How to Check Your UIF Balance and Claim Status Online
The Quick Answer
You can check your UIF status and balance online by logging into your account on the official uFiling website (ufiling.labour.gov.za). Your dashboard will show your application status, any outstanding requirements, and your payment history. You need your uFiling username and password to access this information.
What You Can Check Online
Before you log in, it's helpful to know what information is available to you through the uFiling portal:
- Claim Status: See exactly where your application is in the process (e.g., Submitted, Assessment, Approved, Paid).
- Payment Status & History: View a history of all payments made into your bank account, including dates and amounts.
- Credit Balance/Schedule: See how many credit days you have accumulated, which determines how long you can claim benefits.
- Outstanding Documents: The system will notify you if any documents are missing or require re-submission.
- Declarations: For ongoing claims like illness benefits, you may need to complete monthly declarations online.
Step-by-Step: How to Check Your Status on uFiling
Step 1: Ensure You Have a uFiling Account
To check your status online, you must have registered for a uFiling account. If you submitted your claim online, you already have one. If you applied in person at a Labour office, you will need to register on uFiling afterwards to link your existing claim to your online profile.
- Go to the uFiling website.
- If you are a new user, click "Register" and follow the steps to create your account using your ID number.
- If you applied in person, your existing claim should be linked to your ID number. Registration will make it visible online.
Step 2: Log In to Your Dashboard
Once registered, use your username and password to log in to the uFiling system.
Step 3: Navigate to the Correct Section
After logging in, you will be taken to your personal dashboard. Look for menu options such as:
- "My Applications"
- "Benefit Applications"
- "Payment History"
- "Status"
Step 4: Understand the Status Messages
When you find your claim, it will display a status. Here’s what common status messages mean:
| Status Message | What It Means |
|---|---|
| Submitted/Received | Your application has been received and is waiting to be processed. It is in the validation queue. |
| Assessment | Your application is being actively reviewed by an assessor. They are verifying your details and contributions. |
| Approved | Your claim has been successful! It has been sent for payment processing. This is a great sign. |
| Paid | Payment has been processed and sent to your bank. Check the payment history for the date and amount. |
| Incomplete/Query | There is an issue with your application. Check the messages for details on what document or information is missing. This requires immediate action. |
| Rejected | Your application has been denied. There should be a reason provided, which you can appeal. |
What If You Don't Have Online Access?
If you cannot access the internet or your uFiling account, you have two alternative options:
- UIF Hotline: Call the Department of Labour's UIF call centre at 012 337 1680. Have your ID number and reference number (if you have one) ready.
- Visit a Labour Centre: You can visit your nearest Department of Employment and Labour office in person. Bring your ID book and any reference numbers. Be prepared for potentially long queues.
Note: The online portal is by far the most efficient method for checking your status and is available 24/7 without queues.
Actionable Advice for Monitoring Your Claim
- Check Regularly, But Not Obsessively: Status updates are not real-time. Checking once a week is sufficient to see meaningful progress.
- Act Immediately on "Query" Status: If your status shows a query or "incomplete," address it immediately. This is the primary cause of delays.
- Save Your Reference Number: Whether you call or visit an office, your uFiling reference number is the key to getting help. Keep it in a safe place.
- Be Patient: The system moves slowly. A status staying on "Assessment" for 2-3 weeks is normal and not a cause for immediate concern.
While tracking your claim status tells you *when* you might get paid, you might also be wondering *how much* you will get. The UIF calculation is complex, using a sliding scale and a salary cap. While you wait for approval, get a clear and accurate estimate of your potential benefit. Our free UIF calculator uses the official formulas to give you an instant projection, helping you plan your finances with greater confidence during the waiting period.