UIF – Claiming on behalf of a deceased contributor.

Did you know that spouses, life partners and children can claim benefits from the Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) following the death of a contributor?

In terms of section 30 of the Unemployment Insurance Act 63 of 2001 (“UI Act”), in addition to the unemployment benefit, an employee’s surviving spouse, life partner or child/children have the right to claim benefits from the Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) upon the employee’s demise.

UIF dependants’ benefits must be applied for within 18 months after the death of the person contributing to the UIF (“Contributor”)

Who can claim for UIF Dependants’ Death Benefits:

• A spouse or surviving life partner of an employee who has contributed to the UIF.
• In the event of there being no spouse or surviving life partner, or if no claim has been submitted by them within 18 months of the death of the contributor, a claim can be submitted by the dependent children of the contributor if they are still under the age of 21. Children between the ages of 21 and 25 years old can also submit a claim if they were dependent on the employee whilst they were still alive (students).
• A nominated beneficiary nominated by the employee whilst they were still alive may also have a claim against the Fund.

It is advisable for UIF contributors to complete the UI-53 Nomination Form whilst they are still alive. The UI-53 Nomination Form should be submitted to the employer for record purposes. Should a claim arise, the document would be required to be submitted to the Department of Employment and Labour by the beneficiary/claimant.

Required documentation when applying for UIF Dependant’s Benefit:

If the spouse or surviving life partner of the deceased contributor is claiming:

• UI-19 form, completed by the employer of the deceased.
• 13-digit barcoded/smart card ID, passport, or asylum seeker permit of the applying dependent (Certified copy).
• Copies of the deceased’s last six payslips.
• Death certificate (issued by the Department of Home Affairs) of the deceased contributor (Certified copy).
• For spouse: Marriage certificate (Certified copy).
• For partner: Lobola letter or an affidavit proving the relationship.
• UI-53 Nomination Form.
• Proof of banking details.
• A service certificate from the employer.

If a child of the deceased contributor is claiming:

• UI-19 form, completed by the employer of the deceased.
• A copy of the child’s identity document (Certified copy).
• Copies of the deceased’s last six payslips.
• A service certificate from the employer.
• A certified copy of the child’s birth certificate.
• Proof of banking details.
• Death certificate (issued by the Department of Home Affairs) of the deceased contributor (Certified copy).
• Proof of guardianship (if applicable).
• Proof that the child is a learner who was dependent on the deceased (for dependents between 21 and 25 years of age).
• In the case of a guardian, proof of guardianship, a letter confirming that the minor is still in school and a birth certificate.

The UIF Dependant’s Benefit claim must be submitted to the Department of Employment and Labour at a Labour Office.

Payment of the Benefit

This benefit is paid out in one payment. The amount payable is based on the mathematical calculation of Contributor’s Entitlement and Scale of Contributor’s entitlement to Benefits (UI Act 63 of 2001, Schedule 2 and Schedule 3).

Vishane Pramrajh

Employee Benefits Manager