Can You Claim UIF if You Resign? & Conditions of Eligibility

Can you claim UIF if you resign? This question cannot be answered directly because certain factors determine if you would get the Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF). The main thing to remember is that if your resignation is a fault of your own, you will not receive any funds from UIF.

According to UIF, employees cannot claim their funds if they resign. However, there are circumstances where people have to resign and have no other option. In such situation, UIF accepts exceptional cases where people have good reason to quit their job. For instance, if someone leaves their job due to serious illness, they can claim UIF.

Now that it is established that you cannot claim UIF if you resign without any genuine reason. Let’s dig into what makes a resignation reason a ‘good and genuine’ reason in the eyes of UIF officers.

So, if you resign for any of the following reasons, you can claim UIF.

Resignation due to a Medical Condition

If you resign due to a medical condition, you can claim UIF funds. Suppose you have a medical condition that makes it impossible for you to continue your work; it is understandable that you do not have a choice and are not leaving your work without reason. Therefore, in this condition, you must give your employer a medical certificate.

Additionally, your employer will have to submit a form to UIF on your behalf after you give them a certificate confirming your condition. In this way, you can claim UIF even after your resignation.

Resignation Due to Pregnancy

One of the circumstances in which UIF funds are claimable is if you are pregnant. If you have to leave your work because of pregnancy, it can be due to issues during pregnancy or the nature of your work; you can claim your UIF funds.

Moreover, you will have to give proof of your pregnancy confirmation certificate to your employer, who will then submit a UI-19 form from your side to the UIF.

Resignation Due to Constructive Dismissal

Another reason for the resignation can be constructive dismissal. This is an umbrella term for bad behavior like discrimination, harassment, breach of your employment contract, etc. So, if your employer’s conduct makes it impossible to continue working under them, you can resign and still claim for UIF.

Please note that if you are resigning due to constructive dismissal, you must provide evidence to support your claim. Moreover, you can submit evidence through emails, letters, or even witnesses.

Resignation Due to Fixed-term Contract Ending

If you are on a fixed-term contract and it has ended, then you can claim for UIF. However, this can only happen if your employer does not offer you a contract renewal because you will have to submit proof that your contract ended and is not getting renewed.

Resignation Due to a Reduction in Hours or Wages

If your employer reduces your work hours or wages so that it becomes impossible for you to afford your living expenses, then you can claim for UIF. Moreover, you will have to submit a payslip or employer contract to show that your resignation was because of a valid reason. Otherwise, you will not be able to claim for UIF.

Domestic Workers

Those domestic workers who resigned due to changes in their employer’s circumstances can claim UIF funds. For instance, if your employer’s relocation does not suit you, you can resign and still get the UIF.

How to Claim UIF When Resigned?

If you believe you can claim UIF even after your resignation, then you must claim it by following a few steps. So, let me guide you on how to claim UIF after your resignation.

Register as Work Seeker

First and foremost, you must claim for UIF after registering as a work seeker at the Department of Employment and Labor. Moreover, you can register online through their official website or by visiting the Department of Employment and Labor office near you.

Collect all the Documents

If you want to claim for UIF, you must submit some necessary documents to the UIF. So, before proceeding to the next step, assemble the following documents.

• Your South African Identity Document (ID) or passport
• UIF reference number (if you have one)
• Employment contract
• Your recent payslip
• A filled UI-19 form from your employer

Submit your Claim

Finally, you can submit your claim by submitting all of the necessary documents and the reason for resignation at the labor center near you or online at their official website. Moreover, it will take some time to process your claim. Therefore, wait patiently for your funds; you will receive them if you are eligible.

Conclusion

In short, you can claim for UIF if you resign only if you have medical illness or injury, constructive dismissal, end of the fixed-term contract, or any other genuine reason. However, if you resign willingly without any good reason, you cannot claim your UIF.