What is UIF?
The Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) is a government safety net that pays you a percentage of your salary for a limited time if you lose your job, go on maternity leave, become ill, or take adoption leave. Both you and your employer contribute 1% of your monthly remuneration each month.
The salary ceiling
UIF contributions are capped on a monthly salary of R 17 712. This means the maximum you (or your employer) can contribute is R 177.12 per month. If you earn more than the ceiling, you still only contribute the maximum amount.
How benefits are calculated
UIF uses an Income Replacement Rate (IRR) sliding scale: lower-paid workers receive a higher percentage (up to 60%) and higher-paid workers receive a lower percentage (down to 38%). Your benefit period depends on how long you've contributed — 1 day of credit for every 4 days worked, with a maximum of 365 days.
Frequently asked questions
Related: PAYE Calculator · Salary Calculator