
UIF
Quick Answer
What is UIF?
UIF is the Unemployment Insurance Fund – compulsory insurance paying benefits when employees lose their jobs, go on maternity leave or fall ill.
UIF explained
Employers deduct 1% from each salary and add 1% themselves, on remuneration up to R17,712 a month, declared monthly. Registration happens on uFiling.
Who it applies to: Every employer and every employee working 24+ hours a month.
Cost: 2% of remuneration combined, capped at R354.24/month.
Related terms and guides
Official source: Department of Employment and Labour
Always verify this information with official South African government sources. Rules, fees and thresholds change. Check SARS, CIPC, the Department of Employment and Labour or gov.za before you act.
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Last reviewed: September 2026 by the BizAnswers editorial team. How we write and check our guides.