The Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) provides valuable benefits to contributors when they become unemployed. However, what if a contributor passes away before receiving their benefits? Fortunately, there are UIF dependant benefits available.
What are UIF dependant benefits?
UIF dependant benefits allow the dependants of deceased contributors to make claims for financial relief. These benefits support dependants with costs for education, living expenses, and more during a difficult time.
UIF considers dependants to include a contributor’s spouse, life partner, or children. Benefits provide them with some leverage after losing the family breadwinner.
How to claim UIF dependant benefits
Documents required
Claiming UIF dependant benefits involves submitting forms and documentation at a labour centre. Required documents include:
- Dependant’s ID or passport
- Deceased’s ID or passport
- Form UI-19
- Marriage certificate (for spouse)
- Letter proving traditional marriage (for life partner)
- Birth certificates (for children)
- Proof of schooling (for children 21-25)
- Death certificate
- Any other nominated beneficiaries
Who are dependants for UIF benefits?
If a contributor dies, their spouse, life partner, or children may be eligible for UIF dependant benefits. These are considered the deceased’s closest relations.
Dependants can apply at a labour centre to receive financial support they may qualify for. Their details will be collected and processed for any benefits owed.
Dependents of each employee
When an employee starts work, they can indicate dependents on a form. This records who is eligible for benefits if the employee dies.
Dependents include spouses, children, or anyone financially dependent on the employee.
How to claim UIF benefits for deceased spouse
First, gather evidence the deceased contributed to UIF, like payslips.
Within 6 months after their death, visit the labour centre to begin the application. Provide your marriage certificate as proof of relation.
Officers will assist you in completing the necessary forms to claim benefits.
Overview of dependant benefits in UIF Act
The Unemployment Insurance Act No. 63 of 2001 protects workers’ families when they pass away.
Section 30 states a deceased contributor’s spouse, life partner, or children have the right to claim UIF benefits.
Applications must be made within 18 months of the contributor’s death.
Who can claim UIF dependant benefits
Spouse or life partner
A spouse or life partner of the deceased contributor can claim benefits, if the contributor paid into UIF. They need evidence like payslips.
Children
If there is no spouse/partner or they did not apply in 18 months, the contributor’s dependent children under 21 can claim.
Dependent children 21-25 in school can also apply.
Nominated beneficiary
Any beneficiary nominated while the contributor was alive can also apply.
Documents required to claim benefits
For spouse or life partner
- ID or passport
- Deceased’s last 6 payslips
- Form UI-19 from employer
- Death certificate
- Marriage certificate or lobola letter/affidavit
- UI-53 nomination form
- Banking details
- Service certificate from employer
For children
- Child’s ID
- Deceased’s last 6 payslips
- Form UI-19 from employer
- Service certificate from employer
- Child’s birth certificate
- Banking details
- Death certificate
- Guardianship proof
- School proof (if 21-25)
- UI-53 nomination form
Submitting a claim
The claim must be submitted at a Labour Office with all required documents.
Benefits are paid out in one lump sum based on calculations in the UIF Act schedules.
Benefit amount
The benefit amount depends on the:
- Deceased’s income
- UIF contribution history
- Formulas in the Act’s Schedule 2 and 3
Higher incomes have a maximum benefit equal to the transition income level benefit. Lower incomes receive a percentage of previous earnings.
Conclusion
The dependants of UIF contributors who pass away can claim benefits to assist with costs. Claims are submitted at labour centres along with documentation proving relationship. Benefits provide support during a challenging time.
FAQs
Who are considered dependants by UIF?
A contributor’s spouse, life partner, children, or anyone financially dependent on them.
How long after death can you claim?
Within 18 months of the contributor’s death.
What documents are needed?
ID, death certificate, birth certificates proving relation, nomination forms, payslips showing UIF contributions.
How are benefits calculated?
Based on income, contributions, and formulas in the Unemployment Insurance Act’s Schedule 2 and 3.
Are benefits taxed?
No, UIF dependant benefits are not taxed.
What if too much is paid?
You must pay back any benefits overpaid due to error.
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