Since 2021, all domestic workers in South Africa must be registered for UIF (Unemployment Insurance Fund), following a Constitutional Court ruling that extended UIF cover to domestic workers and their employers. If you employ a domestic worker, nanny, gardener, or caregiver, registering for UIF isn’t optional; it’s a legal requirement.
This guide explains who needs to register, how contributions work, and how a domestic worker can claim UIF benefits when needed.
Who Must Register for UIF?
If you employ a domestic worker for more than 24 hours a month, you must register both yourself (as the employer) and your employee with the UIF. This applies whether the worker is full-time, part-time, live-in, or live-out, and even if you only employ someone for a few days a week.
How to Register as an Employer
- Register on the uFiling system or at your nearest Department of Employment and Labour office.
- Provide your ID number, address, and banking details.
- Register your domestic worker using their ID number and employment start date.
- Declare monthly earnings so contributions can be calculated correctly.
Once registered, you’ll receive a UIF reference number for your household as an employer, and your worker will be linked to it.
How Much Must Be Contributed?
UIF contributions are calculated as 2% of the worker’s monthly earnings, split evenly:
- 1% deducted from the domestic worker’s salary
- 1% paid by the employer
For example, if a domestic worker earns R4,000 a month, the total UIF contribution is R80, made up of R40 from the employer and R40 deducted from the worker’s pay. Contributions must be paid over to the UIF monthly.
How to Pay Contributions
Once registered on uFiling, you can declare and pay contributions online each month. Keep proof of every payment and declaration; you’ll need this record if your worker ever needs to submit a claim.
When Can a Domestic Worker Claim UIF?
A registered domestic worker can claim UIF benefits if they:
- Lose their job (retrenchment or the employer no longer needs their services)
- Are dismissed, provided the dismissal wasn’t due to misconduct
- Go on maternity leave
- Are unable to work due to illness for an extended period
- Are the beneficiary of a deceased contributor (dependants can claim)
Workers who resign voluntarily generally cannot claim unemployment benefits, though maternity and illness claims still apply regardless of how the employment ends.
How to Submit a UIF Claim
- Visit the nearest labour centre or use the uFiling online portal.
- Bring a South African ID, proof of registration, and a UI-19 form completed by the employer confirming the reason for leaving and earnings history.
- Provide bank account details for the payout.
- Claims should ideally be submitted within six months of the termination of employment.
Processing times vary, so workers should submit claims as soon as possible after employment ends.
What Happens If an Employer Doesn’t Register?
Failing to register a domestic worker for UIF is a compliance breach and leaves the worker without cover if they lose their job, fall ill, or go on maternity leave. It also exposes the employer to penalties if the non-compliance is reported or discovered during an audit.
Getting UIF Right From the Start
UIF registration is one of the basic legal obligations that come with hiring a domestic worker in South Africa, alongside a written contract and paying at least the minimum wage. If you’re hiring through Bulolu Care, we help walk you through registration and contracts so nothing gets missed. Contact our team for support setting up a compliant employment arrangement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to register a part-time domestic worker for UIF?
Yes, as long as they work more than 24 hours a month for you, regardless of whether it’s daily, a few days a week, or live-in.
What if I employ more than one domestic worker?
Each worker must be registered individually under your employer UIF reference, with contributions calculated on their individual earnings.
Can a domestic worker register themselves for UIF?
Registration is the employer’s responsibility, but workers should confirm with their employer that registration has been completed and keep their own UIF reference number for future claims.