UIF pays 38% to 60% of your salary for up to 238 days

The Unemployment Insurance Fund is a separate entitlement from anything your employer pays you.

What it pays

Between 38% and 60% of your average monthly salary, for up to 238 days — roughly eight months of support.

The percentage depends on your earnings level, with lower earners receiving a higher replacement rate.

UIF and severance are separate

Receiving severance pay does not disqualify you from UIF. You are entitled to claim both.

Apply within six months

You have six months from your last day to apply. Apply immediately, not when you need the money — processing takes time.

The UI-19

Your employer must submit a UI-19 form declaring your termination. It can be submitted:

• At any Department of Employment and Labour office
• Online via the uFiling portal
• Through an accredited employer on uFiling

Failure to submit is a statutory breach under the Unemployment Insurance Act.

You can lodge a complaint with the Department for non-submission — independently of any CCMA proceedings. That is a separate route worth knowing.

The certificate of service

You need it for your UIF claim, and your employer must provide it within seven days of termination.

Your leave payout

Accrued but untaken annual leave must be paid out at your normal daily rate on termination, regardless of the reason — retrenchment, resignation or dismissal.

The calculation: remaining leave days × daily rate, where the daily rate is your monthly salary ÷ 21.67.

That divisor is specific. A calculation using 30 produces a lower figure.

Notice pay

Under BCEA Section 37: one week if employed six months or less, two weeks if more than six months but under a year, and four weeks at a year or more.

Your contract may require longer. Payment in lieu is permitted.

If your employer fails to submit the UI-19

Complain to the Department of Employment and Labour. It is their statutory obligation, not yours.