How Much Does UIF Pay Domestic Workers?

By Dave Nyam •  Updated: 01/11/25 •  5 min read
UIF

If you are a domestic worker in South Africa, you may be interested to know how much the Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) pays. This blog post aims to answer domestic workers’ questions regarding UIF payments, including the maximum UIF payment in 2025 and how UIF is calculated for domestic workers. Read on to learn more about UIF payments for domestic workers in South Africa.

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How Much Does UIF Pay Domestic Workers?

The payment calculation relies on the last remuneration rounded off to the present ceiling of R17712. UIF then determines the benefit amount per the present drifting scale, which ranges from 38 percent to 60 percent.

The rule is the “elevated the remuneration the bottommost the replacement tariff,” i.e., if the remuneration stands at R30000, UIF then calculates the remuneration as if the workforce earned the present ceiling of R17712.

Because this is the topmost, the replacement tariff will be 38 percent. Therefore, the calculation will be (38 percent of R17712 = (R221.28 every day) = R6638.40 or R6859.68 for one month (30 or 31 days).

UIF will consider the present earnings of the workforce to identify the applicable Income Replacement Tariff. To be eligible for UIF payments, domestic workers must be registered with the Department of Labour and meet certain criteria. 

It is important to note that UIF payments only provide short-term relief to domestic workers and should not be used as a long-term income source. 

What Is The Maximum UIF Payment?

Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) payments are designed to provide financial assistance to unemployed South African workers. The UIF amount a domestic worker can receive is calculated according to their wages during their last employment.

The maximum amount that a domestic worker can receive from UIF is R6638.40 or R6859.68 for one month (30 or 31 days). This amount is based on the maximum earning limit set by the Department of Labour, which is R17712.

The amount of UIF that domestic worker receives depends on their previous earnings and the number of months they were employed before they lost their job.

How Is The UIF Amount Calculated

As part of the Unemployment Insurance Fund program, domestic workers can receive up to 60 percent of their monthly salary, subject to a maximum of R17712

To calculate the UIF amount for a domestic worker, the following information is required:

Once all the relevant information is collected, the UIF payment is calculated using a formula that considers the employee’s salary and the number of days worked. The UIF payment will be the lower of either 60% of the employee’s salary or the maximum UIF payment limit. 

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What Is The Maximum UIF Payment?

The amount the Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) pays domestic workers is determined by the earnings declared to the UIF. The maximum amount that UIF can pay domestic workers is R6638.40 or R6859.68 for one month (30 or 31 days) based on the maximum earning limit set by the Department of Labour, which is R17712.

It is important to note that the amount of UIF paid is always subject to change and may be revised at any time. Therefore, it is always best to contact the UIF office to get the most up-to-date information regarding the maximum UIF payment for domestic workers.

How Is UIF Calculated For Domestic Workers?

Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) is a South African government agency that provides financial assistance to workers who are unemployed, retrenched, or on maternity leave. Domestic workers are among those who can receive benefits from UIF.

The amount of money you will receive from UIF depends on the time you have worked in the last 4 years. If you worked for less than 4 years, your payment would be calculated based on your total earnings (over that period).

To calculate the amount of UIF you are eligible for, the following factors are taken into account:

The maximum payment amount for domestic workers is R6638.40 or R6859.68 for one month (30 or 31 days) based on the maximum earning limit set by the Department of Labour, which is R17712.

Conclusion

The amount of money the Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) pays domestic workers depends on several factors, including their salary and the number of hours they work.

The maximum UIF payment is R6638.40 or R6859.68 for one month (30 or 31 days) based on the maximum earning limit of R17712 set by the Department of Labour. The UIF amount is calculated based on an individual’s earnings and the number of hours worked.

By understanding how UIF payments are calculated, domestic workers can ensure they receive the full benefits they are entitled to.

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