UIF Contact Numbers, Offices and How to Get Help
The Unemployment Insurance Fund is administered by the Department of Employment and Labour. You can reach the UIF by phone, WhatsApp, email, online portal, or by visiting a labour centre. This page lists all available contact options and tips for getting help efficiently.
Call early in the morning (before 09:00) or later in the afternoon (after 14:00) to avoid peak waiting times. Mondays and the first week of each month are the busiest periods.
UIF Toll-Free Helpline
The UIF operates a toll-free call centre for general enquiries, claim status checks, and complaints. The number is free to call from any South African landline or mobile phone.
- Toll-free number: 080 003 0007
- Operating hours: Monday to Friday, 08:00 to 16:00
- Services: claim status, payment queries, benefit calculations, complaints, office locations
- Have your ID number and claim reference number ready before you call
UIF WhatsApp
The Department of Employment and Labour offers a WhatsApp service for quick queries. This is useful for checking claim status, finding office addresses, and getting general information without waiting on hold.
- WhatsApp number: 0800 030 007
- Available: 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for automated queries
- Live agents: available during business hours
- Send Hi to start the conversation and follow the menu options
Online: uFiling Portal
The uFiling portal at www.ufiling.co.za is the primary online platform for UIF. You can register, submit claims, check status, update banking details, and communicate with the UIF online.
The Department of Employment and Labour main website at www.labour.gov.za also provides downloadable forms, policy information, and office directories.
Labour Centre Locations
There are Department of Employment and Labour offices in every major city and town in South Africa. The following are the main offices in each province. For a full list, visit www.labour.gov.za or call the toll-free number.
| Province | Main Cities | General Enquiries |
|---|---|---|
| Gauteng | Johannesburg, Pretoria, Germiston | 080 003 0007 |
| Western Cape | Cape Town, Bellville, George | 080 003 0007 |
| KwaZulu-Natal | Durban, Pietermaritzburg, Richards Bay | 080 003 0007 |
| Eastern Cape | Port Elizabeth, East London, Mthatha | 080 003 0007 |
| Limpopo | Polokwane, Tzaneen, Mokopane | 080 003 0007 |
| Mpumalanga | Nelspruit, Witbank, Standerton | 080 003 0007 |
| North West | Rustenburg, Mahikeng, Klerksdorp | 080 003 0007 |
| Free State | Bloemfontein, Welkom, Bethlehem | 080 003 0007 |
| Northern Cape | Kimberley, Upington, Springbok | 080 003 0007 |
Tips for Getting Help Faster
- Always have your ID number and UIF claim reference number ready
- Use uFiling for status checks before calling -- it is faster and available 24/7
- For urgent payment issues, visit a labour centre in person rather than calling
- When visiting a labour centre, arrive before 07:30 to be near the front of the queue
- If your query is not resolved, ask to speak to a supervisor or lodge a formal complaint
- Keep notes of every interaction: date, time, agent name, and what was discussed
Beware of scammers who claim to process UIF claims for a fee. The UIF does not charge any fees for claim submissions or processing. Report suspicious activity to the UIF on 080 003 0007.
Escalating a Complaint
If your UIF problem has not been resolved after multiple contacts with the call centre or labour centre, you can escalate your complaint to the Director General of the Department of Employment and Labour or contact the Public Protector.
The Public Protector can investigate maladministration by government departments including the UIF. Visit www.publicprotector.org or call 0800 112 040 for assistance.