The Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) is a crucial social safety net for South African workers.

It provides financial support to those who lose their jobs through no fault of their own. 

Knowing your UIF balance is essential for planning your finances, especially if you’re considering a career change or anticipating a potential job loss. 

UIF Balance Check

The UIF offers several convenient ways to check your balance. 

The method that best suits you will depend on your access to technology and personal preferences. Here’s a breakdown of the available options:

1. uFiling Online Platform:

uFiling is the Department of Employment and Labour’s (DEL) online portal designed to streamline UIF interactions for employers and employees.

It allows you to not only submit UIF declarations and contributions but also access your UIF account information.

Here’s how to check your balance using uFiling:

  • If you haven’t already, visit https://ufiling.labour.gov.za/ and register for a uFiling account. Existing users can log in using their login credentials.
  • Once logged in, locate the “My UIF” section on the dashboard.
  • Within “My UIF,” you should find a section displaying your current UIF balance.

2. USSD Service:

For those without consistent internet access, the UIF offers a convenient USSD service accessible through any mobile phone with an active signal.

Here’s how to utilize this service:

  • Dial 134843#: Open your phone’s dial pad and enter the USSD code 134843#. This will initiate a menu on your phone screen.
  • Select “Claims and Payment Status”: From the displayed menu options, navigate to “Claims and Payment Status” using the corresponding number displayed.
  • Enter ID Number: You will be prompted to enter your South African ID number.
  • View Balance: Upon successful verification, your current UIF balance will be displayed on your phone screen.

3. Contacting the UIF Call Centre:

If you encounter difficulties with the online or USSD service, you can directly contact the UIF call centre for assistance. Here are the contact details:

  • Phone Number: 0800 030 011 (toll-free within South Africa)
  • Operating Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM (South African Standard Time)

4. Visiting a Labour Department Office:

While less convenient than the aforementioned methods, you can also visit your nearest Department of Labour office to inquire about your UIF balance.

Be prepared to present valid identification documents for verification purposes.