Claiming UIF After Completing Studies at TUT

Completing your studies at Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) is a major milestone. You’ve invested time, effort, and money into your future, and now you may be wondering about financial support as you step into the world of work. One of the most common questions graduates ask is whether they can claim from the Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) after finishing their studies.

How to Claim UIF (If You’re Eligible)

If you did work during your studies and paid UIF, here’s how you can apply:

1. Gather required documents:

   • South African ID or passport

   • Proof of residence

   • Last 6 payslips (if available)

   • A completed UI-19 form (from your employer)

   • Banking details (stamped by your bank)

2. Register with the Department of Labour:

   • You can claim online through the UIF portal or visit your nearest Labour Centre.

3. Submit your claim:

   • Choose the type of claim (unemployment, illness, maternity, etc.).

   • Provide your supporting documents.

4. Check your claim status:

   • You can log into the UIF system or visit uif-loginstatus.co.za.

   • Your status will show whether your claim is submitted, being processed, or approved.

5. Follow up regularly:

   • UIF payments usually start within 8 weeks of approval.

   • Benefits can last up to 238 days (8 months), depending on your contribution history.

Before you can claim certain benefits, make sure that your student data registration is up to date, as it activates all your official records with TUT.

What the UIF Is and How It Works

The Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) is a social security program administered by the South African Department of Employment and Labour. Its purpose is to provide short-term relief to workers who lose their jobs or are unable to work due to certain circumstances.

Every month, employers and employees contribute to UIF:

• 1% of your gross salary is deducted from your wages.

• 1% is paid by your employer.

• Together, that equals 2% of your monthly salary going into the UIF system.

You are only covered by UIF if you have been formally employed in South Africa and your employer has been making regular contributions on your behalf. If you need help with UIF queries or documentation, you can call through the university phone contacts for quick assistance from the right department.

Can You Claim UIF After Completing Your Studies at TUT?

The short answer is: No, you cannot claim UIF simply for completing your studies.

Here’s why:

• UIF is an insurance benefit for employees, not a student grant.

• You only qualify if you were working (formally employed) and contributing to UIF through your salary.

• If you were a full-time student at TUT and did not have a registered job that paid UIF, you will not be eligible.

However, if you worked part-time, in-service training, or internships where UIF contributions were made, you may be entitled to claim UIF if that employment contract ends.

When You May Qualify as a TUT Graduate

You’ll be able to claim UIF if:

1. You worked while studying. For example, if you had a part-time job, a contract position, or were employed during Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) placements where UIF deductions were made.

2. You contributed for at least 13 weeks. UIF requires that you have a minimum contribution history (roughly three months) to access benefits.

3. Your contract has ended or you’ve been retrenched. If you left work voluntarily (e.g., you resigned to focus on studies), you generally won’t qualify.

How to Check If You’re Eligible

Follow these steps to confirm whether you can claim UIF:

1. Request a payslip or IRP5 form from your previous employer(s). Look for UIF deductions.

2. Register on the uFiling system provided by the Department of Labour.

3. Check your UIF contribution history under your profile.

4. If you see contributions, you may proceed with a claim. If not, you are unfortunately not eligible

Frequently Asked Questions

Finishing your studies at TUT is a proud moment, but it also comes with big questions about what’s next. UIF is not designed to support students immediately after graduation unless you were formally employed and contributing to the fund. If you find you are not eligible, don’t be discouraged, there are other opportunities like internships, bursaries, and government youth programs that can give you a financial bridge into the workplace.