UIF Calculator For Death Benefits

By Klnam Kurt •  Updated: 01/21/24 •  5 min read
UIF

The loss of a worker’s salary can be devastating for the dependants they leave behind. If the worker was eligible to pay into the UIF fund, and you can prove that the remaining spouse/life partner or dependent children relied on that salary for their livelihood, you may be eligible to make a UIF death benefit claim. This will be paid out as a lump sum to the amount the worker would have received had they become unemployed. Here are some facts to know about the UIF Death Benefit

- ADVERTISEMENT -
.

UIF Calculator For Death Benefits

Calculating the amount due from a UIF death benefit can be tricky, as the department uses a variety of criteria to assess the amount due, including what the deceased was earning and how long they have been employed and paying into the fund. 

The formula to calculate the deceased’s daily rate according to the UIF is as follows:

Salary (averaged for the last 6 months, capped at R17,712) multiplied by 12 months (for annual rate), divided by 365 (to reach a day rate)

The highest amount the UIF will pay out is 58% of that amount, depending on the number of days the worker paid into the fund. You receive one credit per 5 days worked, up to a full year’s worth of coverage if they have worked longer than 5 years at a UIF-contributing position.

How Much Does UIF Pay out for Death?

The UIF will pay out the full amount, which would have been due to the deceased if they had become unemployed and made a claim from the fund. This amount will vary from person to person, as it is dependent on their salary in the 5 years preceding their death, how long they have been employed and paying into the UIF fund, and several other criteria. It can be a reasonably substantial amount, so if you were dependent on the deceased at the time of their passing, it is well worth pursuing this avenue for funding to help you over this trying time.

How Does the UIF Death Benefits Work?

The UIF death benefit exists to help the deceased’s dependents after their passing. It cannot be claimed if there is another fund which will pay out, the compensation fund has paid out, or if the worker was suspended or under investigation for fraud at the time of their death. Non-dependant spouses, life partners, or children cannot claim the UIF death benefit. To make a claim, all paperwork and proof must be submitted either to the department in person or via the uFiling online platform.

To claim, you will need the following:

- ADVERTISEMENT -

What Happens to the UIF of the Deceased?

If you are a qualifying party who can claim the UIF death benefit, you have up to 18 months after the deceased’s passing to make the claim. This may be reduced to 6 months in the future, so it is better to make a claim sooner rather than later, despite your grief. If the deceased does not have any eligible dependents left, or if they do not make the claim in time, the funds paid by the deceased into the UIF will remain with the fund. There is no automatic reclaiming of UIF benefits paid in on death.

How is Death Benefits Paid Out?

UIF Death Benefits will be calculated and paid out as a single lump sum payment, so there will be no ongoing payments. It will be paid out to the bank account of the claiming dependant. 

Who Claims the Death Benefit?

The UIF Death Benefits can only be paid out to the worker’s dependent spouse, dependent children, or recognized life partner. If there is a spouse or life partner, they should claim. If both have passed, or the life partner/spouse does not make a claim within 6 months, then the dependent children can make the claim. Adopted children can claim the death benefit the same as a natural child of the deceased.

How Long Does it Take for Death Benefits to be Paid in South Africa?

Once your claim is approved, you will typically receive the UIF death benefit payment within 8 weeks of filing the claim. It can be as little as 10 working days from the date the claim is approved. Make sure you provide all required proofs, and that the name on the bank account matches all other names on official paperwork to ensure as seamless a process as possible. 

While death is never easy to deal with, making a UIF death benefit claim may help a dependent family over a difficult loss and provide some buffer against their lost income.

- ADVERTISEMENT -

Keep Reading

How to Check if I Qualify For UIF Online

How to Check if I Qualify For UIF Online

Check if I Qualify For UIF. In this article, we will share with you some details that determine your qualification for UIF, the timeline for the approval

Causes of Delay in UIF Payment

Causes of Delay in UIF Payment

This article explores the factors contributing to the delay in UIF payments and provides insights into what claimants can do if they experience it

How Do You Check If You Are Registered For UIF?

How Do You Check If You Are Registered For UIF?

In this case, the only way to know the process involved is to check If you are Registered For UIF.

When to Qualify For UIF When Pregnant

When to Qualify For UIF When Pregnant

In this article, we will look at when one qualifies for UIF when pregnant. How do you claim UIF while pregnant and many more

What is the Threshold for UIF in 2025?

What is the Threshold for UIF in 2025?

Calculating that percentage, and understanding the maximum threshold for UIF, can be complicated, so we’ve compiled this handy guide to help you.

How to Claim UIF When Someone Dies

How to Claim UIF When Someone Dies

The population decrease can have adverse economic effects on the country, which is why the UIF makes provisions for death in its claims.

How to Claim UIF When Pregnant

How to Claim UIF When Pregnant

By following these guidelines and submitting an accurate application, expectant mothers can focus on their health and well-being, knowing that financial assistance is available.

How to Register Employees For UIF And PAYE

How to Register Employees For UIF And PAYE

Registering employees for UIF and PAYE is a duty every employer must adhere to. These are obligations that must not be ignored.

What Does It Mean When UIF Says “Sent to Paymaster”?

What Does It Mean When UIF Says “Sent to Paymaster”?

This article aims to provide a comprehensive explanation of what it means when UIF says "Sent to Paymaster"

Can You Claim UIF If You Are Dismissed?

Can You Claim UIF If You Are Dismissed?

This blog post provides information and tips on claiming UIF benefits if you have been dismissed from your job

How To Apply To Claim UIF Illness Benefits

How To Apply To Claim UIF Illness Benefits

In this article, we will take you through how to apply for UIF claims when you have been hit by illness, the amount set for the UIF illness benefits

How Much Will I Get From UIF?

How Much Will I Get From UIF?

How To Submit UIF Declarations Online

How To Submit UIF Declarations Online

You can submit your UIF declaration online, but there are different things you should know. Read on to learn how to submit UIF declarations online. 

How to Check Your UIF Claim Status Online in South Africa

How to Check Your UIF Claim Status Online in South Africa

This article presents an insight into the Unemployment Insurance Fund by describing how you can check UIF claim status online.

How to Cancel UIF And Get R350 Approval

How to Cancel UIF And Get R350 Approval

Many applicants for the R350 SRD grant have found that their application had been declined due to a 'UIF Registered' decline status.