Johannesburg - Labour Minister Mildred Oliphant announced an
increase in the Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) benefit payments on Monday.
"I am pleased to announce that with effect from today
(Monday), October 1, 2012, the UIF benefit payments will be increased,"
Oliphant said.
A worker earning R14 872 a month would now qualify for an
income replacement rate of 38%, or R5 651.36 a month for eight months.
The previous threshold for an income replacement rate of 38%
was R12 478 a month, with a payment of R4 741.64 a month over eight months.
Oliphant's spokesperson Muzi Mkhwanazi said the increase
would not affect employee and employer contributions to the UIF.
"The benefit increases will see our beneficiaries
receiving more money in their pockets. Hopefully, the money will be put to good
use and will assist them in fighting poverty," said Oliphant.
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