Maternity UIF — Money While You Are on Maternity Leave
If you are pregnant and you work (or worked recently), you are entitled to receive money from UIF while you are on maternity leave. This money comes from the contributions your employer has been making on your behalf.
Payment
38-60%
of salary
Maximum
121 days
When to apply
Before or at birth
Who pays
UIF (not employer)
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Even if your employer does not pay you during maternity leave, UIF should. You must apply yourself — it is not automatic.
Do I qualify?
check_circleYou are pregnant or have recently given birth (or adopted a child under 2)
check_circleYou have been working and your employer has been contributing to UIF for you
check_circleYou worked for at least 13 weeks before going on maternity leave
check_circleYou are registered with UIF (your employer must have done this)
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If your employer never registered you for UIF, you may still be able to claim. Report this to the Department of Labour (0800 030 007) and they will investigate.
How much will I get?
The amount depends on your salary. UIF pays between 38% and 60% of your salary, up to a maximum of R17,712 per month. The lower your salary, the higher the percentage. Here are some examples:
savings
Earning R6,000 per month
You would receive approximately R3,600 per month (60%) from UIF — for up to 121 days (about 4 months).
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Earning R15,000 per month
You would receive approximately R8,250 per month (55%) from UIF — for up to 121 days.
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Earning R30,000 per month
UIF is capped at R17,712/month. You would receive that amount for up to 121 days.
What documents do I need?
check_circleYour South African ID document
check_circleYour UI-2.7 maternity form — your employer must give you this, or get it from a Labour Centre
check_circleUI-2.8 medical certificate — completed by your doctor or midwife, confirming the expected birth date
check_circleYour last 3 months payslips
check_circleBank account details — must be in your name
check_circleThe baby's birth certificate (after the birth)
How to apply — step by step
1
Apply before or just after giving birth
Do not wait too long. You have 6 months from when you go on maternity leave to apply. Apply at ufiling.gov.za or at your nearest Labour Centre.
2
Get your forms from your employer
Your employer must give you the UI-2.7 form. Your doctor or midwife must complete the UI-2.8 form. Both are free.
3
Submit your application
Submit online at ufiling.gov.za or in person at a Labour Centre. If you are too close to your due date to travel, ask someone to go on your behalf with a letter from you.
4
Wait for approval — usually 4–8 weeks
UIF will deposit money into your bank account. Keep checking your application status on the uFiling website.
5
Also apply for Child Support Grant
After your baby is born, apply for the Child Support Grant at SASSA — R580/month per child. These two payments work together.
Frequently asked questions
You must have been employed and contributing to UIF at some point. If you lost your job after becoming pregnant, you may still qualify — your UIF credits do not disappear immediately. Apply and explain the situation.
No, your employer is not legally required to top up UIF. However, your employment contract may entitle you to full pay — check your contract.
UIF pays based on your leave period, not the number of babies. The 121-day maximum applies regardless. However, you can apply for the Child Support Grant for each child born.
No. Maternity UIF is only for the mother. However, the father can apply for 3 days paid paternity leave (this comes from the employer, not UIF) and can claim UIF if he loses his job.
Key contacts
UIF helpline: 0800 030 007 uFiling: ufiling.gov.za Labour Centre locator: www.labour.gov.za SASSA (Child Support Grant): 0800 60 10 11
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