Domestic workers — cleaners, gardeners, nannies and drivers — have exactly the same UIF rights as any other employee, yet this is one of the most under-claimed groups in the country. If you work for a household for more than 24 hours a month, UIF applies to you. Here is what you and your employer need to know.
Yes. Since 2003, domestic employers have been legally required to register their workers for UIF and contribute. If you clean, cook, mind children or maintain a garden for a private household for 24 hours or more a month, your employer must register you and pay over contributions.
The same as everyone else: 1% from you and 1% from your employer, calculated on your monthly wage (capped at the R17,712 ceiling, which almost no domestic worker reaches). On a R3,500 wage, that is R35 from you and R35 from the employer. Use the Contribution tab on our calculator to see your figures.
All five: unemployment if you lose the job, plus maternity, illness, adoption and dependants' benefits. The amount follows the same 38–60% sliding scale, and lower earners receive the higher percentage — which works in domestic workers' favour.
The most common heartbreak is discovering, at claim time, that an employer never registered you or never paid over contributions. If that happens, you can still approach the Labour Centre with proof of employment — payslips, bank transfers, a written agreement, or even consistent EFT records showing your wage. The fund can investigate the employer, who is legally liable.
When you do need to claim, follow our step-by-step guide to claiming UIF online and the documents checklist.
Yes. Domestic workers employed for 24 hours or more a month are covered. Their employer must register them and contribute 1%, with the worker contributing another 1%.
You can still approach the Labour Centre with proof of employment such as payslips or bank transfers. The fund can investigate the employer, who is legally responsible for registering and contributing.
1% of the monthly wage from the worker and 1% from the employer. On a R3,500 wage that is about R35 each per month.
Yes. Domestic workers who contributed can claim maternity, illness, adoption, unemployment and dependants' benefits like any other employee.
General information and estimate-based explanation, not financial or legal advice. Confirm with the Department of Employment and Labour or SARS.