Domestic UIF registration FAQ's

According to the Unemployment Insurance Act 2003 a "domestic worker" means an employee who performs domestic work in the home of his employer, and includes a:

• gardener
• person employed by a household as a driver of a motor vehicle
• person who takes care of any person in that home
• does not include a farm worker

According to legislation, domestic workers should work no more than 45 hours per week. If they work a five day week, no more than 9 hours a day and no more than 8 hours per day if working a 6 day week.

Domestic workers should work no more than 15 hours per week overtime, and no more than three hours on any one day.

They should also receive double pay on Sundays or public holidays.

All employees must contribute 1% of their salaries to the UIF.

In addition to this, the employer also contributes 1% in respect of each domestic worker in his/her employ. The total contribution paid to the UIF is therefore 2%. The onus is on the employer to facilitate this monthly payment.

Unemployment benefits - A domestic worker who contributed to the fund and whose employment has been terminated can claim. Employees cannot claim if they resign.

Illness benefits - A domestic worker who can't work because of ill health can claim for 6 months.

Death benefits - If a domestic worker who contributed to the fund dies, their dependents can claim.

Adoption benefits - A worker who contributes to the fund who is adopting children below two years of age can claim if they take unpaid leave to look after the child.

Maternity benefits - A domestic worker who is pregnant can claim maternity benefits before and after the child is born.

uFiling is an online payment service provided by the Department of Labour. 

One weeks' notice must be given if the Domestic Worker has been employed for less than 6 months. If the employment was longer than six months, four weeks' notice is required. Domestic Workers are entitled to severance pay. One week for each year worked.

Employers must give workers the following information in writing when paid:

• Employers name and address
• Workers name and occupation
• Period for which payment is made
• Total salary or wages
• Any deductions
• Actual amount paid
• If relevant to the calculation of pay:
• Workers pay and overtime rates
• Number of ordinary and overtime hours worked
• Number of hours worked on a Sunday or a public holiday

Domestic work arrangements have been agreed to very informally in the past with few employer and employee relationships documented in proper, written contracts. As a result of too many domestic workers being exploited, working in unfavourable conditions for long hours and poor pay the Department has regulated this sector. On top of stricter law enforcement, more domestic workers are ready to take an employer to the CCMA in event of a dispute, whether justified or not. Without some formalized agreement between employer and worker, getting a fair outcome becomes much harder.

The Basic Conditions of Employment Act requires employers to conclude a written employment agreement with their domestic workers, gardeners and childminders (including drivers of children) and those who look after the sick, aged or disabled in private homes.

You will receive a contract on registration.

You will need your UIF reference number to transact and make payment to the Department of Labour. Your Domestic Worker and subsequent Domestic Employees will be registered under your UIF Number. Employees do not receive a number of their own. 

UIF contributions can are made directly to the Department of Labour however we can facilitate this for you  Payments for your Domestic Worker can be made in advance to save time and minimize monthly bank charges. Late payments can be back paid. Payments to the Department of Labour can be made by:

• Direct deposit
• EFT
• uFiling

We will provide you with the necessary banking details and payment options.