UIF Online Application

Good Morning,

On 30 January 2024, I app**** for UIF benefits using the UIF online application process. This was my first time applying for benefits.

On 17 March 2024, I checked my online UIF profile then saw that my application was not approved. No reason was supp****, I did not receive any e-mail or sms to inform me about this. I then called their call centre to find out what was the reason, only to find out that I had documents missing. The call centre agent then asked me to upload the missing document using https://ccselfservice.labour.gov.za/#/sessions/signin and to *** they will then escalate my case and complete the process. I made several calls to get feedback only for the call centre agents to say they have escalated the matter, but I have never received feedback. ( case number: ***)

5 Months of being unemployed (and now 15 days being in new employment) and waiting for feedback, I then reapply for benefits on 20 June 2024 case number: ***) then send all the documents that were requested in my previous application to the ***. I received a pin acknowledging my application then no communication was sent to me. Today, I am checking the status of my application and it has been rejected.

1. Ever since my working life, uif benefits have been deducted from salary, for me to not receive my benefits when I need them is unfair. 2. The online application process on Unemployment Insurance Fund (labour.gov.za) DOES not provide a window to submit the documentation they say they need for submission. One only gets to hear about this from call centre agents. How will a first time applicant, doing an online application know about this detail when there is no provision and it is NOT clear on the website? 3. Why does the UIF have an online application process if it is not effective? 4. I have spoken to a number of applicants who have faced similar challenges, some did not receive their benefits, some received their benefits after months and months of follow ups ( no one has ever been helped via call centre) and numerous visits to the branch. How do they expect unemployed people to make so many follow ups but they are in need of the money! 5. What is the use of me as a Tax Payer to pay UIF if I will not receive the much needed relief when I am in need of it?

I am sure I am speaking on behalf of all those who have been affected by delays and ineffectiveness of UIF. Your help in this regard will be appreciated.

-- Regards, Nos :) ***.