Financial relief process for employees affected by looting
The temporary financial relief scheme approved last week is to assist employees whose workplaces are closed due to the riots, resulting in them receiving partial remuneration or no pay at all.
AN online system to allow workers affected by last month’s civil unrest to submit applications for financial relief is set to go live today (Wednesday).
The temporary financial relief scheme approved last week is to assist employees whose workplaces are closed due to the riots, resulting in them receiving partial remuneration or no pay at all.
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‘Temporary financial relief will be deposited directly into the worker’s bank account unless the Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) commissioner specifies otherwise.
‘Therefore, as the UIF we urge employers to ensure banking details of employees are correct, and that they are also declared on our database, to avoid payment delays,’ said Advocate Mzie Yawa, acting UIF commissioner.
The relief will be paid at a flat rate of R3 500. It is de-linked from the normal UIF benefits, meaning the normal rule that for every four days worked, the employee accumulates a one-day credit and the maximum credit days payable is 365 for every four years, does not apply.
This will enable workers who have no credits to receive financial support while their workplaces are in the process of rebuilding or reopening.
Employers will be required to apply on behalf of affected workers, and they will have to meet the following qualifying conditions:
Register or be registered with the UIF
Closure must be directly linked to the destruction, damage or looting of the workplace
Provide details of the destruction, closure or damage to, or looting of the workplace, and submit documentary proof of a report to the SAPS with a case number
If insured, provide proof of submission and acknowledgement of receipt of the insurance claim
Confirm in writing or electronically that he/she accepts the terms of the scheme and any procedure document issued by the UIF
Submit any other information that the minister or UIF commissioner may require to assess the eligibility of the claim.
All claims will have to be submitted via the TERS online portal (uifecc.labour.gov.za).
