Who Can Claim UIF Death Benefits?

By Klenam JU •  Updated: 01/21/23 •  4 min read
UIF

Workers who lose their jobs in South Africa can get financial assistance from the Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF). The fund, which is sponsored by company and employee payments, offers benefits such as short-term unemployment, illness, maternity, and adoption benefits.

- ADVERTISEMENT -

The UIF, which is managed by the Department of Employment and Labour, is designed to act as a safety net for employees during difficult financial times. The fund has drawn criticism for having an onerous application process and for being underfunded. Despite this, the UIF remains a significant source of assistance for numerous unemployed South Africans.

Who Can claim UIF Death Benefits?

In South Africa, the Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) provides benefits to the dependents of a deceased person who contributed to the fund. The dependents, such as a spouse or children, are eligible to claim a lump sum payment from the UIF. 

To apply for UIF benefits, the claimant must show proof of their link to the deceased individual, as well as proof of death, such as a death certificate. They will also be required to show proof of their own income and financial dependency on the deceased.

It is vital to remember that the UIF does not provide benefits for all types of deaths, such as suicide or homicide. Furthermore, the amount of benefits that can be given out is limited, and the amount of benefits awarded is determined by the deceased person’s contributions to the UIF.

The UIF will provide death benefits to the deceased worker’s spouse, any minor children, and themselves.

Within six months of the worker’s passing, you must submit an application for these benefits.

What is needed when claiming UIF of a deceased?

In order to claim the benefit, the dependents must provide the necessary documentation, including a certified copy of the death certificate, the deceased’s UIF contribution card, and proof of relationship to the deceased. It’s important to note that the UIF benefits are subject to certain limits and are not intended to replace the deceased’s income. The UIF is intended to provide financial assistance during a difficult time.

Certain documentation and information are required when claiming UIF benefits for a deceased person. These are some examples:

It is vital to remember that the UIF does not provide benefits for all types of deaths, such as suicide or homicide.

Who are the beneficiaries of UIF?

Workers who have lost their jobs or are unable to work due to illness or injury are eligible for financial help from the Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF). UIF beneficiaries might be a worker or their dependents in the event of death. Dependents who are eligible include:

If the worker and their spouse or life partner were living together at the time of death,

If the worker’s children are under the age of 18 or are disabled and unable to support themselves, they are entitled to benefits.

The worker’s parents, if they were financially dependent on the worker.

Who Cannot claim UIF?

It is possible for people not to be allowed to make UIF claims. Although the policy for UIF is mandatory, specific reasons may prevent others from claiming, and these are:

How long does UIF payout after death?

The Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) helps dependents of deceased people who have lost their income as a result of the person’s death. Depending on the circumstances, the duration of payment of UIF benefits after a death varies. UIF payouts are often given out for up to 12 months, depending on the dead person’s contributions to the fund.

The UIF Act was modified in 2018, and a dependent now has 18 months following the contributor’s death to receive UIF death benefits. Although you missed the deadline because your guardian died two years ago, it may still be worth visiting your local labour office and asking whether they can help you now that you have an ID.

- ADVERTISEMENT -

Keep Reading

How to Change UIF Banking Details

How to Change UIF Banking Details

In the event that you to want to change your banking details uploaded during registration, this article is written to help you do just that.

How to Register Domestic Workers For UIF

How to Register Domestic Workers For UIF

In this article, we will look at how to register domestic workers for UIF, the registration process, and the cost involved.

How to Pay UIF Arrears

How to Pay UIF Arrears

What to Do If Your Company Refuses to Pay UIF

What to Do If Your Company Refuses to Pay UIF

What to Do If Company Refuses to Pay UIF. In this article, we will look at the broader context of what happens if an employer does not pay UIF.

How to Cancel UIF for R350

How to Cancel UIF for R350

How to Cancel UIF for R350. Has your application for SASSA R350 been declined? Is your SASSA R350 the reason for the decline stating “UIF registered”?

How to Claim UIF After Resigning in South Africa

How to Claim UIF After Resigning in South Africa

This guide will provide a step-by-step process on how to claim UIF after resigning in South Africa

How to Check UIF Payout

How to Check UIF Payout

After registration, there are different methods you can take to check your UIF account. Read on to learn how to check UIF payout. 

How to Appeal a Rejected UIF Claim

How to Appeal a Rejected UIF Claim

You can take different steps to submit your appeal to the UIF rejection. Read on to learn how to appeal a rejected UIF claim

How to Check UIF Balance via Phone

How to Check UIF Balance via Phone

There are other things we can do with our phones regarding UIF, but today we will learn how to check UIF balance via phone. 

What Is a UIF Pin Used For?

What Is a UIF Pin Used For?

UIF provides PIN for someone who uses a mobile app to perform transactions. In this article, we explain what UIF PIN is used for.

How to Calculate UIF Maternity, Illness, Parental And Adoption  Benefit

How to Calculate UIF Maternity, Illness, Parental And Adoption Benefit

Does UIF Money Expire If Not Claimed?

Does UIF Money Expire If Not Claimed?

Today we’re clearing up some of the most common questions about your UIF monies and when you can claim them.

How to Claim UIF Dependants Benefits

How to Claim UIF Dependants Benefits

How to Claim UIF Dependants Benefits. The UIF dependants benefits consider many individuals who make claims on behalf of their deceased. 

How to Check Maternity UIF Status

How to Check Maternity UIF Status

There are different steps you can take to do this. Read on to learn how to check maternity UIF status.

How Much Can You Claim From UIF For Maternity Leave

How Much Can You Claim From UIF For Maternity Leave

Women on maternity leave can claim up to 66% from UIF, depending on their salary and contribution made.