Domestic workers are entitled to claim UIF benefits for illnesses that render a domestic worker unable to work for more than 7 consecutive days and where a domestic worker is not receiving a salary (i.e. paid sick leave).

The following forms must be completed / documents provided in order for an employee to obtain UIF Illness Benefits:

• a UI 2.2 application for Illness Benefits (completed by employee & medical practitioner);
• a UI 2.8 Application for monies to be paid directly into employee’s bank account (completed by employee and his/her Bank);
• a copy of the employee’s Identity Document (provided by employee);
• a UI 2.7 record of monies received by domestic worker (completed by employer);
• salary schedule form (completed by employer);
• a UI 19 declaration form (completed by employer);
• a UI 3 Application for continuation of Illness Benefits (completed by employee and medical practitioner in certain circumstances).

Click to download copies of the above forms to claim UIF illness benefits.  Copies of the completed forms can either be submitted through the uFiling website or alternatively be sent by way of email to vosupport@labour.gov.za

Claims for UIF Illness Benefits can be made up to 6 months after the illness but condonation can be obtained where a timeous application is not made, provided that the domestic worker can show good cause for failing to apply timeously.

Click to download the UIF User Guide to assist you with applying for illness benefits for your domestic worker online. Alternatively, domestic workers can apply themselves at a Labour Centre.

In general terms, domestic workers will be entitled to claim the remuneration that they would have received had they not been ill.