UIF Calculator South Africa (2026)
Calculate your Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) payout for unemployment, maternity, illness, or adoption benefits. Enter your salary and contribution period to see your estimated daily and monthly UIF benefit, total payout, and benefit duration.
Standard unemployment benefit (retrenchment or dismissal)
UIF Benefits at Different Salary Levels
The table below shows estimated UIF unemployment benefits at different salary levels, assuming 4 years of contributions.
| Monthly Salary | IRR % | Daily Benefit | Monthly Benefit | Max Days |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| R3 000 | 60.0% | R60.00 | R1,800.00 | 238 |
| R5 000 | 60.0% | R100.00 | R3,000.00 | 238 |
| R7 500 | 58.5% | R146.34 | R4,390.24 | 238 |
| R10 000 | 51.2% | R170.67 | R5,120.24 | 238 |
| R12 500 | 46.8% | R195.01 | R5,850.24 | 238 |
| R15 000 | 43.9% | R219.34 | R6,580.24 | 238 |
| R17 712 | 41.6% | R245.74 | R7,372.15 | 238 |
| R20 000 | 41.6% | R245.74 | R7,372.15 | 238 |
| R25 000 | 41.6% | R245.74 | R7,372.15 | 238 |
| R30 000 | 41.6% | R245.74 | R7,372.15 | 238 |
* Salaries above R17,712.00/month are capped at the BCEA threshold for UIF benefit calculations.
How UIF Benefits Are Calculated
The Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) uses an Income Replacement Rate (IRR) to determine how much of your previous salary you will receive as a benefit. The IRR is calculated using a sliding scale formula:
IRR = 29.2 + (7,173.92 ÷ monthly salary × 30.67)
This means lower earners receive a higher percentage of their salary (up to 60%), while higher earners receive a lower percentage (down to approximately 38%). The maximum insurable monthly earnings for 2025/2026 is R17,712 (R212,544 per year), which is the BCEA earnings threshold. If you earn more than this amount, your UIF benefits will be calculated on R17,712.
Your daily benefit is calculated by multiplying your daily earnings (monthly salary divided by 30) by the IRR percentage. You accumulate 1 credit day for every 4 days worked, and can claim benefits for up to 365 days total depending on the type of benefit and your contribution history.
UIF Maternity Benefits Explained
UIF maternity benefits are available to all women who have contributed to UIF for at least 13 weeks in the last 4 years. The benefit is calculated using the same IRR formula as unemployment benefits and is paid for up to 121 days (approximately 17.32 weeks or just over 4 months).
You can apply for maternity benefits from 8 weeks before your expected due date. Your employer must complete the UI-4 form, and you will need your ID document, your baby's birth certificate (once born), and proof of your last 6 months' earnings. Maternity UIF benefits are paid in addition to any maternity leave pay your employer provides, though most employers offset UIF payments against their maternity pay.
Adoption benefits follow the same calculation and duration as maternity benefits (121 days). The adopting parent can claim from the date the adoption order is granted.
How to Claim UIF
Follow these steps to claim your UIF benefits in South Africa:
Visit www.ufiling.co.za and create an account, or visit your nearest Department of Labour office.
You will need: your South African ID, service certificate from your employer (UI-19), last 6 months' payslips, banking details, and a completed UI-2.8 form.
Complete the online application on uFiling or submit your documents at a Labour Centre. For unemployment claims, you must apply within 6 months of losing your job.
For unemployment benefits, you must report to the Labour Centre every month to sign on and confirm you are still looking for work.
Once approved, UIF benefits are paid directly into your bank account. Processing typically takes 2–8 weeks after submission.
UIF Contribution Requirements
Both employers and employees contribute 1% of the employee's salary to UIF, for a total contribution of 2%. The employer deducts 1% from the employee's salary and adds their own 1% contribution. UIF contributions are capped at the maximum insurable earnings of R17,712 per month.
To qualify for UIF benefits, you must have contributed for at least 13 weeks (approximately 3 months) in the last 4 years. The longer you have contributed, the more benefit days you accumulate. You earn 1 credit day for every 4 days worked, up to a maximum of 365 days over the full 4-year cycle.
Domestic workers, seasonal workers, and employees working more than 24 hours per month are all covered by UIF. Independent contractors, public servants, and workers who work fewer than 24 hours per month are excluded. Employers who fail to register or contribute face penalties under the Unemployment Insurance Contributions Act.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does UIF pay per month?
UIF pays between 38% and 60% of your previous monthly salary, depending on your earnings level. Lower earners receive a higher percentage. For example, someone earning R5,000 per month would receive approximately R2,745/month (54.9%), while someone earning R15,000 would receive approximately R6,939/month (46.3%). Benefits are calculated on a maximum insurable salary of R17,712 per month.
How long can I claim UIF?
The duration depends on your contribution history and the type of benefit. For unemployment and illness, the maximum is 238 days (34 weeks). For maternity and adoption, it is 121 days (17.32 weeks). You earn 1 credit day for every 4 days worked, so if you worked for 4 years continuously, you would have accumulated the maximum credit days. You must have at least 13 weeks of contributions in the last 4 years to qualify.
How is UIF maternity benefit calculated?
UIF maternity benefits use the same Income Replacement Rate (IRR) formula as unemployment benefits. The percentage ranges from 38% to 60% of your salary on a sliding scale. Maternity benefits are paid for a maximum of 121 days (17.32 weeks). You can apply from 8 weeks before your expected due date and must have contributed to UIF for at least 13 weeks.
What percentage of salary does UIF pay?
UIF uses a sliding scale: lower earners receive up to 60% of their salary, while higher earners receive approximately 38%. The exact percentage is calculated using the formula IRR = 29.2 + (7,173.92 / monthly salary × 30.67). At R5,000/month the IRR is about 55%, at R10,000 it is about 51%, and at R17,712 (the cap) it is about 42%.
How do I claim UIF online?
You can claim UIF online through the uFiling portal at www.ufiling.co.za. Register for an account, complete the application form, and upload your supporting documents (ID, service certificate, payslips, banking details). You can also apply in person at any Department of Labour office. For unemployment claims, apply within 6 months of losing your job.
Can I claim UIF if I resigned?
Generally, no. UIF unemployment benefits are intended for workers who were involuntarily separated from employment through retrenchment, dismissal, or contract expiry. If you resigned voluntarily, you typically do not qualify for unemployment benefits. However, if you can prove constructive dismissal (forced to resign due to intolerable working conditions), you may be able to claim. Note that maternity, illness, and adoption benefits can still be claimed regardless of how your employment ended.
Click here to join our telegram channel and stay up to date with load shedding and related news!