UIF Maternity Benefits: The 66% Rule (2026)

UIF maternity benefits pay a flat 66% of a contributor's earnings for up to 17.32 weeks around the birth of a child, with the same full benefit also available after a third-trimester miscarriage or stillbirth. This page sets out the rate, the duration, the eligibility gate and how the benefit interacts with employer-paid maternity pay.

Information last verified on 23 July 2026. This page provides general legal information about South African law and does not constitute legal advice in an individual case.

The rate: a flat 66%, not the sliding scale

Most UIF benefits are paid on a sliding income replacement rate that runs from 38% to 60% of earnings depending on income. Maternity benefits are the exception: section 12(3)(c) of the Unemployment Insurance Act, inserted by the 2016 Amendment Act, fixes maternity benefits at a flat 66% of the contributor's earnings at the date of application, subject to the same earnings ceiling that applies to other UIF benefits.

How long the benefit runs

The maximum period of maternity benefit is 17.32 weeks, around 121 days, under section 24(4) of the Act. This is the same maximum period whether the claim follows a live birth or the miscarriage and stillbirth rule below.

Miscarriage and stillbirth: the full benefit, not a reduced one

Under the original 2001 Act, a contributor who miscarried in the third trimester or bore a stillborn child was entitled to only a reduced, six-week maternity benefit. The 2016 Amendment Act removed that reduction. A contributor who has a miscarriage during the third trimester or bears a stillborn child is now entitled to the full 17.32-week maternity benefit, the same period available after a live birth.

The 13-week qualifying gate

A contributor is not entitled to maternity benefits unless she was in employment, whether as a contributor to the fund or not, for at least 13 weeks before the date she applies. This gate was inserted by the 2016 Amendment Act (new section 24(6)) and applies in addition to the general contribution requirements for the fund.

How UIF interacts with employer-paid maternity pay

Where an employer, a collective agreement or an employment contract already pays maternity pay, UIF pays the difference between that amount and the maximum UIF benefit, so the contributor is topped up rather than paid twice. The combined total of employer pay and the UIF benefit may never exceed the remuneration the contributor would have earned had she not gone on maternity leave.

When and how to apply

An application can be made at any time before or after the birth, and does not have to be filed before the birth as older guidance once suggested. It must be lodged within 12 months of the date of childbirth. The UIF claim process page sets out the documents needed, including the UI 4 continuation form used for maternity claims, and the two channels for lodging a claim, uFiling and the Labour Centres.

For how UIF works more broadly, including the other four benefit types and the contribution rate, see the UIF explainer. For the wider labour law picture, see the South Africa labour law section and the South Africa Laws hub.

This page is general legal information about South African law and is not legal advice. For advice on a specific situation, consult an attorney, or contact Legal Aid South Africa on 0800 110 110 if you cannot afford one.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does UIF pay for maternity leave?

A flat 66% of the contributor's earnings at the date of application, subject to the same earnings ceiling used for other UIF benefits. This is fixed by section 12(3)(c) of the Unemployment Insurance Act and does not use the sliding income replacement rate applied to unemployment and illness claims.

How long can I claim UIF maternity benefits?

Up to a maximum of 17.32 weeks, around 121 days, under section 24(4) of the Unemployment Insurance Act.

Can I claim UIF if I have a miscarriage or stillbirth?

Yes. A contributor who has a miscarriage during the third trimester or bears a stillborn child is entitled to the full 17.32-week maternity benefit, the same period available after a live birth, following the 2016 Amendment Act.

Do I need to have worked before I can claim UIF maternity benefits?

Yes. A contributor must have been in employment, whether as a contributor to the fund or not, for at least 13 weeks before the date of application, under section 24(6) of the Unemployment Insurance Act.

Can I claim UIF maternity benefits if my employer already pays me during maternity leave?

Yes, UIF tops up the difference between what the employer pays and the maximum UIF benefit, but the combined total may not exceed the remuneration the contributor would have received had she not gone on maternity leave.