)
  • Form UI-4  (follow-up form) and
  • Medical certificate from a doctor or birth certificate of the baby.

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)