1. Register for UIF within 6 months after becoming unemployed at the employment office closest to where the employee lives.
2. Sign the unemployment register (this is called ‘signing on‘). Usually you must sign this register at the employment office every 4 weeks or whenever told to do so by the UIF clerk. If you miss signing, the benefits could be delayed for a long time, as you will have to re-register. If you are ill on one of the signing dates, you must bring a doctor’s letter the next time.
   (See: Problem 14: Failing to sign the unemployment register)
   You must say that you are available to work, or else benefits will not be paid out. If you are offered work, then you must be available to work. Sometimes employees are told to go to different companies and to ask for work. They get a form that the companies must fill in and sign showing that they have no jobs available.
3. You should start getting money within 8 weeks after applying for benefits. After that you should get money every 4 weeks or so, until all the benefits are used up. Only the employee who has applied for benefits can collect the money from the employment office. When you go to collect your benefits you must take your ID book with you. Benefits will be paid into the beneficiary’s account.

(See: Problem 12: Application for UIF benefits is too late)