UIF Login & uFiling Portal Guide (2025)

Thousands of South African workers in 2025 rely on the Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) when they lose jobs, take maternity leave, or face illness. But one of the biggest frustrations is struggling with UIF login problems — from forgotten passwords to the uFiling portal crashing during peak hours.

The solution is knowing exactly how to use the UIF login system step by step. In this guide, you’ll learn how to register for UIF, log in to the uFiling portal, reset your password, fix common login issues, and even use alternatives like the USSD code or WhatsApp service.

This article is written to cover every aspect of UIF login 2025 so you never waste time chasing payments or status updates.

How to Access UIF Login Portal

  • Official website: www.ufiling.labour.gov.za
  • Entity managing portal: Department of Employment and Labour
  • Purpose: Apply for UIF, check status, update details, submit employer forms
  • Availability: Free, 24/7 access via computer or mobile

New users must first register by creating a UIF account. Provide your ID number, email, mobile number, and banking details. Confirm your email, set a secure password, and then log in.

How to Register for UIF (New Users & Employers)

1. Registration for Individuals

  1. Visit www.ufiling.labour.gov.za
  2. Click “Activate my uFiling account”
  3. Enter South African ID number and personal details
  4. Provide email address and cellphone number
  5. Create a username and password
  6. Confirm registration with OTP
  7. Login and start using uFiling

2. Registration for Employers

Employers must register to declare employee contributions. Required forms include:

  • UI-19 Form (employee details & service termination)
  • UIF Salary Schedule Form (monthly contributions)

Step-by-Step UIF Login Process

  1. Visit the uFiling Login Page
  2. Enter your username and password
  3. Click Login
  4. Choose what you need:
    • Submit a new UIF claim

    • Track claim progress (Submitted → Pending → Approved → Paid)

    • Update bank details

    • Download UIF forms

How to Reset UIF Login Password

If you forget your password or get locked out:

  1. Click “Forgot Password” on the portal
  2. Enter your ID number + email/phone
  3. Receive an OTP code (via SMS/email)
  4. Enter OTP → Create a new password
  5. Log in again

☎️ If this fails → call UIF at 0800 030 007 or visit a Labour Centre.

UIF Login via USSD Code & Alternative Access

Sometimes the uFiling site is down. These alternatives help:

  • USSD Code: Dial 134843#

    • Enter ID number → get UIF status instantly

    • Works on any mobile phone

  • WhatsApp Service: UIF has tested WhatsApp bot access (check official updates).
  • Call Centre: 0800 030 007
  • In-person: Visit Labour Centres for manual updates

Common UIF Login Problems & Fixes

Problem Cause Fix
Invalid ID or Username Wrong entry / not registered Re-check ID, register new profile
Portal Not Loading Server overload Try after hours (evenings work faster)
Account Locked Too many failed attempts Reset with OTP or call UIF
No OTP Received Outdated email/phone Update details at Labour Centre
Payment not showing Employer not submitting UI-19 Request employer compliance

Using uFiling for Claims & Payments

Once logged in, you can:

  • Apply for UIF Benefits (Unemployment, Illness, Maternity, Adoption, Dependants)
  • Upload documents (ID, payslips, medical certificates)
  • Track UIF status (Pending, Approved, Paid)
  • Update banking details to ensure payments
  • Download claim receipts

UIF Benefits You Can Access Online

  • Unemployment Benefit – for retrenched/terminated workers
  • Illness Benefit – if unable to work temporarily
  • Maternity Benefit – up to 4 months of support
  • Parental/Adoption Benefit – for new parents
  • Dependants Benefit – for family of deceased contributors

UIF Login Security & Best Practices

  • Only log in via uFiling.gov.za
  • Never share login details
  • Use strong passwords
  • Enable email/SMS alerts for claim updates
  • Log out after each session

Real User Experiences (UGC Snippets)

🗣️ “At 2 pm the portal crashed, but at night it worked in seconds.” – Reddit user

🗣️ “I couldn’t log in until my employer uploaded my UI-19 form. After that, my status updated.” – UIF claimant forum

🗣️ “The OTP sometimes takes 5–10 minutes. Be patient, it eventually arrives.” – Facebook UIF group

1. UIF Status Check Via uFiling Portal

Follow these steps to check your UIF status Online;

  1. Open the Web browser of your mobile phone or laptop. Then, visit the official website of www.labour.gov.za uif claim status check balance.
  2. On the home page, go to the main menu, and then navigate to UIF Benefits.
  3. Old user have to just log in to their user. Whereas younger ones have to create an account by signing in and then, logging into their account.
  4. After successful login, you are on the homepage. In the dashboard click on profile.
  5. You see multiple options among them choose “UIF Status Check”.
  6. No you have to fill in the required fields. Enter your ID Number in the desired field.
  7. Tab the “Submit” button for further processing.
  8. In a while your UIF status is shown on the screen.
  9. If you want then verify the other information like contributions, requirements claim history etc.
  10. Now log in to your account for the protection of your details.

2. UIF Status Check Online USSD

  • Dial *134*843# on your phone.
  • Follow the prompts to view your UIF status.
  • Works without internet access.

3. UIF Call Centre

  • Call 0800 030 007.

  • Provide your ID number and personal details.

  • An agent will confirm your application or payment status.

4. Visit a Labour Centre

  • Find your nearest office on the Labour Department website.

  • Bring your ID, employment documents, and bank details.

  • Speak to a consultant for in-person support.

Similar to how UIF updates are essential for employees, the SASSA SRD status provides applicants with timely updates on their grant status.

UIF Claim Status Meanings

Status Meaning
No Employee Found Employer has not submitted details or UIF has not yet processed the file.
Application in Progress Claim submitted but under verification. May take 15–35 working days.
Payment Proceed Claim approved and payment scheduled. Funds transferred to bank in a few days.

UIF Payments & Processing Timelines

  • Average processing: 15–35 working days.

  • Delays may occur due to missing documents, manual verification, or employer errors.

  • Payments are usually made monthly for up to 12 months, depending on your contributions.

  • Always check status regularly to avoid expired or rejected claims.

Types of UIF Benefits

UIF provides different benefits depending on your situation:

Benefit Type Who Qualifies Purpose
Unemployment Retrenched / contract ended Temporary income support while job-hunting
Illness Employees unable to work due to illness Helps cover lost income
Maternity Women on maternity leave Support during pregnancy and childcare
Adoption Adoptive parents Financial aid for adoption leave
Dependent Families of deceased contributors Assistance after loss of breadwinner
Insolvency Employees whose employers are insolvent Wages covered when employer can’t pay

Eligibility for UIF

To qualify for UIF benefits:

  • You must be a South African legal employee.

  • You and your employer must have contributed to UIF.

  • You must be unemployed due to retrenchment, dismissal (not misconduct), illness, maternity, or death of the contributor.

Employers, practitioners, and delegates also have UIF responsibilities and eligibility conditions.

Types of UIF Claims & Benefits

  • Income Support: For unemployed persons while searching for a job.
  • Illness Benefits: Financial support for those unable to work due to illness.
  • Maternity Benefits: Support for women during maternity leave.
  • Adoption Benefits: Financial assistance for adoptive parents.
  • Dependent Benefits: For the family of a deceased contributor.
  • Employer Insolvency Benefits: Support when an employer cannot pay wages due to insolvency.

How to claim UIF Benefits?

Claiming UIF (Unemployment Insurance Fund) benefits in South Africa involves a few steps, depending on the type of claim (unemployment, maternity, illness, adoption, or dependants benefits). Below is a simple guide for claiming Unemployment Benefits, which is the most common:

1. Register on uFiling:

  • Go to: https://ufiling.labour.gov.za

  • Register using your ID number, email, and banking details.

  • Activate your profile through a confirmation email/SMS.

2. Submit a UI-19 Form from Your Employer:

  • Your employer must complete and submit the UI-19 form with:

    • Your employment history.

    • Reason for termination.

    • Last working day.

3. Upload Supporting Documents:

On uFiling or at a labour centre, you need:

  • Copy of your ID or passport

  • Banking details (bank statement or stamped letter from your bank)

  • UI-19 form

  • Last 6 pay slips

  • Service certificate from employer

  • Proof of termination of employment

4. Visit the Labour Centre (if not using uFiling):

  • You may need to go in person (only if you can’t submit online).

  • Bring all required documents.

  • Sign the unemployment register every 4 weeks to show you’re still unemployed.

5. Wait for Processing and Payment:

  • Claims are usually processed in 2–6 weeks.

  • You’ll receive payments monthly for up to 12 months, depending on your contributions.

Purpose of UIF

UIF (Unemployment Insurance Funds) are the safety funds that are given to unemployed persons for financial support. Some of the purposes of UIF are the following;

  • Income Support: UIF is the way to provide income support to the needy who are unemployed and unable to work due to several reasons like maternity,
  • Contributions:The fund is built through contributions made by both employees and employers, usually based on the agreed salary schedule. These contributions ensure that workers can access financial support when needed.
  • Social Protection: It’s a source of protection for the employee at the time of need. Maybe they are unable to work due to some reasons like maternity or unemployment etc.

Why is Checking Your UIF Status Important?

Checking your UIF status is crucial for several reasons:

  1. Stay Informed: Track the progress of your application and understand when to expect support.
  2. Plan Financially: Budget effectively during unemployment.
  3. Avoid Delays: Regular checks help identify issues, ensuring prompt resolution.

Common UIF Login & Status Issues

  • Login Errors → Reset password using “Forgot Password.”

  • Portal Down/Technical Error → Try again during non-peak hours.

  • Incorrect Details → Update your records with correct ID or employment details.

UIF Contact Details & Labour Centres

FAQs

What Does UIF Stand For?

UIF stands for Unemployment Insurance Fund, a South African program designed to provide financial assistance to workers who become unemployed, are on maternity leave, or cannot work due to illness.

Why is my UIF status pending for so long?

It means that your application is submitted and updated on the screen but it is not processed. So wait for some time as you know UIF verify you and your application before payment. Soon it will be processed so check it later.

Can I check the UIF status without an ID number?

Yes you can find your UIF status without your ID Number. You can check it by USSD number. Dial *134*843# from your registered number and follow the instructions. Soon, you get your UIF status through the SMS.

What happens if my UIF claim is rejected?

If your UIF claim is rejected due to any reason Then you are informed through a notification. The notification contains a reason for rejection. You can appeal for reconsideration of your UIF claims.

Can I Check My UIF Status if I Applied Through a Third Party?

Yes it’s possible. You can check your UIF status even if you have applied through the third part. You can check the status by calling or using the UFilling System.

What Documents Do I Need to Check My UIF Status?

Typically, your 13-digit bar-coded ID number is required. If visiting a Labour Centre, bring additional documents like your UIF registration number or birth certificate.

How to get my UIF number?

You can get your UIF number by logging into the uFiling website or asking your employer for it. It may also be found on your UIF forms or payslips.

Can You Claim UIF If You Resign?

No, you cannot claim UIF if you resign voluntarily, unless you can prove it was due to constructive dismissal (e.g., a hostile or unfair work environment). UIF is only paid if you're dismissed, retrenched, or your contract ends.

Can I Claim UIF After 3/5 Years?

You can claim UIF within 6 months of your last day of employment. After 3 or 5 years, your claim will likely be rejected as it falls outside the legal time limit.

UIF is one of the South African organizations that temporarily supports unemployed persons during their need period. Employees and employers contribute to UIF during the job duration and later get it when needed. If a person is suddenly unemployed without personal reason then he can get their Unemployed Insurance Funds while searching for a job.

Similarly, a woman who is on maternity leave can get maternity benefits and an ill person can get the illness Benefits. In this way, UIF supports many of us in difficult times. So contribute and get the UIF benefits on need. All the details are provided above with the benefits and purposes.