Tag Archives: Maternity allowance payment dates

When should I apply for maternity pay?

In SA, working moms get up to four months of paid maternity leave. In order to take care of your newborn without too many financial worries, you’ll need to fill in a few documents and pay a visit (or three) to the Department of Home Affairs. But here’s a rough guide for new moms looking to claim UIF maternity benefits:

You can claim UIF Maternity Benefits if:

  • You are a South African citizen in possession of a valid green bar-coded ID Book
  • Are a foreign national with a valid passport and meet basic UIF Maternity Benefit criteria
  • You pay UIF contributions on a monthly basis
  • You are adopting a kid under the age of two years old
  • Are self-employed, and you are a member of a Closed Corporation or a Company

You can NOT claim UIF Maternity Benefits if:

  • You work less than 24 hours a month for any given employer
  • You are a student
  • You work as a public servant
  • You receive a monthly state pension
  • You only earn commission

Documents you’ll need to claim UIF Maternity Benefits

After the birth of your baby, you will need a total of 8 documents in order to apply for and claim maternity benefits in South Africa. These include:

  • Two recent payslips
  • A bank statement
  • An original ID or passport or a certified copy of either one of these documents
  • Banking details and a completed form UI-2.8
  • A completed UI-2.7 form, completed by your employer, stating a record of all the funds you received as an employee during your time of employment
  • A completed form UI-2.3, which is the UIF Maternity Benefits application form
  • A medical certificate or your baby’s birth certificate as proof that you actually had a baby
  • A completed form UI-4 (follow up form), which ensures the continuation of payment of maternity benefits

Where to claim maternity benefits in South Africa

New moms will have to go to their nearest labour centre in order to submit the documentation before they can receive maternity benefits.

You can expect compensation of between 38% and 58% of your gross monthly salary when applying for your UIF Maternity Benefits.  New moms are entitled to between one and four month’s salary for every six months they have worked.

More Information on UIF

How long does maternity benefit take to process?

It can take between 5 to 8 weeks from the date your payment was submitted for you to receive your first payment. Once your application has been approved you will have to submit a UI4 form every month in order to receive your full four months claims.

About Maternity Claims

Q: Can I claim UIF Maternity benefits if my baby is over four months old?


A: Yes you may claim UIF Maternity benefits up until your baby is six (6) months old

Q: How long do I have to wait for my first payment to be paid into my account?


A: It can take between 5 to 8 weeks from the date your payment was submitted for you to receive your first payment. Once your application has been approved you will have to submit a UI4 form every month in order to receive your full four months claims.

Q: What if I have had different jobs in the last four years, can I still claim?


A: Yes you are able to still claim, you will just need to get your UI19 forms filled in by your previous employers.

Q: Can I claim UIF Maternity benefits if I have resigned from my job?


A: Yes you can claim UIF Maternity benefits, if you have resigned during this time. This is the only time you are able to claim UIF when you resign.

Q: What percentage of my salary will I receive from my UIF Maternity benefits?


A: You will receive between 35% and 58% of your salary

Q: How long am I allowed to take maternity leave for?


A: You are allowed to take a full four months (121 days) maternity leave.

Q: My employer is paying me a percentage of my salary; can I still claim UIF Maternity benefits?


A: Yes you are still able to claim UIF Maternity benefits as long as you do not receive 100% of your salary from your employer.

Q: Can I use a joint bank account for my UIF Maternity Benefits to be paid into?


A: No you cannot use a joint bank account; you have to have your own bank account using your name and surname as the account holder.

Q: Will I get my payments at the same time every month?


A: No you will not get you payment at the same time every month, as the payment times vary every month

Q: Do I get taxed on my UIF Maternity benefits?


A: No you do not get taxed on your UIF Maternity Benefits

Q: How will my benefits get paid?


A: Your benefits will be paid into your bank account

More Information on UIF