UIF Status, What does it mean?

The Unemployment Insurance Fund is a social security scheme in South Africa that provides financial support to eligible employees who become unemployed.

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It is mandatory for most employed individuals in South Africa to contribute to the UIF for their own good. 

What Does UIF Status Mean?

Your UIF status is an indicator of your current standing within the Unemployment Insurance Fund.

It reflects whether you are actively contributing to the fund and, consequently, your eligibility to claim benefits should you become unemployed.

These are the two main UIF statuses:

  1. Active: This status signifies that you are currently making contributions to the UIF through your employer’s payroll deductions. An active status means you are eligible to claim benefits if you lose your job involuntarily, become temporarily disabled, or take maternity leave (subject to meeting specific qualifying criteria).
  2. Inactive: An inactive UIF status indicates that you are not currently contributing to the fund. This could be due to various reasons, such as being self-employed, unemployed for an extended period, or working in a sector exempt from UIF contributions.  An inactive status means you won’t be eligible for UIF benefits until you start contributing again and meet the qualifying waiting period.

How to Check Your UIF Status

Knowing your UIF status helps you to plan for your future. These are the two main ways to check your UIF status:

1. Online via the UIF website:

The Department of Employment and Labour (DEL) offers a user-friendly online portal to access your UIF information. Here’s how to check your status online:

  1. Visit the UIF website: https://ufiling.labour.gov.za/
  2. Click on “Claims” in the top menu bar.
  3. Select “Client Login” and proceed to log in using your ID number and UIF reference number (if you have one). If you haven’t registered yet, click on “Register” to create an account.
  4. Once logged in, go to the “My UIF Status” section to view your current status.

2. Contacting the UIF Call Centre:

If you encounter difficulties accessing the online portal, you can always reach out to the UIF Call Centre for assistance. Here are the contact details:

  1. Phone Number: 0800 030 007 (toll-free)
  2. Operating Hours: Mondays to Fridays from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM (South African Time)