Quick answer: The verified UIF USSD code is *134*843#. The Department of Employment and Labour lists this as its USSD channel, and official UIF guidance says the menu covers UIF claim status, payment status, employee registration, payment continuation and general enquiries. Last checked: 26 June 2026. (Department of Labour)
Confirm the current route here before you dial. If the USSD service is unavailable, use an official UIF alternative: UIF Online, the UIF Mobile App, the UIF call centre, a labour centre, or the Department’s online service tools. For other public-service routes, see public service USSD codes.
Current Verified Status
The confirmed UIF USSD code is:
*134*843#
The Department of Employment and Labour’s contact page lists USSD channel *134*843#. A Department UIF update also says clients can dial *134*843# from any mobile phone to open a menu covering claims and payment status, employee registration, payment continuation and general enquiries. (Department of Labour)
That matters because the searches differ but the answer does not. Whether you are looking up UIF claim status, UIF payment status USSD, or UIF status USSD code, the starting point is the same verified string: *134*843#.
The Department has described the UIF USSD platform as free to use, alongside the UIF Mobile App, so clients can handle basic queries without travelling to a labour centre. (Government of South Africa)
How to Check Your UIF Claim Status
To use the UIF USSD code:
- Dial
*134*843#from your cellphone. - Wait for the UIF menu to load.
- Choose the option matching what you need.
- Follow the prompts on screen.
- Enter only what the official UIF menu asks for.
- Screenshot the final status message, reference, or instruction if your phone allows it.
- Stop immediately if the menu asks for a bank PIN, OTP, voucher PIN, upfront payment, or any fee to release UIF money. None of those belong in this process.
The official menu may include claim status, payment status, employee registration, payment continuation and general enquiries. Wording changes, so follow the live menu rather than an old screenshot or a social media post. (Department of Labour)
What You Can Use the UIF USSD Code For
The code suits quick cellphone checks, particularly when you have no mobile data or cannot easily get to a labour centre.
| UIF USSD option | What it may help with |
|---|---|
| Claim status | See where your UIF claim sits in the process |
| Payment status | See whether a payment has been processed or is still pending |
| Employee registration | Check registration-related information |
| Payment continuation | Continue a payment request where the menu allows it |
| General enquiries | Basic UIF self-service assistance |
For the detailed claim walkthrough, use check UIF claim status. For direct help routes, use UIF contact number.
Documents, Eligibility, or Reference Numbers Needed
Have your basic UIF details ready before dialling. The menu may ask for information that identifies your record or claim.
| Information to prepare | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| South African ID number or valid identity details | Matches you to a UIF record |
| UIF reference number, if you have one | Helps with claim or payment follow-ups |
| The cellphone number UIF uses to contact you | May be needed for account or claim prompts |
| Claim type | Points you to the right route: unemployment, maternity, illness, adoption, or reduced work time |
| Existing claim or payment reference | Useful for a delayed or unclear payment |
Enter details only into the menu you reached by dialling *134*843# yourself. Never send ID documents, bank statements, payslips, OTPs, or banking details to a WhatsApp number or social media inbox claiming to be UIF support.
Official Alternatives if USSD Is Not Available
If *134*843# fails, times out, or lacks the option you need, use an official alternative rather than a number you found online.
| Official alternative | Best for |
|---|---|
| UIF Online | Employee benefit claims, claim tracking, direct client submissions |
| UIF Mobile App | Smartphone access without paid data where supported |
| uFiling | Employer registration, declarations, contribution services |
| UIF call centre | When USSD or online does not resolve the issue |
| Labour centre | Documents, identity problems, banking-detail issues, complex claims |
| Department Web Self-Service Ticketing System | Submitting a service query online |
The Department announced in October 2024 that UIF online services, the UIF USSD service and the data-free UIF Mobile Application were restored and operational, with clients able to reach uFiling, the USSD service and the app. (Department of Labour)
For employee benefit claims, the Department said UIF Online replaced the legacy uFiling employee claims portal, and that the uFiling employee claims portal closed on 20 May 2026. The employer portal stayed operational for registration, declarations and contributions. (Department of Labour)
The UIF contact page lists the call centre as 0800 030 007, open 07:30 to 16:00, Monday to Friday, alongside email routes for the call centre, uFiling enquiries and complaints. (Department of Labour)
UIF USSD vs uFiling
These are not the same service, and confusing them wastes a trip.
UIF USSD is the cellphone menu behind *134*843#, good for quick checks such as UIF claim status, payment status, employee registration, payment continuation and general enquiries. (Department of Labour)
uFiling is an online platform. As of the Department’s May 2026 update, the legacy uFiling employee claims portal had closed, while the employer portal remained operational for registration, declarations and contributions. (Department of Labour)
Use USSD to check. Use UIF Online, the app, the call centre or a labour centre to submit or manage a claim, fix documents, sort out banking details, or chase a delayed payment.
Public-Service Safety and Scam Warnings
Treat any message promising a UIF payout, faster approval, a maternity benefit release, or a special government payment as suspect. UIF scams copy official wording closely, then ask for money, vouchers, PINs or personal details.
The Department has warned about scammers impersonating officials and asking beneficiaries to send money, bank transfer PINs, or voucher details to process benefits. It has stated plainly that it does not issue vouchers, does not charge for its services, and does not ask for personal financial information in unsolicited calls. (Department of Labour)
It has also warned against paying anyone who offers to fast-track a UIF application, confirming that all Department services are free and that applications go through labour centres or platforms verified on the Department’s own website. (Department of Labour)
Stop at any of these:
| Warning sign | What to do |
|---|---|
| A message says you must pay to release UIF money | Do not pay. Verify through an official UIF route. |
| Someone offers to fast-track your claim for a fee | It is a scam. Department services are free. |
| A WhatsApp number asks for your ID, OTP, voucher PIN or bank details | Send nothing. Use official channels. |
| A link asks you to “confirm” a UIF payout | Enter nothing unless you reached the official platform yourself. |
| A USSD menu asks for a bank card PIN or banking password | Exit immediately. |
| A social media post gives a different UIF code | Check it against official Department sources before dialling. |
For broader low-data options, see government services without data South Africa.
What to Do if the UIF USSD Code Does Not Work
- Check you dialled
*134*843#exactly. - Confirm the SIM is active and the phone has signal.
- Wait a few minutes and retry if the session timed out.
- Restart the phone if USSD menus will not open at all.
- Switch to UIF Online or the UIF Mobile App if you have a smartphone.
- Call the UIF call centre if the problem affects your claim or payment.
- Go to a labour centre if documents, identity details, banking details or the claim record need in-person help.
Do not keep retrying through suspicious links, unofficial WhatsApp numbers, or social media “agents”. If the official route is down, move to an official alternative.
FAQ
Is there an official UIF USSD code?
Yes. The verified UIF USSD code is *134*843#. The Department lists it as a USSD channel, and official guidance says it opens a menu with claim, payment, registration, continuation and enquiry options. Last checked: 26 June 2026. (Department of Labour)
Can I check UIF claim status by USSD?
Yes. Official guidance says clients can dial *134*843# and pick from menu options including claims and payment status. (Department of Labour)
Can I check UIF payment status by USSD?
Yes. The Department says the menu includes payment status and payment continuation. Dial *134*843# and follow the live prompts. (Department of Labour)
Is the UIF USSD service free to use?
The Department has described the platform as free, and said clients can dial *134*843# to submit continuation of payment or check claim and payment status. (Government of South Africa)
What should I never share when checking UIF?
Your bank card PIN, banking password, OTP, voucher PIN, or personal financial details, to any unsolicited call, WhatsApp number, SMS link or social media inbox. The Department has warned that scammers ask beneficiaries for exactly these, and has confirmed UIF services are free. (Department of Labour)
What should I do if the USSD option does not work?
Use UIF Online, the UIF Mobile App, the call centre, a labour centre, or the Department’s Web Self-Service Ticketing System. The contact page lists the UIF call centre as 0800 030 007 and the official USSD channel. (Department of Labour)
Is uFiling still used for UIF claims?
Not for employee benefit claims. The Department said UIF Online replaced the legacy uFiling employee claims portal, which closed on 20 May 2026. The employer portal remained operational for registration, declarations and contributions. (Department of Labour)
How can I tell whether a UIF message is fake?
If it asks for money, promises to fast-track your claim, wants a voucher PIN or an OTP, or sends you to an unofficial link, it is fake. The safe route is dialling *134*843# yourself, or using an official platform, the call centre, or a labour centre.
Where should I confirm the latest UIF details?
Through official Department of Employment and Labour or UIF channels, before sharing anything personal. Menus and online processes change, so re-check rather than acting on old screenshots or forwarded messages.
