Quick answer: To check UIF claim status by USSD, use the verified UIF route *134*843#. The Department of Employment and Labour says this USSD menu includes options for claims and payment status, employee registration, payment continuation and general enquiries. Menu wording can change, so follow only the prompts shown inside the official USSD session and do not use numbers, WhatsApp contacts or links copied from social media. (Department of Labour)
Last checked: 26 June 2026
Verified USSD status: *134*843# is confirmed as an official UIF USSD channel.
Best official alternatives: UIF Online, the UIF mobile app, the UIF call centre and Labour Centres.
For related help, see UIF USSD code or UIF contact number.
Current Verified Status
The verified UIF USSD route for claim and payment status checks is *134*843#. Official Department of Employment and Labour notices describe this as a UIF self-service channel that opens a menu for claims and payment status, employee registration, payment continuation and general enquiries. (Department of Labour)
This page can help you identify the official status-check route and understand what to prepare before using it. It cannot approve your claim, change your bank details, reverse a rejection, speed up a payment or replace official UIF support.
Use this page as a safety-first guide. Before entering personal information, make sure you are using an official UIF channel. Stop immediately if a message asks you to pay a fee, buy a voucher, share an OTP, send your banking PIN, or continue through an unknown WhatsApp number.
How to Use the Service
To check UIF claim status by phone, dial *134*843# from your mobile phone. Wait for the UIF menu to appear, then choose the option that refers to claims status, payment status or similar wording.
Because USSD menus can change, this page should not guess a fixed menu path beyond the verified code. Use the wording that appears on your screen at the time of checking. A legitimate status-check flow should keep you inside the UIF USSD session and should not ask you to pay anyone to release your benefit.
A safe status-check journey should look like this:
- Dial *134*843#.
- Wait for the UIF menu to load.
- Select the claim or payment status option shown on screen.
- Enter only the requested claim or identity details.
- Read the status result carefully.
- Save or write down any reference number, instruction or next step.
- Exit the session if the menu looks suspicious or asks for unsafe information.
The Department has described the UIF USSD service as accessible from any type of cellphone, and it has promoted the USSD platform alongside the UIF mobile app as part of its self-service tools. (Department of Labour)
Documents, Eligibility, or Reference Numbers Needed
Before you check UIF claim status, prepare the information that may be needed to identify your claim. This may include your South African ID number or passport number, your UIF reference number, your claim reference number, the cellphone number linked to your claim, and the type of benefit you applied for.
UIF benefits may include unemployment, illness, maternity, adoption, parental, dependants or reduced work time benefits. The exact details needed can depend on the type of claim and whether you are checking status, continuing payment, correcting information or following up on a pending claim.
For online registration, the UIF Online registration screen asks for details such as ID number, name, surname, cellphone number and email address. (UIF Online) Keep these details consistent with the information used in your UIF application. If your ID, banking details, employer declaration or contact details do not match UIF records, your claim may need follow-up through UIF Online, the call centre or a Labour Centre.
Do not confuse a status check with a new application. A status check tells you what UIF currently shows for your claim. It does not automatically fix missing documents, employer errors, bank verification issues or rejected claims.
Official Alternatives if USSD Is Not Available
If *134*843# does not work, use an official alternative. Do not search social media comments for “new UIF numbers” or trust forwarded WhatsApp links.
UIF Online
UIF Online is the main official online route for UIF self-service. The Department said UIF Online was launched on 1 April 2025 to replace the legacy uFiling employee claims portal and supports direct client submissions, real-time claim tracking and automated communication during the claim lifecycle. (Department of Labour)
Use UIF Online if you have data, need to log in, want to track a claim online, or need to manage your claim through a more detailed platform than USSD. The UIF Online login page includes registration and login options and asks users to access their account through the official UIF Online system. (UIF Online)
UIF Mobile App
The Department has also promoted the UIF mobile application as part of its service channels. It has stated that smartphone users can download the data-free UIF mobile app from recognised app stores to access UIF services. (Department of Labour)
Only download the app from a recognised app store. Do not install UIF-related APK files from WhatsApp, Telegram, Facebook comments or unknown websites.
UIF Call Centre
The official UIF contact page lists the UIF call centre number as 0800 030 007 and gives operating hours as 07:30 to 16:00, Monday to Friday. It also lists UIF email routes including [email protected], [email protected]and [email protected]. (Department of Labour)
Use the call centre if the USSD session fails, your claim status is unclear, your payment has not updated, or you need to ask what action is required. Have your ID number and claim details ready before calling.
Labour Centre
Visit a Labour Centre if your claim cannot be resolved through USSD, UIF Online or the call centre. This may be necessary where documents are missing, employer declarations are incomplete, identity details do not match, bank verification is stuck, or the system instructs you to visit an office.
For broader public-service routes, see public service USSD codes.
Public-Service Safety and Scam Warnings
UIF claimants are often targeted by scammers because they may be waiting for money and looking for fast answers. Be careful with any message that claims your UIF money is ready, says you qualify for a large payout, asks you to check your name on a list, or sends you to a website that is not an official Department of Employment and Labour or UIF platform.
The Department has warned that scammers have created fake Department of Employment and Labour websites and social media messages asking people to check whether they qualify for supposed payouts. (Department of Labour) It has also warned that departmental officials cannot ask for money to fast-track an application or request payment to provide a departmental service. (Department of Labour)
Never share the following when checking UIF claim status:
- Your banking PIN.
- Your online banking password.
- Any OTP.
- Your card number, CVV or banking app login.
- Voucher numbers.
- Your UIF profile password.
- Copies of ID documents through unsafe links.
- Money to “release” or “speed up” a UIF claim.
A real UIF status-check process should help you see or follow up on your claim. It should not pressure you to pay, move to an unknown WhatsApp number, or enter banking security details.
FAQ
Is there a verified USSD option to check UIF claim status?
Yes. The verified UIF USSD route is *134*843#. The Department of Employment and Labour says this UIF menu includes claims and payment status options, among other services. (Department of Labour)
Is the UIF status check service free to use?
The Department has promoted the UIF USSD service as a free cellphone-based route for checking UIF claim or payment status. (Department of Labour) Your mobile network conditions may still affect whether the USSD session connects successfully.
What should I do if the UIF USSD option does not work?
Try again later and confirm that you dialled *134*843# correctly. If it still does not work, use UIF Online, the UIF mobile app, the official UIF call centre or a Labour Centre. Do not use third-party numbers unless they match official UIF or Department of Employment and Labour sources.
What information should users never share when checking UIF claim status?
Never share your banking PIN, online banking password, OTP, card details, voucher number or UIF login password. You should also avoid uploading ID documents through links sent by unknown people or unofficial social media pages.
How can users tell whether a UIF claim status message is fake?
A UIF message is suspicious if it promises guaranteed payment, asks for money, sends you to an unknown website, uses poor or threatening wording, asks you to forward the message, or claims an official can fast-track your claim for a fee. The Department has warned the public about fake sites and scammers pretending to offer Department or UIF services. (Department of Labour)
Where should users confirm the latest UIF details?
Confirm the latest details through official Department of Employment and Labour channels, UIF Online, the UIF call centre or your nearest Labour Centre. UIF platforms and menus can change, so always re-check official sources before relying on an old screenshot, forwarded message or unofficial guide.