In December 2022, the Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) processed and disbursed approximately R1 billion to 225 646 beneficiaries to ensure that clients and their families meet their financial responsibilities during and after the holiday season.
In a statement released on Wednesday, the Department of Labour stated that R876 million was allocated to unemployment benefits, R88 million to maternity and parental benefits, R32 million to dependent benefits, and R24 million to illness benefits.
“I am extremely pleased that we were able to disburse R1 billion to so many of our clients during the busy month of December,” said Teboho Maruping, UIF commissioner.
“I have no doubt that this R1 billion in benefits went a long way toward helping our clients put food on the table during the holiday season and plan for essentials such as buying school supplies and uniforms for their children as schools reopened across the country.”
Since the launch of the special Covid-19 Temporary Employer-Employee Relief Scheme during the first severe lockout in March 2020, at least 5 million workers have received R62 billion from the fund.
“The UIF has paid out R21 million to 6,404 workers under the Workers Affected by Unrest (WABU): Temporary Financial Relief Scheme,” stated Maruping.
Maruping stated that the fund remains dedicated to providing UIF contributors and their beneficiaries with social security in accordance with the constitution, which provides that “everyone has the right to social security.”
This year, the fund will redouble its efforts to improve service delivery and continue paying claims to eligible customers and their beneficiaries as efficiently as possible, according to the commissioner.
“We will also be expanding our information and communications technology systems and introducing a data-free mobile application, a free USSD system, and a few more platforms to strengthen and improve our service delivery to our customers and stakeholders. Additional announcements regarding these advancements will be forthcoming.”
Maruping also commended the devoted UIF employees in all provinces who continue to facilitate the payment of benefits to clients.
»UIF bolstered by nearly R1 billion in payments to beneficiaries«