You must give a domestic worker a written payslip on every payday — it's required by section 33 of the BCEA, regardless of hours worked. The payslip must show the employer and worker details, the pay period, the wage and overtime rates, the hours worked, the gross wage, every deduction itemised (including the 1% UIF, calculated up to the R17 712 ceiling) and the net amount paid. Keep a copy for at least three years. Dignita's free generator produces a compliant payslip PDF in minutes.
Step by step
1Gather the worker's details, the pay period and hours worked.
2Enter the wage rate (at least R30.23/hour) and any overtime, Sunday or public-holiday hours.
3Add the 1% UIF deduction (on earnings up to R17 712) and any other lawful, consented deduction.
4Show the gross wage, each deduction itemised, and the net amount paid.
5Generate the payslip PDF and give it to the worker on payday.
6Keep a copy for at least three years.
Why payslips are non-negotiable
A payslip is the worker's proof of earnings and your record of compliance — and it's a legal duty under BCEA s33 on every payday, for full-time and part-time workers alike. It underpins your monthly UIF declarations and is your evidence at the CCMA if a dispute ever arises. Our detailed guide on what must appear on a payslip walks through the section-33 list line by line.
What goes on every payslip
Each payslip must show: the employer's name and address; the worker's name and occupation; the pay period; the wage rate and overtime rate; the ordinary, overtime and Sunday/public-holiday hours; the gross wage and any other pay; each deduction itemised with its purpose; and the net amount paid. Nothing should be lumped together or left unexplained.
Showing UIF and other deductions
The most common deduction is the 1% UIF contribution taken from the worker (you add a matching 1%, which is not deducted from their wage). UIF is calculated on earnings up to the monthly ceiling of R17 712, so the worker's deduction is at most R177.12. Any loan repayment or other lawful deduction must be listed separately with its purpose — see our guide on what you can and can't deduct from a domestic worker's salary.
Records and how often
Issue a payslip every payday — weekly, fortnightly or monthly, matching how you pay — and keep a copy for at least three years. Good records make UIF declarations straightforward and protect both sides. The free generator stores the maths for you so each month is consistent.
Frequently asked questions
Do I legally have to give a domestic worker a payslip?
Yes. BCEA s33 requires a written payslip on every payday for every worker, including domestic workers, regardless of how many hours they work.
What must be on a domestic worker's payslip?
Employer and worker details, pay period, wage and overtime rates, hours worked, gross wage, every deduction itemised (including the 1% UIF up to the R17 712 ceiling) and the net amount paid.
How do I show UIF on the payslip?
Show the 1% deducted from the worker as a separate line. Your matching 1% is not deducted from their wage. UIF is calculated on earnings up to R17 712, so the worker's deduction is at most R177.12.
How long do I keep payslips?
At least three years. Keeping copies also makes your monthly UIF declarations and any dispute far easier to handle.
Dignita is a compliance tool, not legal advice. Figures are based on current South African legislation; confirm with a labour-law professional for your situation.