CAPE TOWN - The Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) has set up the Covid-19 Temporary Employer-Employee Relief Scheme (COVID-19 TERS) in order to help employers pay their worker’s salaries if they are unable to do so, during the 21-day national lockdown.
This comes after Minister of Employment and Labour, Thulas Nxesi announced unprecedented measures in this uncertain time due to the impact of Covid-19.
UIF Commissioner, Tebho Maruping said the goal is to allow workers to maintain their livelihood and to take the pressure off employers who are unable to pay their workers while they remain at home.
Ultimately so all non-essential workers can stay inside, are able to take care of their family and themselves, and to reduce the rapid spread of the virus.
How it works:
- UIF will be accepting electronic applications for TERS, there will be no manual claims during lockdown to reduce the spread of Covid-19
- Applications open from the first day of the national lockdown
- Employers who are unable to pay their worker’s salaries during the lockdown need to apply by sending an email to
- Employers will then receive an automated email outlining steps, details and all requirements needed to qualify for this benefit
- There is a dedicated Covid-19 TERS hotline for all enquires: 012 337 1997
- All workers and businesses are encouraged to follow
@UIFbenefits as well as the Department of Employment and Labour’s
website to stay updated.
“I would also like to caution workers and companies that submitting a fraudulent claim is a criminal act that will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law," said Maruping.
TERS is completely separate to other UIF benefits and processes, however, all standard verification and validation processes of applications are still in effect.
Do your part by remaining inside during the lockdown, and practise good hygiene.
For LIVE updates on the Coronavirus pandemic, follow us on Twitter: @sacoronamonitor