Gauteng claims majority of UIF Covid-19 benefit

3rd June 2020 By: Tasneem Bulbulia - Senior Contributing Editor Online

Of the R16.5-billion disbursed by the Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) as part of the Covid-19 Temporary Employer/Employee Relief Scheme (TERS) benefits payment, almost half has gone to Gauteng, benefitting 1.5-million of the 3.46-million workers who have been beneficiaries.

In monetary terms, this amounts to R7.91-billion and the workers who have been given the cash injection had their claims lodged by 111 385 employers.

The Northern Cape had the least number of claimants, with R163-million paid to the province for 32 141 workers represented by 4 176 employers.

The second highest recipient province is the Western Cape, with R2.7-billion disbursed so far to 549 156 workers represented by 54 077 employers.

KwaZulu-Natal is the third-largest recipient, with over R2.4-billion paid to 523 578 workers claimed on their behalf by 42 136 employers, while the Eastern Cape is fourth, with disbursements of just under R1-billion distributed to 186 789 workers in the province represented by 18 495 employers.

They are closely followed by Mpumalanga, with 185 329 workers represented by 15 443 employers who received R886-million in cash; the Free State, with 115 701 workers represented by 14 388 employers who in total claimed R557-million; Limpopo, with 93 275 workers getting their share, totalling R435-million; and the North West, with R459-million distributed to 88 215 workers who had their applications submitted by 9 184 employers.

These disbursements represent April and part of May's payments (R452-million which has been processed and paid since June 1).

According to UIF Commissioner Teboho Maruping, the UIF is holding back R2.8-billion which could benefit 686 463 workers owing to 107 202 employers not furnishing the UIF with the right details and the status of the workers.

Ordinarily, feedback for payment or nonpayment with reasons thereof together with acceptance or approval is sent to employers via automated process within 24 hours through email address provided in addition to the online portal.

The UIF also continues to pay ordinary benefits.