Commissioning parents are entitled to claim UIF commissioning parental leave benefits provided that:

• the commission parent(s) are party to a surrogate motherhood agreement as defined in the BCEA;
• only one of the commissioning parents is entitled to commissioning parental leave (the other being entitled to ten days of ordinary parental leave);
• during the period of commissioning parental leave, the commissioning parent must have spent his/her time caring for the child.

The following forms must be completed / documents provided in order for a domestic worker to obtain Commissioning Parental Benefits:

• a UI 2.12 application for Commissioning Parental Benefits (completed by employee);
• a UI 2.8 application for monies to be paid directly into employee’s bank account (completed by the employee and his/her Bank);
• a copy of the employee’s Identity Document (provided by employee);
• a certified copy of the surrogate motherhood agreement (provided by Employee);
• a UI 2.7 record of monies received by domestic worker (completed by employer);
• salary schedule form (completed by employer); and
• a UI 19 declaration form (completed by employer).

Click to download copies of the above forms to claim commissioning parental benefits from the UIF.  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 Commissioning Parental Benefits can be made up to 12 months after the birth of a child is granted 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 commissioning parental benefits for your domestic worker online. Alternatively, domestic workers can apply themselves at a Labour Centre.

The amount that can be claimed depends on how long a domestic worker has been employed but in general domestic workers on commissioning parental leave will be entitled to claim 66% of their monthly salaries up to a maximum cap of R17, 712.00 per month.