Salary & Work

UIF Calculator South Africa 2026

Calculate your UIF payout for unemployment, maternity leave or retrenchment — based on your salary, credit days and the 2026 R17,712 monthly earnings ceiling.

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UIF calculator

Live estimate · 1% + 1% · R17 712 ceiling · 2026

Monthly gross income

Contribution is capped at the R17 712 ceiling

Total monthly UIF

R354.24

2% of R17 712 (capped earnings)

Your share (1%)

R177.12

Employer share (1%)

R177.12

Capped earnings

R17 712

Annual UIF total

R4 250.88

On earnings of R25 000, R177.12 is deducted from your salary each month and your employer adds the same, for a total UIF contribution of R354.24 per month (R4 250.88 a year).

UIF rules (South Africa 2026)

Employee 1% + employer 1% = 2% of gross monthly earnings
Earnings ceiling: R17 712/month (max R177.12 each side)
1 credit day earned for every 4 days worked, up to 365 days
Income replacement slides from 60% (low earners) to 38% (at ceiling)

How to claim UIF benefits

Step	What to do
1. Register	Create an account on uFiling (www.ufiling.co.za)
2. Get UI-19	Ask your employer for the UI-19 service record
3. Apply	Upload ID, UI-19, UI-2.7 banking form and last payslip
4. Labour Centre	Register as a work seeker if required
5. Approval	Processing typically takes 2–6 weeks
6. Payment	Benefits are paid monthly into your bank account

You must claim within 6 months of becoming unemployed. This is an independent estimate, not an official UIF determination. Contact the UIF call centre on 012 337 1680 for assistance.

How UIF works in South Africa

The Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) pays a portion of your salary when you are retrenched, on maternity leave, or unable to work due to illness. You and your employer each contribute 1% of your monthly earnings, capped at the R17,712 ceiling.

2% total contribution

1% from the employee plus 1% from the employer, deducted every month.

R17,712 ceiling

The maximum monthly earnings used to calculate your contribution and benefit.

Up to 365 days

The maximum benefit period, based on the credit days you have accumulated.

Multiple benefits

Cover for unemployment, maternity, illness and adoption.

UIF benefit types

Unemployment benefits

For workers who are retrenched, dismissed or whose contract ended. Paid for up to 365 days based on credit days.

Maternity benefits

Up to 121 days (about 17.32 weeks) for pregnant women. You can claim from 4 weeks before your due date.

Illness benefits

For extended illness that prevents you from working. A medical certificate is required. Paid for up to 238 days.

Adoption benefits

Up to 121 days for adoptive parents — calculated the same way as maternity benefits.

How much UIF you receive

UIF uses a sliding income replacement rate. Lower earners receive a larger percentage of their salary, while higher earners receive less — capped at the R17,712 ceiling.

Lower earners

Up to 60% of your salary is replaced.

R5,000 – R10,000

Around 50% of your salary is replaced.

R10,000 – R15,000

Around 45% of your salary is replaced.

Higher earners

Around 38% of your salary is replaced at the ceiling.

How to claim UIF

Claim within 6 months

Register as a work seeker and apply within 6 months of becoming unemployed, online at uFiling (www.ufiling.co.za) or at a Department of Employment and Labour office.

Documents you need

ID document, UI-19 form from your employer, UI-2.7 form (proof of banking), last payslip, service certificate and an appointment letter for new job seekers.

Credit days

You earn 1 credit day for every 4 days worked while contributing, up to 365 days. Only contributions in the last 4 years count.

Domestic workers

Domestic workers must be registered for UIF by their employers and are entitled to the same benefits as other workers.

Frequently asked questions

Quick answers to the most common questions.

How much do I contribute to UIF in South Africa?

UIF contributions total 2% of your monthly earnings — 1% deducted from the employee and 1% paid by the employer. Contributions are calculated on earnings up to the monthly ceiling of R17,712, so the maximum total contribution is R354.24 per month (R177.12 each).

What is the UIF earnings ceiling for 2026?

The monthly earnings ceiling is R17,712 (R212,544 per year). If you earn more than this, your UIF contribution and any benefit are still capped at the ceiling — you contribute 1% of R17,712 (R177.12) at most, regardless of how much you actually earn.

How are UIF benefits calculated?

Your daily benefit is based on your average earnings (capped at the ceiling) using a sliding income replacement rate. Lower earners receive up to about 60% of their salary, scaling down to roughly 38% for higher earners at the ceiling. The benefit is paid for a number of days based on your accumulated credit days.

How long can I claim UIF for?

You earn 1 credit day for every 4 days worked while contributing, up to a maximum of 365 credit days (about 4 years of continuous work). This means you can claim for up to 365 days. Maternity benefits are paid for up to 121 days (about 17.32 weeks).

How do I claim UIF unemployment benefits?

You must claim within 6 months of becoming unemployed. Register as a work seeker and apply online at uFiling (www.ufiling.co.za) or at your nearest Department of Employment and Labour office. You will need your ID, the UI-19 form from your employer, a UI-2.7 form (banking details), your last payslip and a service certificate.

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