How do the monthly UIF declarations work for a domestic worker?
Short answer
After you register a domestic worker for UIF, you must submit a declaration and pay the contribution every month — 2% of the worker's gross pay (1% deducted from them, 1% added by you), capped on earnings up to R17 712 so the most either side pays is R177.12. The declaration and payment are due by the 7th of the month for the previous month, done easily on uFiling. Each month you confirm the worker's pay, the system calculates the 2%, and you pay — missing months leave gaps that can block your worker's future claim.
Step by step
1Each month, confirm the worker's gross pay for that month.
2Log in to uFiling (ufiling.labour.gov.za) and open the monthly declaration for your domestic employer account.
3Declare the worker's earnings; the system calculates 2% (1% worker + 1% employer), capped at R177.12 each on earnings up to R17 712.
4Submit the declaration and pay the contribution by the 7th of the following month.
5Show the 1% worker deduction on that month's payslip and keep the confirmation.
6Repeat every month the worker does more than 24 hours — don't leave gaps in the record.
Registration is the start, not the finish
A common mistake is registering once and assuming UIF is handled. It isn't: UIF is a monthly obligation. Every month that your worker does more than 24 hours, you must declare their earnings and pay the contribution. The declaration is what builds the worker's contribution record, and that record is exactly what the UIF checks when the worker later claims for unemployment, maternity or illness.
What you declare and pay each month
Each month you declare the worker's gross pay for that month. The contribution is 2% of it — 1% you deduct from the worker (shown on their payslip) and 1% you add yourself — calculated only on earnings up to the R17 712 ceiling, so neither side ever pays more than R177.12 a month (R354.24 combined). If your worker's pay is below the ceiling, the 1% is simply applied to their actual gross.
The 7th-of-the-month deadline
UIF declarations and payments are due by the 7th of each month for the preceding month. uFiling (ufiling.labour.gov.za) is the simplest route — it lets you declare and pay in one place and keeps the history. Set a recurring reminder a few days before the 7th so a declaration is never skipped; Dignita's reminders nudge you ahead of the date.
Why gaps hurt your worker
If you skip months, the worker's contribution record has holes, and the UIF works out benefits from declared months. Gaps can reduce or delay a claim — the very moment your worker most needs the money. Keeping declarations current (and showing the 1% deduction on every payslip) is what makes the safety net real. If you've missed months, declare and pay the back amounts to close the gaps.
Frequently asked questions
How often do I declare UIF for a domestic worker?
Every month. You declare the worker's pay and pay 2% (1% deducted, 1% added) by the 7th of the following month, for as long as they work more than 24 hours a month for you.
When is the UIF declaration due?
By the 7th of each month, for the previous month. uFiling lets you declare and pay together.
How much is the monthly UIF contribution?
2% of the worker's gross — 1% from the worker and 1% from you — capped on earnings up to R17 712, so at most R177.12 from each side (R354.24 combined).
What if I missed a few months of declarations?
Declare and pay the back amounts to close the gaps. Missing months leave holes in the worker's record that can reduce or delay a future UIF claim.
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.