The Unemployment Insurance Act No. 63 of 2001 provides security to workers when they become unemployed.
In terms of section 30 of the UI Act 63 of 2001, in addition to the unemployment benefit, an employee’s surviving spouse, life partner or child/children have the right to claim benefits from the Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) when the employee is deceased.
UIF dependant’s benefits must be applied for within 18 months after the death of the contributor.
Who can claim for UIF Dependant’s Benefits:
- A spouse or surviving life partner of an employee who has been contributing to the UIF
- Should there be no spouse or surviving life partner, or no claim has been submitted by them within 18 months of the death of the contributor, a claim can be submitted by the dependent children of the contributor if they are still under the age of 21.
- Children between the ages of 21 and 25 years old can also submit a claim, if they were dependent on the employee whilst they were still alive (students).
- A nominated beneficiary nominated by the employee whilst they were still alive.
Any and all UIF contributors must complete the UI-53 Nomination Form whilst they are still alive. The UI-53 Nomination Form must be submitted to the employer for submission to the Department of Employment & Labour.
Required documentation when applying for UIF Dependant’s Benefit:
For the spouse or surviving life partner of the deceased contributor:
- 13-digit barcoded/smart card ID, passport, or asylum seeker permit of the applying dependent (Certified copy)
- Copies of the deceased’s last six payslips
- UI-19 form, completed by the employer of the deceased
- Death certificate (issued by the Department of Home Affairs) of the deceased contributor (Certified copy)
- For spouse: Marriage certificate (Certified copy)
- For partner: Lobola letter or an affidavit proving the relationship
- UI-53 Nomination Form
- Proof of your banking details
- A service certificate from the employer
For the child/children of the deceased contributor:
- A copy of the child / children’s identity document (Certified copy)
- Copies of the deceased’s last six payslips
- UI-19 form, completed by the employer of the deceased
- A service certificate from the employer
- A certified copy of the child’s birth certificate
- Proof of your banking details
- Death certificate (issued by the Department of Home Affairs) of the deceased contributor (Certified copy)
- Proof of guardianship (if applicable)
- Proof that the child or children is / are a learner who was dependent on the deceased (for dependents between 21 and 25 years of age)
- In the case of a guardian, proof of guardianship, a letter confirming that the minor is still in school, and a birth certificate
- UI-53 Nomination Form
The UIF Dependent’s Benefit claim must be submitted at a Labour Office.
This benefit is paid out in one payment. The amount payable is based on the Mathematical calculation of Contributor’s Entitlement and Scale of Contributor’s entitlement to Benefits (UI Act 63 of 2001, Schedule 2 and Schedule 3).
Should you require any additional information or assistance relating to UIF Dependant’s Benefits and the UI-53 Nomination Form, please do not hesitate to contact Monique Smit at monique@fhbc.co.za or Adv Lorraine Oosthuysen at lorraine@fhbc.co.za.
Source Reference:
https://www.labourguide.co.za/uif/903-uif-dependants-benefits
https://www.westerncape.gov.za/service/claiming-unemployment-insurance
https://www.gov.za/sites/default/files/gcis_document/201409/a63-010.pdf
https://www.labour.gov.za/DocumentCenter/Forms/Unemployment%20Insurance%20Fund/UI-53_payments-to-dependants.pdf