Covid-19 TERS : Employers must apply for employees, says UIF

Published Apr 2, 2020

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CAPE TOWN - The Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF ) has implemented the

Covid-19 Temporary Employer-Employee Relief Scheme (COVID-19 TERS) to ensure non-essential workers maintain their livelihoods during lockdown and remove pressures on employers who cannot afford to pay their workers during this period.

UIF commissioner, Teboho Maruping called on employers to apply on behalf of their employees to streamline the process.

"We will process one claim from the employer. We will either pay the employees directly or we will pay the fund into the account of the employer and then the employer will pay the employees," said Maruping.

COVID-19 TERS is available for any business who qualifies - these are businesses that are in lockdown, distress, and not in a position to pay their worker’s salaries during the lockdown.

A total of R10 billion has been allocated to this benefit alone.

Maruping said employers should apply on behalf of their workers because they would have all the necessary documents and payroll information required to process the claims efficiently. This would also reduce the need for workers to leave their homes to find the required documentation.

As of Wednesday, there have been 3 952 applications from businesses with as little as four employees to as much as 10 000.

"If workers apply by themselves on a case by case basis, the process of making these funds available will take much longer and conflict with the national lockdown regulations," said Maruping.

Employers who qualify can email [email protected] and follow the automated response system.

Key documents for employers to have on hand:

Letter of Authority, on an official company letterhead granting permission to an individual specified to lodge a claim on behalf of the company

MOA (completion of the agreement between UIF, Bargaining Council and Employer)

The prescribed template that will require critical information from the employer

Evidence/payroll as proof of last three months employee(s) salary(ies)

Confirmation of bank account details in the form of certified latest bank statement.

All documents submitted will be subject to verification.

If all documentation received is approved, it will take approximately ten days to complete the process.

There is also a dedicated Covid-19 TERS hotline for all enquires 012 337 1997.

Additionally, they can follow