Whether or not you receive payment after being dismissed depends on your country’s labour laws, the terms of your employment contract, and the circumstances surrounding your dismissal.
In South Africa, here’s what you may be entitled to after dismissal:
1. Final Paycheck
You are entitled to receive any outstanding wages or salary owed to you up until your last working day. This may also include payment for any unused annual leave, depending on company policy and labour regulations.
2. Severance Pay
If your dismissal is due to retrenchment (operational requirements), you may qualify for severance pay. Typically, severance is calculated as at least one week’s pay for every completed year of service, unless your employment contract or company policy provides for more.
3. UIF Benefits
If you have been contributing to the Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF), you may apply for unemployment benefits after dismissal. This provides temporary financial support while you search for a new job.
4. Other Benefits
Depending on your employment contract, you may also be entitled to additional payments such as pro-rata bonuses or pension fund withdrawals.
Important: If you are dismissed for misconduct, you are still entitled to your final paycheck, but you may not qualify for severance pay. UIF benefits may also be affected depending on the nature of your dismissal.
For accurate guidance on your specific situation, it’s best to consult South African labour laws (Basic Conditions of Employment Act and Labour Relations Act) or seek advice from an employment lawyer.