UIF Maternity Benefits
If you are going on maternity leave, UIF maternity benefits can replace part of your income while you are away from work. They are paid by the Unemployment Insurance Fund to mothers who have been contributing, and they work differently from ordinary unemployment benefits. This guide explains who qualifies, how much you get, how long you can claim, the documents you need, and how to apply.
Last updated: May 2026 · Source: Department of Employment and Labour (UIF) · gov.za
What UIF Maternity Benefits Are
UIF maternity benefits are a payment from the fund to help cover your income while you are on maternity leave. Unlike an unemployment claim, you are not losing your job — you are simply away from work to have your baby, and UIF helps bridge the gap in your pay during that time. Importantly, claiming maternity benefits does not use up or affect your right to claim ordinary unemployment benefits later if you lose your job, because they are treated separately.
Who Qualifies
To claim, you must have been a contributing employee for at least 13 weeks before the date you apply, and you must be receiving less than your normal pay while on maternity leave. This last point matters: if your employer continues to pay your full salary during your leave, there is no shortfall for UIF to cover, so you would not receive a maternity payment for that period. UIF is there to help when your income drops while you are off.
How Much You Get
Maternity benefits are paid at a flat rate of 66% of your earnings — this is higher than the sliding scale used for unemployment benefits. There are two things that affect what actually lands in your account. First, your earnings are only counted up to the UIF ceiling of R17,712 a month, so if you earn more than that, the 66% is worked out on the ceiling, not your full salary. Second, the benefit is the difference between what your employer pays you during your leave and the prescribed UIF amount, arranged so that your total income does not exceed 100% of your normal pay. In practice this means UIF tops up your income rather than paying a full second salary on top of what your employer gives you.
How Long You Can Claim
You can claim maternity benefits for up to 121 days, which is about 17 weeks — roughly the length of standard maternity leave. If you miscarry in the third trimester or your baby is stillborn, you are still entitled to claim maternity benefits for a shorter period. The benefit is paid in instalments during your leave rather than as a single lump sum.
How to Apply
You can apply before the birth or within 12 months of the child being born, either online through the Department of Employment and Labour’s uFiling portal or in person at your nearest Labour Centre. You will generally need your 13-digit bar-coded ID, your last six payslips, the UI-19 form and a service certificate from your employer, your banking details, a statement of what your employer is paying you during your leave, and the maternity application forms (such as the UI-2.3 and UI-2.8). A medical certificate confirming your pregnancy, or the baby’s birth certificate once the baby is born, is also required. Our How to Claim UIF page covers the general process and where to go.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does UIF pay for maternity leave?
Maternity benefits are paid at a flat rate of 66% of your earnings, counted up to the UIF ceiling of R17,712 a month, and topped up so your total income does not exceed your normal pay.
How long can I claim?
For up to 121 days, which is about 17 weeks.
Can I claim if my employer pays me during maternity leave?
Only if you are receiving less than your normal pay. UIF covers the shortfall — if you are paid your full salary, there is nothing for UIF to top up.
When should I apply?
You can apply before the birth or within 12 months of the child being born. Don’t leave it too late.
📋 Verified — Official sources: Department of Employment and Labour (UIF) · uFiling
⚠️ This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. KnowMyGovt is not affiliated with the UIF, the Department of Employment and Labour, nor the South African government. Always confirm current rules and claim at the official uFiling portal.
