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 can be used to check UIF claim status, payment status, employee registration, payment continuation and general enquiries. Last checked: 26 June 2026. (Department of Labour)
Use this page to confirm the current UIF USSD route before you dial. If the USSD service is unavailable, use an official UIF alternative such as UIF Online, the UIF Mobile App, the UIF call centre, a labour centre, or the Department’s online service tools. For other public-service options, 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 with options that include claims and payment status, employee registration, payment continuation and general enquiries. (Department of Labour)
This means users searching for UIF claim status USSD, UIF payment status USSD, or UIF status USSD code should start with the same verified code: *134*843#.
The Department has also described the UIF USSD platform as free to use, alongside the UIF Mobile App, to help clients access services without needing to visit a labour centre for every basic query. (Government of South Africa)
How to Use the Service
To use the UIF USSD code:
- Dial
*134*843#from your cellphone. - Wait for the UIF menu to load.
- Choose the option that matches what you need.
- Follow the prompts on screen.
- Enter only the information requested by the official UIF menu.
- Save the final status message, reference, or instruction if your phone allows screenshots.
- Stop immediately if the menu asks for a bank PIN, OTP, voucher PIN, upfront payment, or any fee to release UIF money.
The official UIF USSD menu may include options for claim status, payment status, employee registration, payment continuation and general enquiries. The exact wording can change, so always follow the current on-screen menu rather than an old screenshot or social media post. (Department of Labour)
What You Can Use the UIF USSD Code For
The UIF USSD code is best for quick cellphone-based checks, especially when you do not have mobile data or cannot easily visit a labour centre.
| UIF USSD option | What it may help with |
|---|---|
| Claim status | Check where your UIF claim is in the process |
| Payment status | Check whether a UIF payment has been processed or is still pending |
| Employee registration | Check registration-related information |
| Payment continuation | Continue a payment request where the official menu allows it |
| General enquiries | Get basic UIF self-service assistance |
For a more detailed claim guide, use check UIF claim status. For direct help routes, use UIF contact number.
Documents, Eligibility, or Reference Numbers Needed
Before using the UIF status USSD code, prepare your basic UIF details. The menu may ask for information that helps identify your UIF record or claim.
| Information to prepare | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| South African ID number or valid identity details | Used to match you to a UIF record |
| UIF reference number, if available | Helps with claim or payment follow-ups |
| Cellphone number used for UIF communication | May be needed for account or claim-related prompts |
| Claim type | Helps you choose the correct route, such as unemployment, maternity, illness, adoption, or reduced work time |
| Existing claim or payment reference | Useful when checking a delayed or unclear payment |
Only enter details into the official USSD menu after dialling *134*843# yourself. Do not 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# does not work, times out, or does not show the option you need, use an official UIF alternative instead of relying on a random number online.
| Official alternative | Best for |
|---|---|
| UIF Online | Employee benefit claims, claim tracking, and direct client submissions |
| UIF Mobile App | Smartphone access to UIF services without using paid data where supported |
| uFiling | Employer registration, declarations, and contribution-related services |
| UIF call centre | Help when the USSD or online route does not resolve your issue |
| Labour centre | In-person help for documents, identity problems, banking-detail issues, or complex claim problems |
| Department Web Self-Service Ticketing System | Submitting a service query through the Department’s online tools |
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. It said clients could access uFiling, the UIF USSD service and the UIF Mobile App for UIF services. (Department of Labour)
For employee benefit claims, note that the Department said UIF Online replaced the legacy uFiling employee claims portal, and that the uFiling employee claims portal was officially closed on 20 May 2026. The same notice says the employer portal remained operational for employer registration, declarations and contributions. (Department of Labour)
The UIF contact page lists the UIF call centre as 0800 030 007, with office hours from 07:30 to 16:00, Monday to Friday. It also lists UIF email routes for the call centre, uFiling enquiries and complaints. (Department of Labour)
UIF USSD vs uFiling
UIF USSD and uFiling are not the same service.
UIF USSD is the cellphone menu reached by dialling *134*843#. It is useful for quick checks such as UIF claim status, payment status, employee registration, payment continuation and general enquiries. (Department of Labour)
uFiling is an online UIF platform. As of the Department’s May 2026 update, the legacy uFiling employee claims portal had been closed, while the employer portal remained operational for employer registration, declarations and contributions. (Department of Labour)
Use USSD for quick checks. Use UIF Online, the UIF Mobile App, the call centre or a labour centre when you need to submit or manage a claim, correct documents, deal with banking-detail issues, or resolve a delayed payment.
Public-Service Safety and Scam Warnings
Be careful with any message that claims to offer a UIF payout, faster claim approval, maternity benefit release, or special government payment. UIF scams often copy official wording and then ask for money, vouchers, PINs or personal details.
The Department has warned about scammers impersonating Department officials and asking UIF beneficiaries to send money, bank transfer PINs, or voucher details to process benefits. It clarified that the Department does not issue vouchers, does not charge clients for its services, and does not ask for personal financial information through unsolicited calls. (Department of Labour)
The Department has also warned the public not to pay anyone who promises to fast-track UIF applications. It said all Department of Employment and Labour services are free of charge and that UIF applications should be submitted through labour centres or online platforms verified on the Department’s website. (Department of Labour)
Stop immediately if you see any of these warning signs:
| 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 promises to fast-track your claim for a fee | Treat it as a scam. Department services are free. |
| A WhatsApp number asks for your ID, OTP, voucher PIN or bank details | Do not send anything. Use official UIF channels. |
| A link asks you to “confirm” a UIF payout | Do not enter details unless it is an official UIF platform you reached yourself. |
| A USSD menu asks for a bank card PIN or online banking password | Exit immediately. |
| A social media post gives a different UIF code | Verify it against official Department sources before dialling. |
For broader low-data access options, see government services without data South Africa.
What to Do if the UIF USSD Code Does Not Work
If the UIF USSD code does not work:
- Check that you dialled
*134*843#exactly. - Make sure your SIM is active and your phone has signal.
- Try again after a few minutes if the session times out.
- Restart your phone if USSD menus are not opening.
- Use UIF Online or the UIF Mobile App if you have smartphone access.
- Contact the UIF call centre if the issue affects your claim or payment.
- Visit a labour centre if your documents, identity details, banking details or claim record need in-person support.
Do not keep retrying through suspicious links, unofficial WhatsApp numbers or social media “agents.” If the official USSD route is unavailable, move to an official alternative.
FAQ
Is there an official UIF USSD code?
Yes. The verified UIF USSD code is *134*843#. The Department of Employment and Labour lists it as a USSD channel and official UIF guidance says it opens a UIF 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 UIF guidance says clients can dial *134*843# and choose from menu options that include claims and payment status. (Department of Labour)
Can I check UIF payment status by USSD?
Yes. The Department says the UIF USSD menu includes payment status and payment continuation options. Dial *134*843#and follow the current on-screen prompts. (Department of Labour)
Is the UIF USSD service free to use?
The Department has described the UIF USSD platform as free and said clients can dial *134*843# on a cellphone to submit continuation of payment or check claim and payment status. (Government of South Africa)
What information should I never share when checking UIF?
Never share your bank card PIN, online banking password, OTP, voucher PIN, or personal financial details through an unsolicited call, WhatsApp number, SMS link or social media inbox. The Department has warned that scammers may ask UIF beneficiaries for money, PINs or voucher details, and it has clarified that UIF services are free. (Department of Labour)
What should I do if the USSD option does not work?
Use an official alternative such as UIF Online, the UIF Mobile App, the UIF call centre, a labour centre, or the Department’s Web Self-Service Ticketing System. The Department’s contact page lists the UIF call centre as 0800 030 007 and also lists the official USSD channel. (Department of Labour)
Is uFiling still used for UIF claims?
For employee benefit claims, the Department said UIF Online replaced the legacy uFiling employee claims portal, and that the uFiling employee claims portal was officially closed on 20 May 2026. The employer portal remained operational for employer registration, declarations and contributions. (Department of Labour)
How can I tell whether a UIF USSD message is fake?
A UIF message is suspicious if it asks for money, promises to fast-track your claim, requests a voucher PIN, asks for an OTP, or sends you to an unofficial link. The safe route is to dial *134*843# yourself or use an official UIF platform, call centre, or labour centre.
Where should I confirm the latest UIF details?
Confirm the latest UIF USSD code, claim process, payment-status route and support details through official Department of Employment and Labour or UIF channels before sharing personal information. USSD menus and online-service processes can change, so re-check before acting on old screenshots, social media posts or forwarded messages.