What is the UI-2.9 form and who needs to fill it?

The UI-2.9 is the official Application for Payment of Parental Benefits, issued by the Department of Employment and Labour under Sections 26A(1), 27(3), and 29A(1) of the Unemployment Insurance Act 63 of 2001. It covers three related benefits — Parental (for the non-birthing parent following the birth of a child), Adoption, and Commissioning Parental (for surrogacy) — tick the box on the form that matches your claim.

Am I eligible to claim using the UI-2.9?

You are eligible if you have been employed and contributing to the UIF and are taking parental, adoption, or commissioning parental leave. Leave entitlement changed after the Constitutional Court ruling in Van Wyk v Minister of Employment and Labour (Oct 2025) — confirm your specific eligibility and the current UIF benefit amount with your nearest Labour Centre, since the benefit is pending legislative update.

How much will I receive in parental benefits?

UIF currently pays up to 10 days of parental benefit, but this amount is pending legislative update following the October 2025 Constitutional Court ruling that changed parental-leave entitlements. Confirm the current benefit amount and duration with your nearest Labour Centre before relying on any figure.

What documents do I need to submit with the UI-2.9?

You need your original South African ID document (Smart ID card or ID book), the completed UI-2.9 form, your child's birth certificate, your child's ID number if already issued, the UI-2.7 (record of remuneration) completed by your employer if still employed, the UI-2.8 banking details form stamped by your bank, and your last payslip showing UIF deductions.

What is the difference between Parental, Adoption, and Commissioning Parental on the UI-2.9?

Parental benefit is for the non-birthing parent following the birth of a child. Adoption benefit is for a parent who adopts a child. Commissioning Parental benefit is for the commissioning parent in a surrogate motherhood arrangement. All three use the same UI-2.9 form — tick the box that matches your situation.

Do I need my child's ID number to claim?

No. If your child doesn't have an ID number yet, leave that field blank and rely on the birth certificate as proof. Add the child's ID number once it has been issued, if the Labour Centre requests an update.

What is the difference between UI-2.9 and UI-2.3?

The UI-2.3 is for maternity benefits, claimed by the birthing parent and including a medical certificate that a doctor or midwife must complete. The UI-2.9 is for parental, adoption, and commissioning parental benefits, claimed by the non-birthing parent, an adoptive parent, or a commissioning parent in a surrogacy arrangement — it does not require a medical certificate.

Do I still need the UI-2.7 if I claim parental benefits?

Yes, if you are still employed. The UI-2.9 form itself states: "If you are still employed, form UI 2.7 must also be completed." Your employer completes the UI-2.7 salary declaration alongside your UI-2.9 application.

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

Processing typically takes 6 to 8 weeks after all required documents are submitted and in order. Delays are common when the birth certificate or the UI-2.8 banking form is missing or incomplete. You can check claim status through the uFiling portal (ufiling.labour.gov.za) or by calling your Labour Centre.

Can I fill in the UI-2.9 together with my other UIF forms?

Yes. Visit the FillMeIn UIF toolkit page and select the "Parental" claim type to see the full bundle of forms you need, including UI-2.7 and UI-2.8. Enter your details once and download every PDF pre-filled.

UI-2.9 — Application for Payment of Parental Benefits

Department of Employment and Labour · Verified 18 July 2026