If you employ a domestic worker who works more than 24 hours a month, the law requires you to contribute to UIF for them. UIF costs 2% of the worker's salary each month: 1% from you and 1% deducted from their pay. AskMandla handles the registration and the monthly UIF admin for you, works out the correct amount, shows it on the payslip, and either guides you through payment or submits it on your behalf. We handle the admin so you stay legal.
What UIF is
UIF stands for the Unemployment Insurance Fund. It is a government benefit fund that pays income to workers when:
- They go on maternity or parental leave
- They lose their job
- They cannot work because of illness
- Their employer passes away or becomes insolvent
UIF is required by law for every employer who pays a worker who works more than 24 hours per month.
One important point: a worker cannot claim UIF if they resign.
Who needs to register
You must register for UIF if:
- You employ a domestic worker, nanny, gardener, or cleaner
- They work more than 24 hours per month
You do not need to register if:
- You employ someone for occasional, irregular work under 24 hours a month
- You hire through an agency that handles UIF for you
What AskMandla does
We take care of the whole UIF process for you:
1. Register you as an employer with the Department of Employment and Labour
2. Register your employee on your UIF account
3. Work out the correct deduction each month
4. Show the UIF amount on the payslip
5. Guide you through payment, or submit it for you if you choose
We handle the admin. You stay legal.
How much you pay
The total UIF contribution is 2% of the employee's salary each month:
- 1% comes from the employer (you)
- 1% is deducted from the employee's salary
For example, if you pay R3,500 a month:
- You pay R35
- Your employee contributes R35
- Total UIF is R70
How UIF shows on your invoice and payslip
Each month:
- Your invoice includes the employer UIF contribution
- The employee UIF portion is deducted automatically
- The payslip shows both amounts clearly
This gives both you and your worker proof of compliance.
Where the UIF money goes
If AskMandla is submitting for you:
- We collect the UIF and submit it to the Department of Employment and Labour each month
- We use your UIF reference number and match the payments to the payslips
If you are submitting yourself:
- We give you the amounts and details to pay manually through uFiling or EFT
If you are not registered yet
That is fine. When you sign up:
- We guide you through the registration process
- Or we do it on your behalf, if you choose that option
To get started, we need your ID, your employee's details, and your address.
Why UIF matters
Without UIF, your worker:
- Cannot claim maternity benefits
- Cannot claim unemployment income
- Is not legally protected if dismissed
With UIF in place, your worker has a safety net, and so do you.
Getting help
AskMandla can:
- Check whether you are registered
- Fix problems with uFiling
- Guide you on backdated UIF if you need to catch up
Message us on WhatsApp and say "UIF help".