Covid-19 TERS benefit – answers to frequently asked questions

The Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) is currently assisting workers affected by the Covid-19 pandemic and subsequent lockdown through their Covid-19 Temporary Employer/Employee Relief Scheme (TERS) benefit.

Many questions have been asked by the public, and clarity has been given on some points:

Who can apply for the Covid-19 relief benefit? 

• Any UIF contributing business which is facing distress, and is unable to pay salaries as a result of the lockdown period (27 March 2020 – 30 April 2020); and
• Any employee who is a contributor (works more than 24 hours a month) and there is an employer and employee relationship.

How do I apply? 

Companies are encouraged to apply on behalf of their employees by:

• Visiting https://uifecc.labour.gov.za/covid19/
• Companies can also apply on behalf of their employees using the e-mail address (covid19ters@labour.gov.za). Once you email this address, an automatic reply with all the required documents and a step-by-step process for applying will follow

Should I have enquiries, how do I make contact? 

Please call 0800 030 007 for any enquiries

Do employers who are not registered with UIF qualify for the relief benefit? 

Companies who have registered with UIF only after 15 March 2020 may not be eligible for the Benefit.

Do informal businesses like spaza shops, hair salons etc qualify? 

Yes, as long as they are registered with the UIF. Other Informal businesses that are not registered with UIF won’t qualify for this benefit. Instead, they must check with the Department of Small Business Development for support they offer, at www.dsbd.gov.za

As a domestic worker, can my employer apply for the Covid19 TERS Benefit? 

Yes, your employer can apply for the Covid-19 TERS Benefit provided you are registered with the UIF.

Do commission earners and freelancers qualify for the Covid-19 TERS benefit? 

In normal circumstances commission earners and freelance employees are not contributors to the UIF; therefore they will be regarded as non-contributors and will thus not qualify for this benefit.

How long does it take to process the application? 

If the application is complete and accurately captured, the turnaround time will be 10 days.

How long will we receive the benefit? 

The benefit is applicable to the lockdown period; the President’s guidance is applied.

What should I do if my employer forces me to take leave with no pay? 

The employer has the right to let you stay at home for the period of the lockdown, but they need to assist employees to apply for the Covid-19 TERS Relief Benefit so that employees do not lose income.

For more frequently asked questions, click here.

*Notice: Coronavirus reporting at Caxton Local Media aims to combat fake news

Dear reader,
As your local news provider, we have the duty of keeping you factually informed on Covid-19 developments. As you may have noticed, mis- and disinformation (also known as “fake news”) is circulating online. Caxton Local Media is determined to filter through the masses of information doing the rounds and to separate truth from untruth in order to keep you adequately informed. Local newsrooms follow a strict pre-publication fact-checking protocol. A national task team has been established to assist in bringing you credible news reports on Covid-19.
Readers with any comments or queries may contact National Group Editor Irma Green (irma@caxton.co.za) or Legal Adviser Helene Eloff (helene@caxton.co.za).