Why are UIF Payments being delayed?
By Julandie Scholtz (Swart) UIF Specialists
UIF re-introduces control measures to stem the tide of fraud in ordinary benefits, much to the chagrin of beneficiaries
The tide of fraud and corruption acts committed through claims is coming to an end following the re-introduction of internal control measures by the Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF). These acts have caused delays, understandably to the annoyance of deserving beneficiaries, in the payments of claims.
Since the beginning of June there has been a significant drop in daily pay outs, from about R90 million to around R50 million, due to the verification process we have started.
As the country grappled with job losses in most industries during the level 5 and 4 lock-down periods the Fund loosened some of its internal control measures to enable beneficiaries already receiving UIF benefits easy access to their payments. Normally, UIF beneficiaries who receive benefits every month are required to complete the UI.6A form or Payment of Continuation as means to confirm that they are still unemployed, therefore should continue receiving the benefits.
However, during hard lock down this was waived to allow for the efficient payment of benefits. In this time period the requirement for payment sheet verification prior to making payments was also not strictly adhered to by the Fund.
However, the Fund has re-introduced these measures to curb fraud and corruption and this has caused delays in payments of some of the applications.
“We have recently noticed a significant rise in corrupt activities where claims with significantly higher amounts are quickly processed and paid. We have noticed a pattern where these claims tend to be the same amount, processed from the same areas and without source documents.
“Hence we insist that all processed claims, particularly those with huge amounts, shall be subjected to verification before payments are released. We urge our beneficiaries to be patient with us, as we need to make sure benefits are paid to the right people”, says the UIF’s Commissioner, Teboho Maruping.
Since the re-introduction of these measures from 1 June 2022 the Fund has stopped, and started the processes for fraud investigations, on more than 30 payments.
“Three officials have already been dismissed for fraud relating to benefits payments, and I wish to warn those who are still involved in these nefarious activities that net is closing tight on them,” warns Maruping.
WHAT CAN YOU DO TO AVOID DELAYS WITH THE PAYMENT OF YOUR UIF CLAIM?
- Does your UI.2.8 correspond with your details on UFiling.
- If you are married, are you using an updated ID.
- Only submit a Continuation of Benefits when your claim has been approved.
- Complete a UI.6A and submit to Department of Labour along with 3 months banking statements and your last three months payslips.
- Follow up.
