Top Mistakes That Delay UIF Payments and How to Avoid Them

In South Africa, the Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) offers much-needed financial relief to workers who have lost their jobs, are on maternity leave, or unable to work due to illness. Unfortunately, many applicants experience long delays before receiving their UIF payments. These delays are often caused by mistakes that can easily be avoided.

In this article, we will explore the common errors that delay UIF payments and provide clear steps to help workers and employers avoid them. If you are waiting for UIF money or want to apply soon, this guide is for you.

Why UIF Matters

The UIF plays a big role in helping people survive when they are not working. It helps cover the cost of food, transport, and other essentials while looking for another job. However, delays in receiving UIF can lead to stress, debt, and desperation—especially for low-income households.

Common Mistakes Causing Delays

1. Incomplete or Incorrect Information

Many people make the mistake of submitting forms with missing or incorrect information. For example:

Surnames that don’t match ID or bank records
Wrong bank account numbers
Misspelling of names or ID numbers

These errors cause the system to reject your application, and you may need to start over.

How to fix it: Always double-check names, ID numbers, and bank details before submitting. Make sure they match across all documents, including your ID book, bank account, and UIF application.

2. Not Registering or Declaring on Time

Some employers do not register their workers with UIF in time or delay monthly declarations. This is a big mistake because it leads to:

No contribution records in the UIF system
Penalties for late declarations
Delays in claim processing

Solution: Employers must register employees with UIF immediately upon hiring and submit monthly declarations without delay.

3. Using the Wrong Forms

There are different forms for different UIF benefits, like unemployment, maternity, illness, or death. Submitting the wrong form or leaving sections blank will lead to delays.

Forms to know:

UI-2.1: Application for benefits
UI-19: Employer’s declaration
UI-2.8: Banking details
UI-6A: Continuation of payment

Tip: Visit the Department of Employment and Labour’s official website or go to a UIF office to get the correct forms.

4. Missing Supporting Documents

UIF claims must include the right documents. If anything is missing, your application will be put on hold or rejected.

Documents you may need:

Payslips (last 6 months)
Bank statement (3 months)
ID copy
Certificate of service
Marriage certificate (if surname has changed)

How to avoid this: Use a checklist before submitting your documents.

5. Bank and ID Mismatches

UIF uses a verification system to check if your ID matches your bank account. If there is any mismatch (like using your maiden name in one place and married name in another), your payment may be delayed.

Solution: Make sure your bank account is in your current legal name, and that it matches your ID and UIF application details exactly.

6. Premature Continuation Forms

Some people send in the continuation of benefit form (UI.6A) before their first UIF claim is approved. This causes confusion and delays.

When to submit: Wait until your first payment has been made before submitting UI.6A. Attach recent payslips and bank statements with it.

7. Employer Errors in Declarations

Employers sometimes make mistakes when declaring employee details to UIF. These include:

Wrong ID numbers
Wrong salaries
Not updating terminated employees

Fix this: Employers must log into the UIF portal regularly to review and correct employee information.

8. Fraud Checks

Due to past scams, the UIF has introduced stricter controls. Large claims are flagged for extra checks, which slows down payments.

Advice: Be patient. Verification is necessary to make sure the right people receive the money. If your claim is genuine, it will eventually be paid.

How to Avoid UIF Delays

Double-Check Everything

Go through every form and document before submitting. Get help from someone if you’re unsure. It’s better to take your time than to submit a form that will be rejected.

Register and Declare Early

Employers must register all new employees within 14 days and continue with monthly UIF declarations. This ensures your records are always up to date.

Use Correct Forms and Attach All Documents

Understand which forms apply to your situation. Always attach:

ID copy
Bank confirmation letter
All required documents

Update Personal Details

Always use your current legal surname, and make sure it matches your ID and bank records. If you’ve changed your name due to marriage or other reasons, update your details with the bank and Home Affairs.

Submit Continuation Forms Correctly

Do not rush to submit UI.6A. Wait until you receive your first UIF payment. Then, include updated payslips and a 3-month bank statement.

Employers: Keep Records Updated

UIF systems work best when employers upload correct employee data. Make sure terminated employees are marked as such and salary information is accurate.

Be Patient—but Proactive

While UIF can be slow, you don’t have to just wait. If it’s been more than 6 weeks without a response, contact the Department of Labour or visit the nearest UIF office.

Where to Get Help

You can:

Call the UIF call centre: 0800 030 007
Visit www.labour.gov.za
Go to a Labour Centre with your documents

Check also: Tax Season 2025: When SARS Will Auto-Assess Your Return

UIF delays are frustrating, especially when money is tight. But most delays can be avoided by checking your forms, updating your details, using the right documents, and being patient during verification.

Following the steps in this guide will save you time, stress, and make sure your UIF claim goes through smoothly.