How to Get Your Unemployment Letter from the Department of Labour (South Africa)

• Updated 11 August 2025

Need an official unemployment letter (often called a UI-19 or proof of unemployment) for a new job, UIF claim, bank application or SASSA grant? Here’s the fastest, load-shedding-proof way to get it—on your phone or in person.

1. What the letter actually is

• UI-19 form – shows your employment dates, reason for termination and UIF contributions.
• Proof-of-unemployment letter – a short stamped statement issued by the Department of Employment and Labour when you are not yet registered for UIF benefits.

1. Before you phone or visit
   Have these details ready:
   ☐ 13-digit ID number
   ☐ Last employer’s name, PAYE number and contact person
   ☐ Exact start and end dates of your last job
   ☐ Reason for leaving (retrenchment, contract ended, dismissal, resignation)
   ☐ Cell number and e-mail address
2. Three ways to request the letter
   A. uFiling (fastest)
3. Log in at m.ufiling.co.za (zero data on major SA networks).
4. Tap Employment History → Download UI-19.
5. Save the PDF to your phone or e-mail it directly to whoever needs it.
   Note: Works only if your employer uploaded the UI-19 to uFiling.

B. WhatsApp (no queues)

1. Save 060 012 3456 as “DoL UIF”.
2. Send: “Hi, I need a UI-19/unemployment letter. ID 820101xxxxxxx.”
3. Follow the auto-menu; an agent replies with next steps or a digital copy within 24 hours.

C. Walk-in (back-up)

1. Find your nearest Labour Centre on labour.gov.za → Contact Us.
2. Book an appointment online to skip the queue.
3. Bring certified ID copy, last payslip and employer contact details.
4. Ask for a stamped unemployment letter or a print-out of your UI-19; it’s issued on the spot if the file is on the system.
5. Typical waiting times

• uFiling download: instant
• WhatsApp/e-mail: same day to 48 hours
• Walk-in with appointment: 15 minutes
• Walk-in without appointment: 1–3 hours (arrive before 08:00)

1. Double-check the details

• Spelling of your name and surname
• Correct ID number
• Accurate start and end dates
• Reason for termination matches your records
  If any info is wrong, WhatsApp the Labour Centre with a photo of the letter; they’ll issue a corrected version.

1. Common SA Google searches
   “UI-19 form download South Africa”
   “Unemployment letter for SASSA”
   “Department of Labour WhatsApp number”
   “Proof of unemployment letter template SA”

Bottom line
If your employer uploaded your UI-19, download it free from uFiling. If not, WhatsApp or book a quick Labour Centre slot. Keep the letter safe—banks, insurers and recruiters ask for it often.