UIF Status Check: Unemployment Benefits in South Africa

Unemployment Insurance Funds are the funds that are provided to the UIF contributors. They can get multiple benefits from the UIF like unemployment, maternity, adoption, illness etc. You can check your UIF online through the Portal, USSD or mobile app. Here all the details are provided, get information about UIF, status check, benefits and purposes etc.

UIF Status Check Online

Follow these steps to check your UIF status Online;

Open the Web browser of your mobile phone or laptop. Then visit the official website of UIF.
On the home page, go to the main menu then navigate to UIF Benefits.
In the main menu of the homepage you see “UIF Status Check” Click it.
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.
After successful login, you are on the homepage. In the dashboard click on profile.
You see multiple options among them choose “UIF Status Check”.
No you have to fill in the required fields. Enter your ID Number in the desired field.
Tab the “Submit” button for further processing.
In a while your UIF status is shown on the screen.
If you want then verify the other information like contributions, requirements claim history etc.
Now log in to your account for the protection of your details.

Using the UIF Mobile App

UIF introduced the mobile application for their users so that they can get their contributions and other information on their mobile phones at any place. You can get it from your Google Play Store or Apple Store. Follow these steps, download the app, and enjoy multiple benefits.

Open your mobile Play Store or Apple Store and search “UIF” in the search bar. Then click the UIF app and press the Download button. The app automatically downloads and installs on your mobile phone.
After downloading launch it. Then log in to your UIF account if not then create it by using accurate information and login.
Now track your application status through the App.
You can also check the history of your payments, important notices, and other services, etc.

UIF USSD Code to Check Status

You can also check your payment status through the USSD code. Follow the instructions for further details;

Open the call dialler of your mobile phone and dial the USSD code *134*843#.
A menu box appears with several options that include;

Option 1:Check UIF Claim Status
Option 2:Check Payment Status
Option 3:Employee Registration
Option 4: Continue Payment
Option 5:General Enquiries

Choose the relevant option. If you want to check your UIF status so choose 1.
Now follow the instructions and verify your identity by entering your South African ID Number.
Shortly you receive your UIF status through the SMS on your number that is registered with your UIF application.

How to Check UIF Status via Phone

Prefer speaking to a representative? The UIF call centre is a reliable option:

Dial the Helpline: Call 0800 030 007.
Provide Identification Details: Share your ID number, reference number, or UIF registration number.
Receive Assistance: A representative will provide detailed updates on your UIF status or assist with complex queries.

Visiting a Local Labour Centre

For those who prefer in-person interactions, Labour Centres provide direct support:

Locate a Centre: Use the Labour Department’s website to find the nearest office.
Bring Your Documents: Carry your ID number, required documents, and any additional paperwork.
Speak to a Consultant: Receive personalized assistance with your UIF claims and payment continuation process.

Issue while Status Check

UIF system is not like the other systems. It is efficient but still, you may face some common issues that are described here;

Login Problem: If you try to log in to your account but don’t. Then maybe your username or password is incorrect try to Recheck it. If you still face the same problem then use the “Forget Password” option to reset your password.
Technical Error: If you face any technical error while using the UIF official website then maybe the portal is down. So try to use it in nonpeak hours or use another browser.
Incorrect Information: You may face some issues due to incorrect information. So try to update your information and make sure your personal and employment information is correct and accurate.

Status and Meanings

Following is the status of your UIF application;

No Employee Found: This status indicates one of these points: 1) It means that your employer doesn’t apply on your behalf. 2) your employer submitted your CSV files but UIF didn’t proceed it. If you face a similar issue then try to check your status in a few days. But if you still face the same issue then contact your employer to confirm whether our behalf or not.
Application in Progress: This means that your application is submitted but not processed. It may take some time because UIF takes time in your verification before payment.
Payment Proceed: This means that your payment is approved and under-processed. A notification is displayed on the screen with the date, day and time on which payment is paid on your account. After a few days, the payments are transferred to your relevant bank account.

UIF Portal Login Process

Open your Chrome search for UIF and open the original UIF portal.
At the top right corner click on Login.
Now enter your username and password and click “Sign in” to access the dashboard of your account.
You are verified through the OTP that is sent to you by email or SMS.

If you don’t have a UIF account then first register yourself by following these steps;

On the official website of UIF click on register.
Enter the required information like Username, ID number, email address and contact information.
Now you are verified through your email so open it and click on verify.
Now you are directed towards the password option. Set a strong password to secure your account.

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: For the UIF, the funds are collected from both employees and employers. So that at the time of Retirement or any need, they are given to the employees.
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.

Benefits of UIF

The following are the benefits of UIF;

Income Support during Unemployment

If a person is unemployed due to some issue then he or she gets UIF benefits while searching for a new job.

Illness Benefits

If a person is ill and unable to support his family then apply for Illness Benefits to support the family in need.

Maternity Benefits

It is provided to women during the maternity leave period. So they take off their health and newborn baby without the stress of income support.

Adoption Benefits

If someone adopts a child and immediately needs some income support then UIF provides them with Adoption Benefits. They apply for it and get it as well.

Dependent Benefits

If a person who contributes to UIF is passed away then the family applies for dependent Benefits. In this way, UIF supports them in their difficult time.

Protection Against Employer Insolvency

If an employer is unable to pay the wages due to insolvency then financial relief is provided to the affected employee by the UIF.

Who is Eligible for UIF?

Applicants can enjoy the UIF benefits according to their contributions. The basic UIF eligibility criteria are;

Applicant is a South African legal employee.
UIF Contributions proof.
Your retrenchment and contract ended or dismissed without any misconduct.

With these, all categories of employees with their required eligibilities are also described here. So let’s discuss it.

Employees
An employee is only eligible if he/ she participates in UIF Contributions during the employment duration.
Only in the case of unemployment, illness, maternity and death cases do employees get their UIF Benefits.
Employers

An employer must have to contribute UIF benefits on behalf of employees.

Practitioners and Delegates

They are eligible only if they manage, register and update the records of the employees and employers in their place.

Why is Checking Your UIF Status Important?

Checking your UIF status is crucial for several reasons:

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

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.

Q: Why is my UIF status pending for so long?

A: 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.

Q: Can I check the UIF status without an ID number?

A: 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.

Q: What happens if my UIF claim is rejected?

A: 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.

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

A: 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.

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.

UIF Status Check: A Guide to Understanding Your Benefits