If you’ve recently lost your job or had to stop working due to maternity, illness, or reduced hours, you’re probably asking: “How long does UIF pay you?” The Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) is a critical safety net for workers in South Africa, but its benefits aren’t indefinite.
This guide will explain exactly how many months you can receive UIF payments, how the calculation works, and what factors might shorten or extend your coverage.
What Is UIF?
The Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) is a social security program run by South Africa’s Department of Employment and Labour. It provides temporary financial relief to workers who are:
-
Unemployed
-
On maternity or parental leave
-
Temporarily disabled
-
Dealing with illness
-
Dependents of deceased contributors
Employees contribute 1% of their monthly salary, and employers contribute an additional 1%, making up the UIF fund. Also read UIF Payment Status Check
How Many Months Does UIF Pay You?
You can claim UIF for a maximum of 12 months (365 calendar days) within a 4-year period — depending on how long you’ve been contributing.
The general rule: You get 1 day of UIF benefit for every 4 days you’ve worked and contributed.
Breakdown: How the 12 Months Are Calculated
Let’s say you worked continuously for 4 years before becoming unemployed:
-
You contributed to UIF for 48 months (4 years × 12 months)
-
48 months = 1,460 days of work
-
1,460 ÷ 4 = 365 days of UIF benefits (equivalent to 12 months of potential payment)
If you only worked for 2 years, the formula would look like:
-
24 months = 730 days of work
-
730 ÷ 4 = 182 days of UIF benefits (about 6 months of payment)
UIF Payment Calculation Example
UIF doesn’t pay your full salary. Here’s a rough estimate:
-
UIF pays between 38% and 58% of your salary, depending on how much you earned.
-
Lower earners get a higher percentage of their salary.
-
The current UIF ceiling salary is R17,712/month (2025).
For example:
If you earned R10,000/month and qualified for 6 months of UIF:
-
You’d receive roughly R4,000 to R5,800/month, depending on your contribution history.
How Often Do UIF Payments Come?
UIF payments are usually made every 2 to 4 weeks, depending on the processing speed and whether your documents are submitted correctly.
Important Notes on UIF Duration
-
You can’t claim more than 365 days’ worth of UIF in any 4-year window.
-
The 12 months don’t have to be consecutive.
-
You don’t get paid the full 12 months unless you contributed long enough.
-
Once your allocated days are used up, you can only requalify after another 4 years of contribution.
Different Claim Types and Duration
| Claim Type | Max Duration |
|---|---|
| Unemployment | Up to 12 months (based on credits) |
| Maternity Leave | 17 weeks (4 months) |
| Adoption Leave | Up to 10 weeks |
| Illness Benefit | Max 6 months (continuously) |
| Dependents (Death) | 6 months from the date of death |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I claim UIF again if I’ve claimed before?
Yes, but only after another 4 years of contributions, or if you didn’t use all your credit days in your last claim.
What if I resign?
UIF does not pay if you resign voluntarily — unless it’s due to constructive dismissal or other valid reasons recognized by the Department of Labour.
What happens if I find work while receiving UIF?
Once you start working and earning again, you must inform UIF. Payments will stop immediately to avoid fraud.
Final Thoughts
To summarise:
-
You can receive up to 12 months of UIF payments, depending on how long you’ve contributed.
-
The benefit is not automatic — you must apply and claim on time.
-
If you’ve only worked for a year or two, you may receive benefits for just a few months.
Understanding how UIF works helps you plan ahead and make the most of your benefits during uncertain times. If you’re unsure, it’s always best to visit your nearest Labour Centre or check the UIF portal to track your contributions and claims.