Unemployment benefit calculator · South Africa 2026
How much unemployment benefit you would get, and for how long. Change your salary and age in the calculator below.
With ZAR 30,000 gross a month, age 35. Change them in the calculator below.
See it in the results ↓…
Unemployment benefit in South Africa 2026: how much, and for how long
Unemployment benefit replaces part of your pay when you lose your job, if you were insured long enough. The calculator above estimates the amount and how long it is paid, from your salary and age, with the 2026 rules.
The rules in brief
- UIF benefits: Contributors who lose their job (not by resigning) get 38% to 60% of their daily pay, on pay up to R17,712 a month, with 1 day of benefit for every 4 days worked, at most 365 days in 4 years; after 238 days the rate drops to 20%.
Unemployment benefit by salary
| Gross pay a month | Benefit | Total |
|---|---|---|
| ZAR 15,000 | UIF benefit of about ZAR 193 a day (39.1% of your daily pay) for 365 days (1 day for every 4 days worked, at most 365; after 238 days the rate drops to 20%) | ZAR 58,395 |
| ZAR 22,500 | UIF benefit of about ZAR 221 a day (38.0% of your daily pay) for 365 days (1 day for every 4 days worked, at most 365; after 238 days the rate drops to 20%) | ZAR 67,455 |
| ZAR 30,000 | UIF benefit of about ZAR 221 a day (38.0% of your daily pay) for 365 days (1 day for every 4 days worked, at most 365; after 238 days the rate drops to 20%) | ZAR 67,455 |
| ZAR 45,000 | UIF benefit of about ZAR 221 a day (38.0% of your daily pay) for 365 days (1 day for every 4 days worked, at most 365; after 238 days the rate drops to 20%) | ZAR 67,455 |
| ZAR 60,000 | UIF benefit of about ZAR 221 a day (38.0% of your daily pay) for 365 days (1 day for every 4 days worked, at most 365; after 238 days the rate drops to 20%) | ZAR 67,455 |
| ZAR 90,000 | UIF benefit of about ZAR 221 a day (38.0% of your daily pay) for 365 days (1 day for every 4 days worked, at most 365; after 238 days the rate drops to 20%) | ZAR 67,455 |
Single person aged 35 without children; 9.8 years of service.
Frequently asked questions
How much unemployment benefit do I get on ZAR 30,000 gross a month?
UIF benefit of about ZAR 221 a day (38.0% of your daily pay) for 365 days (1 day for every 4 days worked, at most 365; after 238 days the rate drops to 20%): ZAR 67,455 in total, if you are single and aged 35.
Are these amounts exact?
They are estimates under the 2026 rules. The public employment service decides the actual amount.
Rules and official sources: see “Rules applied (2026)” in the calculator. Last checked: October 2026. Estimates for information, not financial advice.
Other questions about pay in South Africa: What is my hourly wage? · What is the minimum wage after tax? · What do I take home part-time? · How much notice must my employer give? · When can I retire? · What is my money worth after inflation?
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