The Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) ensures that South African workers are supported in times of unemployment, maternity leave, illness, or adoption. The Department of Employment and Labour manages UIF contributions, while the uFiling portal (www.ufiling.co.za or ufiling.labour.gov.za) provides a free, secure platform for online submissions.
As of 2026, the process of submitting UIF documents online remains largely the same as in previous years. While the system experienced disruptions in early 2025 due to legal disputes with a service provider, these issues were resolved later that year. Services are now fully operational, and features like bulk uploads (introduced in 2024) continue to improve efficiency.
This guide walks you through the full process of submitting UIF documents online, whether you are an employer ensuring compliance or an employee applying for benefits.
Who Needs to Use uFiling
Employers
Anyone employing staff for more than 24 hours per month must register with UIF and submit monthly declarations.
Employers contribute 1% of each employee’s gross salary, while employees contribute another 1%, totalling 2% UIF contribution.
Employees
Workers applying for benefits (unemployment, maternity, illness, or adoption) must use the uFiling system to upload claim forms and supporting documents.
This ensures faster processing and fewer delays compared to manual submissions.
Failure to comply with UIF obligations can result in penalties, rejected claims, and delays in accessing benefits.
Registering for a uFiling Account
Before submitting any UIF documents, you must create a uFiling account.
Go to the Portal
Visit www.ufiling.co.za or ufiling.labour.gov.za.
Click “Register” on the top right.
Accept Terms & Select User Type
Agree to UIF’s terms and conditions.
Choose your role:
Domestic Employer (e.g., households employing domestic workers).
Commercial Employer (businesses/SMMEs).
Tax Agent/Labour Practitioner (registered agents managing UIF on behalf of employers).
Enter Personal/Company Details
Provide your ID number, name, email, phone number, and physical address.
Input your UIF reference number (if not available, you can apply during registration).
Verification & Login Setup
You’ll receive a confirmation email with a temporary username and password.
Use these to log in, then set a secure new password.
Tip: Verification usually takes 24–48 hours. If it takes longer, contact UIF support at 0800 030 007.
Logging In and Managing Profiles
Once registered:
Visit the homepage and click “Login”.
Enter your username or ID number, and your password.
Verify using the One-Time Pin (OTP) sent to your registered cell number.
Update your profile details, including banking details for contributions or benefit payouts.
Keeping your profile updated prevents payment delays and rejected submissions.
Submitting Monthly Declarations (UI-19)
Employers must submit a UI-19 declaration form every month. This ensures that employees are correctly recorded and contributions are up to date.
Go to “Declarations” > “Submit Declaration”.
Select the relevant month and year (e.g., January 2026).
The system will auto-populate employee details. Review and update:
Gross remuneration.
Employment details (hours, occupation, sector classification).
UIF contributions (calculated as 2% of gross salary, capped at R177.12 per employee per month using 2025 rates; check for 2026 updates on SARS guides).
Generate a UI-19 form in PDF or Excel for record-keeping.
If you manage multiple employees, use the bulk upload feature to import data via a CSV/Excel template.
Uploading Supporting Documents
Supporting documents may be required for both employers and employees, depending on the situation.
In the Declarations or Benefit Application section, look for “Upload Documents”.
Accepted formats: PDF, JPG, PNG (files must be under 5MB).
Upload the relevant files, with descriptions.
Common Supporting Documents:
| Document Type | Purpose | When Required |
|---|---|---|
| UI-19 Form | Monthly declaration of salaries & contributions | Every submission |
| Certified ID Copy | Employee verification | New registrations or claims |
| Bank Statement | Verification of bank details | Claims and contribution proof |
| UI-2.1 / UI-2.7 Forms | Benefit applications (unemployment/maternity) | Employee claims |
| Dismissal/Retrenchment Letter | Proof of termination | Unemployment claims |
| Medical Certificate | Illness/adoption support | Relevant benefit types |
Making Payments and Finalising Submission
After submitting declarations, the system will calculate total UIF due.
Pay using:
EFT (Electronic Funds Transfer).
Credit/Debit card.
Direct bank transfer (always use UIF reference number).
Once payment is complete, click “Submit”.
You’ll receive a confirmation email and reference number. Download the receipt for your records.
Note: UIF submissions now integrate with SARS EMP201 forms, reducing duplication for employers.
Tracking Submissions and Claims
To monitor UIF progress:
Go to “My Submissions” for declarations.
Employees applying for benefits can check under “Benefit Applications”.
Statuses will show as Pending, Approved, or Rejected.
If a submission is rejected (e.g., due to missing documents), you can resubmit corrections.
Key Tips for 2026
Deadlines: File by the 7th of each month (e.g., February 2026’s declaration due by March 7).
Security: Use a secure browser and avoid logging in from public Wi-Fi.
Foreign Nationals: Double-check submissions, as manual checks may be required.
Penalties: Late filings can result in fines and delays in benefit payouts.
Back-up Options: If uFiling is unavailable, email UI-19 forms to uif.declarations@labour.gov.za or visit a labour centre.
Resources and Support
Official uFiling portal: www.ufiling.co.za
Department of Employment and Labour: www.labour.gov.za
UIF Contact Centre: 0800 030 007
SARS Employer Guides: www.sars.gov.za
Check also: UIF Status Check — What Each Status Means (October 2025 Update)
Submitting UIF documents online through uFiling in 2026 remains a straightforward and reliable process. By registering, updating employee data, submitting declarations on time, and uploading the correct supporting documents, both employers and employees can ensure compliance and faster access to UIF benefits.
