Easy-Aid Guide for Employees for UIF Benefits
The Minister of Employment and Labour has announced measures that the Department will put in place as required under the current special circumstance relating to the Corona virus (COVID-19) and its impact on UIF contributors.
The Unemployment Insurance Fund will compensate affected workers through a new “National Disaster Benefit” and its existing the Illness, Reduced Work Time and Unemployment benefits.
This new “National Disaster Benefit” and any other normal UIF benefit is only applicable to employers who are registered with UIF and make monthly contributions as required by the Contributions Act of 2002.
National Disaster Benefit
The employer may decide, as a direct result from the current Corona virus (COVID-19) pandemic to close their business for a period and send employees home. This constitutes a temporary lay-off. If the employer cannot pay his employees for this period, the employer can apply for the “National Disaster Benefit” from the UIF.
This benefit will be de-linked from the UIF’s normal benefit structure and therefore the normal rule that for every 4 days worked the employee accumulated 1 credit day and maximum credit days payable is 365 for every 4 completed years will not apply.
This benefit will be at a flat rate equal to the minimum wage (R3 500) per employee for the duration of the shutdown or a maximum period of three months, whichever period is the shortest.
If an employee is ill, temporary lay-off or unemployed for longer than three months, the normal UIF benefits as explained below will apply.
COVID-19 Temporary Employee / Employer Relief Scheme view here>
