UIF Maternity Benefits South Africa 2025:Becoming a mother is a beautiful yet financially challenging journey. To make this time smoother, South Africa’s Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) continues to offer Maternity Benefits in 2025, helping women manage expenses during maternity leave with peace of mind.
Working women who are expecting are supported by the UIF Maternity Benefit 2025, which guarantees them financial security while on maternity leave. Employers and employees each contribute 1% of their monthly salary, creating a pooled fund that helps during time off.
Income can be received by eligible contributors for a maximum of 121 days, or four months. Payment levels range from 38% to 60% of your regular wage; lower-paid employees receive larger percentages.
UIF Maternity Benefits 2025: Overview
Here’s a quick snapshot of the key information about UIF maternity benefits for South African mothers this year.
| Particulars | Details |
| Department | Department of Employment and Labour |
| Program Name | UIF Maternity Benefits South Africa 2025 |
| Country | South Africa |
| Duration | Up to 4 months (121 days) |
| Application Deadline | Within 6 months after maternity leave starts |
| Payment Mode | Online (via uFiling) |
| Eligibility | UIF-contributing working women, foreign nationals with permits |
| Official Website | ufiling.labour.gov.za |
What is the UIF Maternity Benefit?
The UIF Maternity Benefit 2025 supports working women who are expecting, ensuring financial stability during maternity leave. Both employers and employees contribute 1% of their monthly income each, forming a shared fund that provides relief when you’re away from work.
Eligible contributors may receive income for up to 121 days (four months). Payment amounts vary between 38% and 60% of your normal salary, with higher percentages paid to lower-income workers.
Who Qualifies for UIF Maternity Benefits in 2025
Women who contribute to the UIF and go on maternity leave are eligible if they meet the following conditions:
- You must be a South African citizen, permanent resident, or foreign national with a valid work permit.
- You must have worked more than 24 hours a month, and your employer must contribute to UIF.
- You must apply within six months of your baby’s birth, adoption, or miscarriage.
- The employer should correctly mark maternity leave on UIF forms UI-19 and UI-2.7.
- Applications can’t be made for unpaid or partially paid short-term leave.
Advantages of the UIF Maternity Program
This program ensures women don’t have to choose between financial security and motherhood.
It offers:
- Income replacement during leave eases financial pressure.
- Peace of mind for families adjusting to new responsibilities.
- Support for all contributors, whether local or foreign employees.
- Protection of household essentials — rent, food, and childcare costs remain covered.
Required Documents for UIF Maternity Claim
Before submitting your claim, gather the following documents for smooth approval:
- Certified copy of your ID or passport
- Maternity certificate from your doctor or midwife
- Bank confirmation letter (stamped)
- UI-2.3: Application for Maternity Benefits form
- UI-2.8: Direct Deposit Bank Form
- UI-4: Payment continuation form (if applicable)
These documents help confirm your eligibility and allow the UIF to process your payment accurately.
UIF Maternity Benefit Amounts in 2025
Here’s an easy way to understand how UIF calculates maternity benefit payments for this year.
| Income Range | UIF Maternity Benefit Rate |
| Low-income earners | Up to 60% of the monthly salary |
| Mid-income earners | Between 45% and 55% of the salary |
| High-income earners | Around 38% of the salary |
| UIF Payment Limit | Not exceeding R17,712 per month |
| Payment Duration | Up to 121 days (four months) |
Payments are directly credited into the beneficiary’s bank account after approval.
Key Points to Remember
Before applying, keep these crucial reminders in mind:
- Apply only after maternity leave officially begins.
- Double-check employer forms UI-19 and UI-2.7 for accuracy.
- UIF deposits are only made into bank accounts in your own name.
- Submit the claim within six months of childbirth or adoption.
Step-by-Step Process to Claim UIF Maternity Benefits
To make your claim process smoother, follow these simple steps carefully:
- Confirm you’re a registered UIF contributor with sufficient credits.
- Collect your certified ID, medical certificate, and bank details.
- Register or log in to ufiling.lour.gov.za.
- Select “Maternity Benefits” and upload all necessary documents.
- Submit your claim and note your reference number.
- Track your application status regularly on your uFiling account.
If the online portal is down, documents can be submitted manually at the nearest labour centre.
Latest Updates on UIF Maternity Benefits South Africa 2025
As of 07.10.2025, the Department of Employment and Labour confirmed that UIF payments are still based on the 38%–60% sliding scale, capped at R17,712 per month.
The department has encouraged all applicants to use the uFiling platform for faster digital processing and status tracking.
Beneficiaries are reminded to check for the latest circulars or updates on official websites before filing claims.
FAQs on UIF Maternity Benefits South Africa 2025
Any working woman who contributes to the UIF and takes maternity leave.
You can claim for up to four months (121 days), depending on UIF credits.
You’ll receive between 38% and 60% based on your income level.
Yes, if you have a valid South African work permit and contribute to the UIF.
Applications must be made within six months of the baby’s birth or adoption.
Incorrect forms can delay or reject your claim, ensure all details match.