Updated 11 August 2025
Need to know what the Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) will pay you if the worst happens? Our quick UIF payout calculator guide shows you how to work out your monthly benefit in rands and cents, right on your phone.
What the UIF actually pays
UIF is the short-term safety net for South African workers who lose their jobs, take maternity leave, adopt a child, fall ill or suffer a work-related injury. The daily benefit you receive is called the Income Replacement Rate (IRR). It ranges from 38 % to 60 % of your normal salary, capped at the UIF ceiling of R17 712 a month (2025 figure).
Quick mobile UIF calculator steps
- Grab your last six payslips.
- Add up the gross salary for the last 4 completed years (48 months).
- Divide by 48 to get your average monthly wage.
- Multiply by 38 %–60 %, depending on how high your salary is (the higher the pay, the lower the %).
- Round down to the nearest rand.
Example: If you earned R10 000 on average, the IRR will be about 55 %, giving you ±R5 500 per month. The payout can run for 12 months if you contributed for four years or more.
Why the exact UIF amount changes
- UIF ceiling: Anything above R17 712 is ignored.
- Credit days: One credit day for every four days worked.
- Reason for unemployment: Retrenchment, maternity and illness all qualify; resignation does not.
- Top-up policies: Some employers pay a top-up; UIF still tops you up to 38 %–60 % of your normal salary, not 100 %.
Where to test the numbers
- Official DoL uFiling site (www.ufiling.co.za) – click “Benefit Estimator”.
- Department of Labour WhatsApp line: 060 012 3456.
- SARS eFiling profile – check your EMP501 history to confirm declared salary.
Local tips to speed up your claim
- Keep your UI-19 form from your employer.
- Submit within six months of last work day.
- Use the uFiling mobile app to upload documents.
- Visit your nearest Labour Centre if you’re stuck – bring ID, bank statement and payslips.
Common questions South Africans Google
“How long does UIF take to pay out?” – 15 to 35 working days after approval.
“Can I claim UIF if I resigned?” – No, unless it’s constructive dismissal.
“UIF payout for maternity leave” – 66 % of salary for up to 121 days.
Bottom line
The UIF payout calculator gives a solid ball-park figure, but the final amount depends on your actual credit days and the IRR table. Always log on to uFiling or speak to a DoL consultant to confirm the exact rand value before you budget.