A high earner and someone earning just above the ceiling pay the same UIF contribution, and receive similar maximum benefits if they claim, because payouts are also calculated using that same ceiling. This surprises many salaried professionals who assume their UIF safety net scales with their income — worth understanding before relying on UIF as a financial buffer during retrenchment, maternity leave or illness.
Source: SARS
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the maximum UIF contribution per month?
R177.12 from the employee and R177.12 from the employer, based on the R17,712 monthly earnings ceiling.
Does everyone have to contribute to UIF?
Most employees do, but there are exclusions — for example, people working fewer than 24 hours a month for an employer, or certain government employees.
How is a UIF benefit payout calculated?
It's based on a sliding scale of previous earnings (capped at R17,712), with lower earners receiving a higher percentage of their salary as a benefit than higher earners.