Skip to content

Cookies on Accounter

With your permission, Google Analytics measures visits to our public pages and Meta measures visits for our advertising. Essential storage always stays on. Change your mind any time with “Cookie settings” in the footer. Cookie policy

How to Claim UIF Online in South Africa

To claim UIF online, register and log in on the UIF Online portal and submit your application there. The Department of Employment and Labour's uFiling portal now says employee benefit claims are no longer processed on uFiling; it points to uifonline.labour.gov.za instead. uFiling remains the employer portal for declaring and paying contributions.

By Morné Kruger, Founder & SA Tax Editor. Last reviewed 2026-10-27.

Steps to claim UIF online

  1. 1

    Go to UIF Online, not uFiling

    The uFiling home page carries the notice: "Employee benefit claims are no longer processed on uFiling portal. Please visit uifonline.labour.gov.za for all UIF benefit applications."
  2. 2

    Gather what you need to activate your account

    Have your valid 13-digit South African ID number, an e-mail address for all correspondence and a cell phone number (mandatory) ready. The uFiling FAQ also says applicants need the bank account details the benefit will be paid into.
  3. 3

    Register on UIF Online

    Choose Register on the UIF Online home page and follow the on-screen prompts. The registration form first asks whether you have a UIF reference number.
  4. 4

    Log in and start your application

    Once registered, log in and apply for the benefit that applies to you. The UIF lists unemployment, reduced time, maternity, illness and adoption benefits, plus Continuation of Benefits and Notice of Appeal.
  5. 5

    Complete the application screens

    For unemployment, the UIF describes five steps: accept the terms and conditions, confirm your banking details, verify or update your personal details, enter your occupation and qualification, and confirm that you are a work seeker. For maternity you also confirm whether your employer is paying you a salary during maternity leave.
  6. 6

    Submit your application

    Submit the application online. If you get stuck, the UIF call centre number shown on its portals is 0800 030 007 (07:30 to 16:00, Monday to Friday).

What you need before you start

The UIF's own pages list this information for activating an employee account and receiving payment. They do not list scanned documents to upload, so check the UIF Online screens or call the UIF if you are asked for more.

  • Valid 13-digit South African ID number
  • E-mail address where UIF correspondence can reach you
  • Cell phone number (mandatory)
  • Bank account details for the benefit payment

Related tools and official links

Employing a domestic worker? UIF and uFiling explained

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I still claim UIF on uFiling?
No. The uFiling home page says employee benefit claims are no longer processed on the uFiling portal and points to uifonline.labour.gov.za for all UIF benefit applications. uFiling is still where employers register, declare and pay UIF contributions.
What do I need to claim UIF online?
To activate an employee account the UIF asks for your valid 13-digit South African ID number, an e-mail address and a cell phone number. Applicants also need the bank account details that benefit payments will go into. Check the UIF Online screens for any further documents.
Does the UIF charge to use its online portals?
No fee is listed. The uFiling FAQ describes uFiling as a free service offered by the UIF.
Who do I contact if I get stuck?
The UIF call centre number shown on its portals is 0800 030 007, open 07:30 to 16:00 on weekdays.
How much will UIF pay me?
The amount depends on your remuneration and credit days. Use the UIF payout calculator on this site for an estimate; the UIF decides the actual amount on your claim.

Sources consulted

Steps and requirements are taken from the official UIF pages below, read on 2026-10-27. Portals change; confirm on the official site.

Compliance Disclaimer

This guide is for information only and is not legal or financial advice. Accounter is not affiliated with the UIF or the Department of Employment and Labour. Confirm every requirement on the official portals.