UIF Maternity Benefits: How Much You’ll Get, When to Apply and What You Need
Most employers in South Africa don’t pay full salary during maternity leave, and many pay nothing at all. That’s where UIF maternity benefits come in. If you’ve been contributing to the UIF, you can claim a portion of your income while you’re on leave.
Here’s what you’re entitled to and how to claim it without delays.
Who qualifies for UIF maternity benefits?
- You’re employed and have been contributing to the UIF
- You’ve worked for at least 13 weeks before applying
- You’re on maternity leave and receiving less than your normal salary (or nothing) from your employer
- You work more than 24 hours a month for that employer
Domestic workers, farm workers and part-time workers who meet these conditions all qualify. Foreign nationals who are legally employed and contributing can claim too.
How much does UIF pay for maternity leave?
Maternity benefits are paid at a flat rate of 66% of your salary, up to the UIF earnings ceiling of R17,712 a month. Unlike unemployment benefits, the percentage doesn’t drop for higher earners below the ceiling.
| Your monthly salary | Approx. UIF maternity benefit per month |
|---|---|
| R5,000 | about R3,300 |
| R8,000 | about R5,280 |
| R12,000 | about R7,920 |
| R17,712 or more | about R11,690 (the maximum) |
If your employer pays part of your salary: the UIF only tops up to the point where your employer’s payment plus the UIF benefit doesn’t exceed your normal salary. Your employer will complete a form (UI-2.7) showing what they paid you during your leave.
For the formulas behind other benefit types, see our UIF payout calculation guide.
How long does UIF pay maternity benefits?
| Situation | Maximum benefit period |
|---|---|
| Normal maternity leave | Up to 121 days (about 17 weeks) |
| Miscarriage in the third trimester or a stillborn baby | The full maternity benefit, as for a live birth |
Does maternity leave use up your UIF credits?
Since the Unemployment Insurance Amendment Act came into effect, maternity benefits are paid separately and no longer reduce your credits for unemployment benefits. Claiming maternity benefits now won’t leave you short if you lose your job later.
When to apply
You can apply up to eight weeks before your expected due date, and the law allows applications within 12 months after the birth. Apply as early as you can. The sooner your claim is in, the sooner the money arrives, and you won’t be dealing with paperwork with a newborn.
Documents you’ll need
- Your ID or passport
- Form UI-2.3, the maternity benefit application (or the online application)
- UI-19 from your employer, or the UI-2.7 remuneration form showing what they’re paying you during leave
- UI-2.8 banking details form, stamped by your bank, with a recent bank statement
- A medical certificate from your doctor or midwife confirming your pregnancy and expected due date, or the baby’s birth certificate if you’re applying after the birth
- Recent payslips
Our UIF claim forms guide explains each of these forms.
How to apply for UIF maternity benefits online
- Sign in to UIF Online with your ID number and password. New to the portal? Our UIF login guide covers registration.
- Choose Maternity as the benefit type.
- Accept the terms and conditions.
- Confirm your banking details.
- Check and update your personal details.
- Add your occupation and qualification.
- Confirm whether your employer is still paying you a salary during your leave.
- Upload your documents.
- Submit and save your reference number.
You can also apply in person at any labour centre with the same documents.
How long does UIF maternity take to pay?
According to the UIF, complete maternity applications are assessed within about five working days of being assigned to an assessor. That’s much faster than unemployment claims. Delays usually come from a missing employer form or an unstamped bank form.
If your claim covers more than one payment period, you may need to submit a continuation (Form UI-4) until your leave ends.
Maternity leave vs parental leave
These are different benefits:
- Maternity benefits are for the birth mother, for up to 121 days.
- Parental and adoption benefits are for other parents, such as fathers and adoptive parents. The rules changed after a 2025 Constitutional Court ruling, so we cover them separately in our parental and adoption benefits guide.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Waiting until after the birth to start gathering documents
- Forgetting to ask your employer for the UI-2.7 before you go on leave
- Using a bank account that’s not in your name
- Not telling the UIF that your employer is paying you part of your salary, which can lead to overpayments you’ll have to pay back
What your employer has to do
Your employer plays a big part in a smooth maternity claim. They must:
- Keep declaring you to the UIF while you’re on leave
- Complete the UI-2.7 to show what, if anything, they’re paying you during your leave
- Give you a UI-19 if your employment ends
- Give you at least four consecutive months of maternity leave, as required by the Basic Conditions of Employment Act, even if that leave is unpaid
Ask your HR department or employer for the forms a few weeks before you start your leave so there’s no last-minute rush.
Tips for domestic workers
Domestic workers qualify for maternity benefits on exactly the same terms as anyone else, but only if their employer registered and declared them on uFiling. Before your leave starts, dial 134843# to confirm you’re registered. If you’re not, ask your employer to register you, or report it at a labour centre.
FAQs About UIF Maternity Benefits
Can I claim UIF maternity if I resigned during pregnancy?
Maternity benefits are for employees on maternity leave. If you resigned before your leave started, speak to a labour centre about your specific situation before applying.
Can I claim maternity UIF twice?
Yes, for each pregnancy, as long as you still meet the requirements.
How do I check my maternity claim?
Use any of the methods in our UIF status check guide.
Is maternity UIF paid monthly?
It’s paid in instalments over your leave period, usually after each period is processed.
Can I work part-time while claiming maternity UIF?
If you earn income during your leave, it must be declared. The UIF reduces the benefit so that your total income doesn’t go above your normal salary.
Conclusion
UIF maternity benefits ek ahem sahara hain jo aapko leave ke dauran 66% salary tak (R17,712 ceiling ke saath) 121 din tak milta hai. Apply karne ke liye apni due date se 8 hafte pehle hi documents, khaaskar employer ka UI-2.7 aur stamped banking form, tayyar rakhein. Mukammal application aam taur par takriban paanch working days mein process ho jati hai, is liye jaldi apply karein aur delays se bachein.
