What is the UI-2.3 form and who needs to fill it?

The UI-2.3 is the official Application for Maternity Benefits form issued by the Department of Employment and Labour under the Unemployment Insurance Act 63 of 2001. Any woman who is pregnant or has recently given birth, experienced a stillbirth, or had a miscarriage, and who has been contributing to the UIF through her employer, must complete the UI-2.3 to claim maternity benefits from the Unemployment Insurance Fund.

Am I eligible to claim maternity benefits using the UI-2.3?

You are eligible if you have been employed and contributing to the UIF (deducted from your salary). There is no minimum period of employment required — any amount of UIF contribution builds up credit days. You can apply from 8 weeks before your expected due date, or within 12 months after giving birth, a stillbirth, or a miscarriage. Both the biological mother and a commissioning mother in a surrogacy arrangement may qualify.

What documents do I need to submit with the UI-2.3?

You need your original South African ID document (Smart ID card or ID book), the UI-2.3 form with the medical certificate section completed by your doctor or registered midwife, 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. If you have already given birth, bring the birth certificate or, in the case of a stillbirth or miscarriage, a medical certificate confirming the event.

What is the medical certificate section on the UI-2.3?

The right-hand side of the UI-2.3 form is a medical certificate that must be completed by a qualified medical practitioner or registered midwife — not by you. Your doctor or midwife fills in their name, registration number, practice address, your expected or actual date of delivery, and the nature of the event (normal birth, stillbirth, or miscarriage). This section cannot be left blank — your claim will be rejected without it.

How much maternity benefit will I receive?

UIF maternity benefits are paid at approximately 66% of your salary for up to 17.32 weeks (approximately 4 months). The exact rate depends on your salary level and UIF credit days accumulated. Benefits are subject to an earnings ceiling set by the Minister. Lower-income earners may receive a slightly higher percentage, while higher-income earners may receive closer to 38%. The benefit is capped by the number of credit days you have accumulated (one credit day per five days worked).

How long does it take for UIF to pay out maternity benefits?

After your completed UI-2.3 and supporting documents are submitted and processed, benefits are typically paid within 6 to 8 weeks if all documents are in order. Benefits are backdated to the date your maternity leave started. Delays can occur if documents are missing, the employer has not completed the UI-2.7, or the medical certificate is incomplete. You can check claim status on the uFiling portal (ufiling.labour.gov.za) or by calling 012 337 1600.

Can I claim maternity benefits if I am self-employed or work informally?

No. UIF maternity benefits only apply to employees who have had UIF deducted from their salary by an employer registered with the UIF. Self-employed workers, domestic workers employed informally (without UIF deductions), and workers employed by employers who have not registered with the UIF do not qualify. If you believe your employer should have been deducting UIF but was not, you can report this to the Department of Employment and Labour.

What is the difference between UI-2.3 and UI-2.1?

The UI-2.1 is the general application for unemployment benefits used when you lose your job through retrenchment, dismissal, or contract expiry. The UI-2.3 is specifically for maternity benefits claimed during pregnancy and birth-related leave. The key difference is that the UI-2.3 includes a medical certificate section that your doctor or midwife must complete — this is not required for the UI-2.1. For maternity leave claims you must use the UI-2.3, not the UI-2.1.

Can I receive maternity benefits if my baby was stillborn or I had a miscarriage?

Yes. The Unemployment Insurance Act provides maternity benefits for stillbirths and miscarriages in addition to live births. In the case of a stillbirth or miscarriage, you must have a medical certificate completed by your doctor confirming the event. The same 12-month application window applies from the date of the stillbirth or miscarriage. Apply as soon as you are able to do so after the event.

Do I need to register as a work seeker to claim maternity benefits?

No — unlike unemployment benefits, maternity benefits do not require you to register as a work seeker at a Labour Centre. You are claiming leave-related benefits, not unemployment benefits. However, you do need to visit a Labour Centre or use the uFiling portal to submit your claim. Your employer should inform the Labour Centre that you are on maternity leave.

UI-2.3 — Application for Maternity Benefits

Department of Employment and Labour · Verified 7 July 2026