What to Do If Your Company Refuses to Pay UIF

By Klnam Kurt •  Updated: 05/23/24 •  3 min read
UIF

The Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) is a South African social security system that helps workers who lose their jobs, have their hours cut, or can’t work because they are on maternity or adoption leave. Employers must sign up with the UIF and make monthly payments based on the salaries of their workers. If a company doesn’t pay into the UIF, it could face legal action and fines, among other things. Employees whose companies don’t follow the rules may also have trouble getting UIF benefits if they lose their jobs or have other qualifying events. The UIF is a very important part of South Africa’s social welfare system because it helps workers stay financially stable and improves social welfare.

- ADVERTISEMENT -

In this article, we will look at the broader context of what happens if an employer does not pay UIF and how one can go about it.

What to do if my company refuses to pay UIF

The UIF is a key part of South Africa’s social security system and gives workers a safety net when needed.

Your employer needs to register with the UIF and make monthly payments based on your salary. If your employer doesn’t pay into the UIF, they could face legal action and fines. 

If your employer refuses to pay contributions to the Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) in South Africa, your first step should be to attempt to settle the matter through internal channels, such as having a conversation with your employer or the HR department. If this does not resolve the issue, you can report the non-compliance to the Department of Employment and Labour, which will conduct an investigation and take the necessary steps.

How do I report a company not paying UIF?

Reporting your employer or the company you work for as non-compliant is considered a competent action. Some employers may try to evade the contribution of UIF

- ADVERTISEMENT -
and put many of their employees in jeopardy. 

You can report your company or employer for not paying UIF, and this has its legal backing. 

You can make a complaint about a company that is not paying UIF by calling the UIF call line or going in person to a Department of Labour office with the documentation that is required to make a complaint. The Department of Labor will look into the situation and take the necessary steps to ensure compliance after completing the investigation.

What are the penalties for not paying UIF?

Failure to pay UIF can result in fines, interest, and possibly jail. Depending on the offence and duration, penalties may vary. 

The employer pays 1% of a worker’s monthly wage, and 1% is withheld for UIF.

Employers must pay UIF for domestic workers

The employer is personally liable for the UIF’s obligation if they don’t pay. For non-payment to the employer, UIF will be fined a 10% penalty on all outstanding back contributions if an employer doesn’t pay UIF.

Where can I report a company for not paying wages?

The Department of Employment and Labour in South Africa is the best place to go if you suspect a company of not paying its employees the wages they are owed. Complaints can be submitted to them by a toll-free number, via email, or at one of their physical locations. It is key that you back up your claim with as much information as you can get your hands on.

- ADVERTISEMENT -

Keep Reading

Benefits of Contributing to UIF

Benefits of Contributing to UIF

Benefits of Contributing to UIF. This article explains how UIF works, its advantages, and everything you may need to know about this fund

How to Register a Foreign Worker for UIF

How to Register a Foreign Worker for UIF

We will review everything required to help foreign workers register for the UIF successfully, from determining eligibility to assembling the relevant paperwork.

How Long Must You Work to Qualify for UIF?

How Long Must You Work to Qualify for UIF?

How To Claim UIF Adoption Benefits

How To Claim UIF Adoption Benefits

In this blog post, we will take you through the process which gives a better insight into the possibility of claiming UIF adoption benefits/leave and more

How to Apply For UIF After Retrenchment

How to Apply For UIF After Retrenchment

Here is a detailed explanation of how to handle UIF claims following a firing, including information on who is eligible and more

How to Apply for UIF After Retirement

How to Apply for UIF After Retirement

How to Claim UIF As an Employee

How to Claim UIF As an Employee

You need to understand the context of “how to claim UIF as an employee” this simply means someone who was employed in the past and is now unemployed

Can You Claim UIF With A PAYE Number?

Can You Claim UIF With A PAYE Number?

How do I check my UIF claim online?

How do I check my UIF claim online?

How do I check my UIF claim online. This article explains the steps you can take to check your UIF claim online. 

How Long Does PayMaster Take To Pay UIF

How Long Does PayMaster Take To Pay UIF

This blog post will overview the UIF payment process, explain what “Paymaster close” means, and answer some of the most common questions

How to Submit UIF Declarations On uFiling

How to Submit UIF Declarations On uFiling

In this blog post, we’ll discuss the steps you need to take to submit your UIF declarations online.

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 Submit a Payment Request for UIF

How to Submit a Payment Request for UIF

This article explains everything you want to know about how you can submit a payment request for UIF. 

Why My UIF Claims Get Rejected?

Why My UIF Claims Get Rejected?

UIF can reject a claim, and in this article, we will explore other causes that can lead to your claims being rejected by the fund.

UIF TERS ‘No Declarations Found’ Error Codes

UIF TERS ‘No Declarations Found’ Error Codes

This article will explore more about UIF TERS “no declarations found” error code, what to do about these errors and other related issues.