No UIF entitlements will be “lost” during system transition, says Minister Meth

What’s Going On with UIF Applications?
The Minister of Employment and Labor, Nomakhosazana Meth, has spoken out after rumors spread that thousands of UIF claims were lost. She says that every application made through the old uFiling portal is safe and will be moved to the new system.

What the Rumors Said

• News stories claimed that many people submitted claims on an old worker‑claims website that stayed online but could not process them.
• Because of this, applicants thought they would never get a response or payment.

Minister Meth’s Explanation

• The old employee‑claims portal was only shut down on 20 May 2026 after legal and contract problems were solved.
• All claims submitted there were kept in a separate database and will be checked, reviewed, and transferred to the new UIF online platform.
• The employer portal, which handles registrations, declarations and payments, is still working and will be moved to the new system by August 2026.

How the Old System Worked

• The legacy uFiling site had two parts:
  1. Employee claims portal – where workers filed for benefits.
  2. Employer portal – where companies reported wages and paid contributions.
• Only the employee side was closed; the employer side stays active for now.

The New UIF Online Platform

• Launched on 1 April 2025, UIF Online replaces the old site.
• Features include real‑time tracking of claims and a self‑service application process.
• As of April 2026, the system has processed and paid 4,558,971 applications.

What Happens Next?

• Claims from the old employee portal are being examined and moved to UIF Online.
• Once the transfer is complete, applicants will see their status and receive payments through the new site.
• Employers will continue using the current employer portal until it migrates to UIF Online in August 2026.

Why Accurate Information Matters
Meth stressed that sharing correct facts helps build public trust.

• Misinformation can cause panic and confusion.
• Constructive questions are welcome, but spreading unverified rumors harms everyone.

Conclusion
The Minister assures all UIF applicants that no claims have been lost. The old system’s data is safely stored and will be processed through the new, faster UIF Online platform. Staying informed through official channels will keep you up‑to‑date and avoid unnecessary worry.