• Updated 11 August 2025
Short version: YES, but the claim will stall until the Department of Employment and Labour can confirm your employment and contribution history.
Use the work-arounds below to speed things up and avoid weeks of “Pending” status.
1. Why the UI-19 matters
- Employer’s proof you were employed and contributed.
- Dates & salary used to calculate your daily benefit.
Without it, SARS and DoL must reconstruct the data.
2. Fast-track substitutes (in order of strength)
| Substitute | What it proves | How to get it |
|---|---|---|
| EMP201 print-out from SARS eFiling | Monthly salary & UIF contribution per PAYE number | SARS eFiling → Returns → EMP201 (last 4 years) |
| IRP5 / IT3(a) | Annual salary & UIF code 4141 | SARS MobiApp → Tax certificates |
| Bank statements | Salary deposits and amount | Download from banking app |
| Payslips | Gross salary & any UIF deduction line | Ask HR or search e-mail |
| Sworn affidavit | Your statement why UI-19 is missing | Commissioner of Oaths or police station |
3. Upload process on uFiling (mobile)
- Log in → UIF Benefits → Apply
- At “UI-19” step, choose “Missing UI-19 – alternative documents”
- Upload the strongest substitute first (EMP201 or IRP5) + affidavit
- Tick the box “Request DoL to source data from SARS”
- Submit → claim status shows “Pending – Verification”
4. How DoL fills the gap
- They auto-match your ID against SARS PAYE data.
- If the match is clear, processing continues (adds ±2 weeks).
- If data is incomplete, an agent phones you for more docs.
5. Pro tips to avoid delays
- EMP201 + IRP5 together = fastest combo.
- Affidavit template (free at police station): state employer name, period worked, reason UI-19 missing.
- Follow up weekly on WhatsApp 060 012 3456 with your ID and case number.
6. Common SA Google searches
- “Apply UIF without UI-19 South Africa”
- “EMP201 as proof for UIF claim”
- “UIF affidavit template download”
- “DoL verify UIF contributions via SARS”
Bottom line
You can lodge a UIF claim without a UI-19, but attach EMP201/IRP5 plus an affidavit and tick the “source from SARS” box. The claim will still process—just budget an extra 2–4 weeks for verification.