Checking your UIF (Unemployment Insurance Fund) payment status in South Africa can sometimes be frustrating. Applicants are often met with cryptic messages, unexplained delays, or outright system failures. Whether you’re trying to track your COVID-19 Temporary Employer/Employee Relief Scheme (TERS) benefits or your general UIF claims, understanding the causes of these errors and how to resolve them is crucial.
In this article, we unpack the common challenges South Africans face when trying to check their UIF payment status and provide practical solutions to help you take the next step.
1. Understanding the UIF System
The Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF), administered by the Department of Employment and Labour, offers temporary relief to workers who lose their income due to retrenchment, illness, maternity, or other qualifying circumstances. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the TERS relief fund provided additional financial aid.
However, the system used to manage these benefits has been plagued with glitches, data discrepancies, and verification delays. As a result, applicants often face status errors when checking their claims online through the UIF TERS portal.
2. Common UIF Status Messages and What They Mean
Here are the most frequently encountered UIF payment status messages and their implications:
a. “No Employee Found” Notification
This is one of the most confusing messages users encounter. It typically means:
Your employer has not submitted your application.
The employer’s uploaded CSV file hasn’t been processed yet.
Your details (ID number, name, bank account) are incorrectly captured.
Fix:
Wait a few days and check again. Then contact your employer to confirm they have applied on your behalf with the correct information. Employers should verify submission status via the TERS employer dashboard.
b. “Application in Progress”
This status means your application has been received but is not yet finalised. It’s undergoing internal validations, including:
Verification of ID and banking details.
Cross-checking employment records with SARS and Department of Home Affairs.
Fix:
This status requires patience. Processing timelines vary but may take several weeks. If there’s no progress after 30 working days, call the UIF helpline at 0800 030 007 to escalate.
c. “Payment Processed” But No Money Received
Sometimes, the portal shows your payment as “processed,” but your bank account remains empty. This could be due to:
Incorrect or inactive bank details.
Mismatch between your bank account and your ID.
Rejected transactions by the bank due to discrepancies.
Fix:
Double-check your banking details on the TERS portal. The account must be in your name—third-party accounts are typically rejected. If everything checks out, call the UIF to confirm if the payment was rejected or pending.
d. “UIF Registered” on SASSA SRD Applications
If you’ve applied for the Social Relief of Distress (SRD) R350 grant and received the status “UIF Registered,” it means:
Your name appears on the UIF system as an active contributor.
You might have received UIF recently.
Outdated or inaccurate data is confusing the system.
Fix:
Submit an appeal via the SASSA SRD Appeals Portal, uploading supporting documents such as:
Recent bank statements.
A letter from your former employer.
Payslips showing termination of employment.
e. System Delays and Errors
The UIF system has experienced severe backlogs and downtime, especially during high-traffic periods like lockdowns or retrenchment waves. Many claims remain “inactive” for up to 90 days, eventually being marked as “finalised” without any action.
Fix:
If your claim is marked as finalised without payment or progress, you may need to restart the application. Contact the UIF call centre to confirm the reason and next steps.
3. Step-by-Step Guide: Fixing Your UIF Application Issues
To resolve UIF payment status problems, follow these verified steps:
a. Check Your Application Status Online
Go to the official UIF portal: https://uifecc.labour.gov.za/covid19/
Enter your ID number.
Select the relevant application period.
Review the status displayed and take note of any messages.
b. Fix Incorrect Information
If you suspect incorrect data:
Log in to the portal.
Use the “Discrepancy Resolution” feature to correct ID numbers, bank details, or employment dates.
Employers may need to re-upload corrected CSV files.
c. Contact UIF for Assistance
UIF payment status Still stuck? Use the official UIF contact channels:
UIF Call Centre: 0800 030 007 (Weekdays, 08:00–16:00)
Email Support: covid19ters@labour.gov.za or uifcomplaints@labour.gov.za
Visit Your Nearest Labour Centre: Bring a copy of your ID, UIF reference number, and proof of application.
4. Appealing SASSA UIF-Related Rejections
If your SASSA SRD application is rejected due to UIF-related records:
Enter your ID and phone number.
Upload supporting documents proving you do not receive UIF benefits.
Await SMS confirmation of the appeal outcome.
5. Ensuring Employer Compliance
Employers play a vital role in the UIF claims process. Ensure that:
They have declared your employment status correctly.
They’ve submitted the TERS CSV file with your accurate information.
All UI-19 forms and monthly returns are up to date.
Employees can ask for proof of submission or request the UIF declaration document as evidence.
6. Final Tips for Avoiding UIF Claim Problems
Keep Records: Save copies of all emails, reference numbers, and application forms.
Use Correct Information: Always verify ID numbers, banking details, and contact info before submitting.
Don’t Use Third-Party Services: Avoid intermediaries who charge for UIF processing. The application process is free.
Follow Up Consistently: Set reminders to check the portal every 7–10 days for updates.
Check also: UIF vs. Compensation Fund: What’s the Difference?
Navigating the UIF system in South Africa can be overwhelming, especially when status updates are unclear or misleading. However, by understanding common UIF payment status errors and taking appropriate action, claimants can reduce delays and improve their chances of receiving timely payouts.
For official information and assistance, always refer to trusted government sources such as:
SASSA SRD Appeals Portal
By remaining proactive and informed, you can navigate UIF challenges with confidence and ensure your claim is successfully processed.
