What is the UI-2.2 form and who needs to fill it?

The UI-2.2 is the official Application for Illness Benefits form issued by the Department of Employment and Labour under the Unemployment Insurance Act 63 of 2001. Any person who is unable to work due to illness or injury for more than 14 consecutive days, and who has been contributing to the UIF through their employer, must complete the UI-2.2 to claim illness benefits from the Unemployment Insurance Fund.

Am I eligible to claim illness benefits using the UI-2.2?

You are eligible if you have been employed and contributing to the UIF (deducted from your salary), and you are unable to work for more than 14 consecutive days due to illness or injury. There is no minimum period of employment required — any UIF contribution builds credit days. Benefits are based on credit days accumulated over your most recent four years of employment. You must apply within 12 months of the date your illness started.

What documents do I need to submit with the UI-2.2?

You need your original South African ID document (Smart ID card or ID book), the UI-2.2 form with the medical certificate section completed by your doctor, the UI-2.7 (record of remuneration) completed by your employer, the UI-2.8 banking details form stamped by your bank, and your last payslip showing UIF deductions.

What is the medical certificate section on the UI-2.2?

The right-hand side of the UI-2.2 form is a medical certificate that must be completed by a qualified medical practitioner — not by you. Your doctor fills in their name, registration number, practice address, the nature of your illness or injury, and the period during which you are unable to work. This section cannot be left blank — your claim will be rejected without it.

How much UIF illness benefit will I receive?

UIF illness benefits are calculated on a sliding scale based on your salary, similar to unemployment benefits. Lower-income earners receive a higher percentage (up to 60% of salary) while higher-income earners receive a lower percentage (as low as 38%). Benefits can be paid for up to 238 days (approximately 8 months) per illness episode, subject to your available credit days. Benefits are subject to an earnings ceiling set by the Minister.

How long do I have to apply for UIF illness benefits?

You must apply within 12 months of the date your illness started. If you wait longer than 12 months, you lose your right to claim for that illness episode. This is why it is important to apply as soon as you have been off work for more than 14 consecutive days and your doctor has confirmed your incapacity.

What is the difference between UI-2.2 (illness) and UI-2.1 (unemployment)?

The UI-2.2 is for workers who are temporarily unable to work due to illness or injury but expect to return to the same job. The UI-2.1 is for workers who have permanently lost their jobs through retrenchment, dismissal, or contract expiry. For illness benefits, you must still be employed (or recently employed) and a doctor must certify your incapacity. For unemployment benefits, you must be registered as a work seeker and available for employment.

Can I claim UIF illness benefits if I am still employed?

Yes. If you are still employed but on unpaid or partially paid sick leave, you can claim UIF illness benefits. Your employer must then complete the UI-2.7 form (record of remuneration whilst in employment) to declare your salary. The UIF payment supplements your income during the period you cannot work.

What happens when I return to work?

When you return to work, you must immediately inform the Claims Officer at the Labour Centre. Benefits stop from the date you return. If you continue to receive benefits after returning to work without informing the Claims Officer, this constitutes fraud and you will be required to repay all overpaid amounts. If you become ill again after returning to work, you may apply for a new illness benefit claim.

What if my doctor refuses or is unavailable to complete the medical certificate?

The medical certificate on the right side of the UI-2.2 must be completed by a registered medical practitioner — this is a legal requirement under the Unemployment Insurance Act. If your doctor is unavailable, you must seek another qualified doctor or registered nurse practitioner. The Labour Centre cannot accept a UI-2.2 without the medical certificate completed. Keep the form and return to your doctor — do not submit an incomplete form.

UI-2.2 — Application for Illness Benefits

Department of Employment and Labour · Verified 7 July 2026