This guide describes the historical COVID-19 Temporary Employer-Employee Relief Scheme (TERS), introduced in March 2020. It is not notice of a new 2026 application window. The eligibility examples below relate to specified pandemic claim periods; contact UIF about an outstanding claim or current benefits.
- You must have been required to stop business operations either fully or partially during the different lockdown levels according to the published regulations.
- The benefits extend to employees who have been required to quarantine themselves or self-isolate during the pandemic.
- You are also eligible if you have been unable to make use of your services either fully or partially because you had to limit the number of workers at the workplace or due to the introduction of the shift system, and any other measure that was taken in compliance with the regulations put in place to stop the spread of the COVID-19.
- If you are an employee aged 60 and above who cannot be accommodated at the workplace, you are eligible for this benefit.
- You (the employer) were not able to make alternative arrangements for vulnerable employees to work from home or take other measures.
- Most importantly, your employer must have registered you with the Unemployment Insurance Fund.
The TERS Application Process
Eligibility for a historical COVID-19 claim depends on the applicable directive, income loss, claim period and UIF records. Ordinary TERS workplace-support arrangements have different conditions; a sustainability programme is not a universal extra requirement for a COVID-19 claim.
For an outstanding historical claim, UIF may request the following supporting records:
- A signed approval or an acceptance letter
- A current bank confirmation letter
- Proof of payment to employees for previous benefits claimed and received for the prior period. This could be an EFT, payroll report, or pay recon.
- Proof of refund to the UIF
- And a letter of authority.
These were examples of the former first-time registration requirements. Confirm with UIF whether any submission or correction is available for your historical claim:
- Activate your profile online on the official website. The website URL is https://www.labour.gov.za/Online-Tools/Pages/default.aspx
- Follow the instructions as they appear
- Then you will be required to sign an electronic MOA (memorandum of agreement) and letter of undertaking
- Then upload your bank confirmation letter as well
Now to apply:
- Use this direct link to apply. https://www.labour.gov.za/Online-Tools/Pages/default.aspx.
- Log into your profile.
- Fill out the forms correctly and upload all relevant documentation.
- Check to make sure everything is in order.
- Once you have done so, click on the apply button.
- Log in to your profile every couple of days to check your application status.
- Once you are logged in, click the “status” button in the menu bar. Then you will be able to see if your application has been processed or not. Read the payment report and any error or decline reason; a zero amount alone does not explain the result.
How Are TERS Benefits Calculated?
The calculation examples below refer to historical COVID-19 TERS guidance, rather than current ordinary UIF limits. The relevant period, remuneration and days affected determine the assessment.
- The COVID-19 benefits are calculated using a UI calculation formula which is based on your usual monthly earnings. The system used for these calculations is the income replacement sliding scale (38%-60%) as stipulated in the unemployment act.
- The maximum amount an employee can receive is capped off to the amount of R6.730.56 per month per employee.
- The maximum amount that will be taken into consideration when calculating the benefits is R17.712 per month.
- The calculations are done such that an eligible employee receives at least R3.500 per month.
- Simple rules or directives guide how these calculations are made.
- The benefits of a qualifying employee will be calculated by section 13 (1) of the Unemployment Insurance Act.
- If, after the calculations and added remunerations, the benefits do not sum up to R3,500, the benefit will be increased to ensure that the employee receives the minimum amount of R3.500
- Calculations are also subjected to the number of days the lockdown lasts. This me ans the benefits you receive may reduce or may increase each month.
- Another determinant is how much you earned for work during the lockdown periods. If you worked more hours, then it is assumed that you earned more; therefore, your benefits would be reduced. The same conditions would apply if the situation were the opposite. So if you earned little for work, then your applicable benefit would increase.
TERS Claim (How to Claim)
For an outstanding historical claim, check UIF’s status and payment reports and follow any correction request. Benefits for the same period must be assessed under the applicable rules to avoid duplicate payments.
Step 1: Log in
Access any available historical claim facility through the Department of Employment and Labour’s official online-services directory.
Be sure to enter your username and password correctly in their corresponding boxes.
Step 2: Apply for benefits.
Follow UIF’s instructions for the historical claim or correction. These steps do not establish that a new COVID-19 application round is open.
Step 3: Check application status
Check the claim status and payment report, including the stated decline or error reason. A zero amount does not by itself explain whether the claim was rejected or needs correction.
Step 4: getting paid
Payment timing depends on approval, verified banking details and processing. A status update does not guarantee payment within five days. Historical payments could go through the employer or directly to employees, depending on the arrangement.
NB: Correct bank and employment details are necessary, but do not by themselves establish eligibility. Resolve validation errors through the official UIF process.
- If you would like to know the application status of all of your employees, you can do so by requesting a payment report. This allows you to be able to know which of your employees have been paid and which have been rejected. You can do this by clicking on the payment breakdown report in the menu bar.
- Click on the green successful payment button, and you will be provided with a letter that you will need to download and sign as proof of payment of funds.
- Click on the red decline payment button, and a list of declined employees will appear.
- Alternatively, if you are still waiting to hear back from a submitted application at TERS, you can track the status of your application by reaching them directly via the TERS hotline on 012 337 1997
- If you would like to add new people to your claim, you can do so by logging in to your COVID-19 TERS portal and then clicking on the “employee details” button. Click the orange ‘add new employee’ button. You will have to add employees one after the other. You cannot use a CSV during this process.
Read Also: NSFAS Funding: Everything You Need to Know to Apply
When Do TERS Payout?
Historical employer guidance described target turnaround times, not a guaranteed payment date for every claim. Ask UIF about an outstanding payment and retain the payment report.
COVID-19 TERS covered specified pandemic periods. Current ordinary UIF benefits and any current workplace-support programme have their own rules.
Older announcements extending lockdown-period relief were time-specific. Do not assume they create a current entitlement or that duplicate benefits for the same period are permitted.
For help with a historical COVID-19 TERS claim or current UIF benefit, consult the official Department of Employment and Labour service directory and current UIF support contacts.
