UIF Ters

Employment and Labour Minister Thulas Nxesi. Image via: flickr

UIF Ters: How will payments be made for the latest extension?

The UIF has explained how payments for the latest Ters extension will be made. Here’s what you need to know.

UIF Ters

Employment and Labour Minister Thulas Nxesi. Image via: flickr

The latest Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) Temporary Employer/Employee Relief scheme (Ters) extension has run up until 25 July 2021. The UIF has since explained how payments will be made. 

HOW WILL UIF TERS PAYMENTS BE MADE?

UIF Ters payments for 16 March 2021 to 25 July 2021 period will be made directly to workers. 

The UIF will now pay employees directly unless otherwise decided at the discretion of the UIF Commissioner. Therefore, it is crucial for employers to provide valid and accurate details of their employees including identity document numbers and valid bank accounts. 

“While paying directly into employees bank accounts remains the most preferred payment mode, the UIF is mindful of instances where this may be difficult,” it said on Wednesday 4 July. 

“In such instances and upon provision of sufficient proof by the employer, funds may be paid into the employer’s account at the UIF’s discretion,” it added. 

When speaking to UIF spokesperson Makhosonke Buthelezi, he said that this covers businesses that were restricted during Level 4 lockdown. He went on to say that it covers two periods; 28 June to 25 July and 16 March to 25 July 2021. 

WHY THE UIF DECIDED TO PAY EMPLOYEES RATHER THAN EMPLOYERS 

When asked why the UIF decided to pay Ters to employees as the preferred option, Buthelezi said they have received complaints from employees that employers don’t transfer Ters payments to them. 

“Secondly, we’ve decided to pay directly to prevent fraud and also to make sure that there are no delays in employees receiving the benefit as it is the case when you pay to employers,” he added. 

On 28 July, Employment and Labour Minister Thulas Nxesi said plans are in motion to provide more than 75 000 workers who were affected by the violent riots and looting in KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng with a lifeline. He said the relief strategy would run separately to the special COVID-19 Ters scheme.

ALSO READ: Affected by riots? UIF TERS now available to Gauteng and KZN workers