Updated 11 August 2025
Short answer: You have 12 months from the date you were retrenched to lodge a UIF unemployment claim .
The sooner you file, the sooner the money start : here’s the quickest mobile route.
1. Clock starts on your last work day
- Day 0 = last day you worked.
- Deadline = 12-month anniversary of that day .
Miss the deadline and the benefit is forfeited.
2. Speed-run checklist (do this within a week)
| Step | What to do | How long it takes |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ask HR for UI-19 form and retrenchment letter | Same day |
| 2 | Register on uFiling app | 5 minutes |
| 3 | Upload UI-19, certified ID, bank letter | 5 minutes |
| 4 | Submit claim → first payment hits bank | 6–8 weeks |
3. Track your claim on your phone
- uFiling app → My Claims → shows “Pending / Approved / Paid”.
- WhatsApp 060 012 3456 → type “Status” + your ID for instant feedback.
4. How long you’ll be paid
- Credit days = 1 day for every 4 days you contributed, maximum 365 days .
- Example: Worked full-time for 4 years → up to 12 months of benefits.
5. Common SA Google questions
- “UIF claim after retrenchment deadline 2025”
- “Can I claim UIF 6 months after retrenchment?” (Yes—inside the 12-month window)
- “How long before UIF pays out after retrenchment?” (6–8 weeks)
- “UIF retrenchment payout calculator”
Bottom line: You have one full year from retrenchment day, but file immediately—every day you delay is a day without income.