Department of labour - uif claims

The most horrible service ever received and this from a service your own country. Its just inhumane how we as uif paying citizens are being treated when trying to collect our own money.

January 14th 2025 I submitted a uif claim to through the Athlone branch. I was told to allow 20days for feedback on the claim. I went back after 20 days and they advised thay the claim hasn't been approved yet due to a over payment issue back in 2018.

They explained to me that I received a overpayment of 5k back in 2018 and so they need to escalate this to the head office I. Pretoria i should allow 2 weeks for feedback. I went back after 2 weeks they said no feedback yet but the call was logged. I must come back after 2 weeks. This went on for months up until 2months ago where they advised someone is working on the escalation as there is a reference number. When I asked for the reference number they said they cant give it. I must just wait. Ive been waiting gor this claim to be approved since January. I have a 6month old baby and 11 year old child that I need to care for. My savings is running up and I need this money. I think its really sad that the athlone branch doesnt even have a contact number or email for the head office in Pretoria how do they deal with escalations or complaints. Everytime I go there im told I need to come back.

I called the call centre numerous times but they say they canr help me coz I app**** in the branch so my details is not showing on their system. Are they all not using the same system. Its really been a nightmare all i want is for this claim to be approved so I can get my money and see to my kids. Im really at my breaking point.