What to Do If Your Company Refuses to Pay UIF

By Klnam Kurt •  Updated: 05/23/24 •  3 min read
UIF

The Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) is a South African social security system that helps workers who lose their jobs, have their hours cut, or can’t work because they are on maternity or adoption leave. Employers must sign up with the UIF and make monthly payments based on the salaries of their workers. If a company doesn’t pay into the UIF, it could face legal action and fines, among other things. Employees whose companies don’t follow the rules may also have trouble getting UIF benefits if they lose their jobs or have other qualifying events. The UIF is a very important part of South Africa’s social welfare system because it helps workers stay financially stable and improves social welfare.

- ADVERTISEMENT -

In this article, we will look at the broader context of what happens if an employer does not pay UIF and how one can go about it.

What to do if my company refuses to pay UIF

The UIF is a key part of South Africa’s social security system and gives workers a safety net when needed.

Your employer needs to register with the UIF and make monthly payments based on your salary. If your employer doesn’t pay into the UIF, they could face legal action and fines. 

If your employer refuses to pay contributions to the Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) in South Africa, your first step should be to attempt to settle the matter through internal channels, such as having a conversation with your employer or the HR department. If this does not resolve the issue, you can report the non-compliance to the Department of Employment and Labour, which will conduct an investigation and take the necessary steps.

How do I report a company not paying UIF?

Reporting your employer or the company you work for as non-compliant is considered a competent action. Some employers may try to evade the contribution of UIF

- ADVERTISEMENT -
and put many of their employees in jeopardy. 

You can report your company or employer for not paying UIF, and this has its legal backing. 

You can make a complaint about a company that is not paying UIF by calling the UIF call line or going in person to a Department of Labour office with the documentation that is required to make a complaint. The Department of Labor will look into the situation and take the necessary steps to ensure compliance after completing the investigation.

What are the penalties for not paying UIF?

Failure to pay UIF can result in fines, interest, and possibly jail. Depending on the offence and duration, penalties may vary. 

The employer pays 1% of a worker’s monthly wage, and 1% is withheld for UIF.

Employers must pay UIF for domestic workers

The employer is personally liable for the UIF’s obligation if they don’t pay. For non-payment to the employer, UIF will be fined a 10% penalty on all outstanding back contributions if an employer doesn’t pay UIF.

Where can I report a company for not paying wages?

The Department of Employment and Labour in South Africa is the best place to go if you suspect a company of not paying its employees the wages they are owed. Complaints can be submitted to them by a toll-free number, via email, or at one of their physical locations. It is key that you back up your claim with as much information as you can get your hands on.

- ADVERTISEMENT -

Keep Reading

How to Submit UIF Declarations On uFiling

How to Submit UIF Declarations On uFiling

In this blog post, we’ll discuss the steps you need to take to submit your UIF declarations online.

What Are the Benefits of UIF to the Employer?

What Are the Benefits of UIF to the Employer?

It’s important for both employees and employers to understand the responsibilities regarding UIF, so we’ve compiled a handy document to help.

How to Register a Foreign Worker for UIF

How to Register a Foreign Worker for UIF

We will review everything required to help foreign workers register for the UIF successfully, from determining eligibility to assembling the relevant paperwork.

Maternity UIF Payout Dates

Maternity UIF Payout Dates

This article discusses the payout dates for maternity UIF, the number of payments received, how to track the processing of a maternity UIF claim

How Much Does UIF Pay Per Month?

How Much Does UIF Pay Per Month?

How To Deregister UIF

How To Deregister UIF

How To Deregister UIF. Supposing you are an employee who may have been sacked from work or retrenched

How Long Does PayMaster Take To Pay UIF

How Long Does PayMaster Take To Pay UIF

This blog post will overview the UIF payment process, explain what “Paymaster close” means, and answer some of the most common questions

Can You Claim UIF With A PAYE Number?

Can You Claim UIF With A PAYE Number?

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”?

When to Claim UIF After Maternity Leave?

When to Claim UIF After Maternity Leave?

We will be taking you through topics like "When to claim UIF after maternity leave" "Can I claim UIF after claiming maternity benefits"

How To Pay UIF Manually

How To Pay UIF Manually

There are different ways you can consider when paying the UIF. Read on to learn how to pay UIF manually and other methods you can consider. 

What Are the Procedures for Submitting a UIF Claim?

What Are the Procedures for Submitting a UIF Claim?

This article offers a thorough summary of the steps in filing a UIF claim, including information on the necessary paperwork

How To Submit UIF Declarations Online

How To Submit UIF Declarations Online

You can submit your UIF declaration online, but there are different things you should know. Read on to learn how to submit UIF declarations online. 

Who Can Claim UIF For a Deceased Person

Who Can Claim UIF For a Deceased Person

This blog post will look at who can claim UIF for a deceased person, what documents are needed to make a claim,how much is paid out and more.

What is the Threshold for UIF in 2025?

What is the Threshold for UIF in 2025?

Calculating that percentage, and understanding the maximum threshold for UIF, can be complicated, so we’ve compiled this handy guide to help you.