Workers who filed UIF claims online may need to check whether their applications appear on the current UIF Online Services platform, after GroundUp reported that an old claims system was still live and able to issue reference numbers.

GroundUp reported on May 20 that the UIF’s previous online claims system could still accept applications, issue submission confirmations, and leave claimants under the impression that their claims had entered the official process. The report said the system had moved to a new platform years ago, while the old site was still accessible on May 19.

The Department of Employment and Labour’s online services page lists UIF Online Services at uifonline.labour.gov.za. The UIF Online site states that users can complete and submit applications for UIF benefits through that system.

A reference number may look official, but it is not proof that a claim is active on the correct system. Applicants need to confirm that their claim appears on the current UIF Online Services portal, with the relevant documents and claim history visible. 

Old system raises concern

GroundUp reported that some applicants received reference numbers from the older platform, only to discover later that their applications had not been processed. In one case cited by the publication, a Roodepoort claimant had to restart her application after months without income.

The publication also reported that the Department of Employment and Labour acknowledged receipt of its questions, but had not responded by the time the article was published.

How applicants can verify a claim

Applicants should start from the Department of Employment and Labour website and use the UIF Online Services link listed there, rather than search results or saved links from older claims.

Once logged in, applicants should check whether the claim appears in their profile, whether the relevant documents are visible, and whether any payment request or claim status can be traced.

The department also lists a USSD channel, 134843#, while a department notice said the service can be used from any mobile phone to check claim and payment status, employee registration, payment continuation and general enquiries.

Warning signs applicants should not ignore

Applicants may need urgent follow-up if a reference number exists, but no claim appears on the current platform.

Other red flags are missing claim history, no visible payment request, no change in status after repeated checks, or advice from officials that the claim was filed on the wrong system.

UIF delays are not only an admin problem. Many applicants rely on the fund after job loss, illness, maternity leave or other qualifying events. A month lost to the wrong portal can leave a household with no income while the paperwork appears valid on the surface.

Where to ask for help

The Department of Employment and Labour lists the UIF contact centre as 080 003 0007, with uifcallcenter@labour.gov.za, ufiling@labour.gov.za and uifcomplaints@labour.gov.za as contact email options. It also lists the Web Self-Service Ticketing System through the department’s online tools page.

Applicants who suspect that they used the wrong platform should take their ID, UIF reference number, UI-19 form, bank confirmation letter and proof of submission to a labour centre, or use the official contact routes above.

Until the old platform is removed or redirected, applicants should treat any claim reference number as only one part of the process. The safer test is whether the claim can be traced on the current UIF Online Services system.