What is the UI-2.4 form and who needs to fill it?

The UI-2.4 is the official Application for Adoption Benefits form issued by the Department of Employment and Labour under section 28 of the Unemployment Insurance Act 63 of 2001. A parent who has legally adopted a child, and who has been contributing to the UIF through their employer, completes the UI-2.4 to claim adoption benefits from the Unemployment Insurance Fund.

Am I eligible to claim adoption benefits using the UI-2.4?

You are eligible if you have legally adopted a child and have been contributing to the UIF through an employer. Section 27(1)(c) of the Unemployment Insurance Act requires the adopted child to be under two. The Constitutional Court declared this invalid on 3 October 2025 but suspended the order for 36 months, so the UIF still applies it until Parliament changes the law.

What documents do I need to submit with the UI-2.4?

You need your original South African ID document (Smart ID card or ID book), the completed UI-2.4 form, a certified copy of the adoption court order, the UI-2.7 (record of remuneration) completed by your employer if still employed, the UI-2.8 banking details form stamped by your bank, and your last payslip showing UIF deductions.

Does the UI-2.4 need a medical certificate like the UI-2.2 or UI-2.3?

No. Unlike the illness (UI-2.2) and maternity (UI-2.3) forms, the UI-2.4 has no medical certificate section for a doctor or midwife to complete. You fill in every field on the UI-2.4 yourself and sign the declaration.

How much will I receive in adoption benefits?

UIF adoption benefits are paid at the same rate and for the same maximum duration as maternity benefits — 66% of your earnings for up to ten consecutive weeks — not the 17.32 weeks that applies to maternity. Benefits are subject to an earnings ceiling set by the Minister.

What is the difference between UI-2.4 and UI-2.3 (maternity)?

Both pay the same benefit rate for the same maximum duration, since adoption benefits mirror maternity benefits under the Act. The key difference is the qualifying event: the UI-2.3 requires pregnancy or birth, while the UI-2.4 requires a legal adoption order. The UI-2.4 also has no medical certificate section, while the UI-2.3 does.

Does the under-2 age limit on the adopted child still apply?

The printed UI-2.4 form does not state an age limit, but section 27(1)(c) of the Act requires the child to be under two. The Constitutional Court struck it down on 3 October 2025 and suspended that order for 36 months, so it remains law for now. Confirm current eligibility with your Labour Centre before assuming your child does not qualify.

How long does it take for UIF to pay out adoption benefits?

After your completed UI-2.4 and supporting documents are submitted and processed, benefits are typically paid within 6 to 8 weeks if all documents are in order. Delays can occur if documents are missing, the employer has not completed the UI-2.7, or the adoption court order is not attached.

Do I need to register as a work seeker to claim adoption benefits?

No — like maternity benefits, adoption benefits do not require you to register as a work seeker at a Labour Centre. You are claiming leave-related benefits, not unemployment benefits. You still need to visit a Labour Centre or use the uFiling portal to submit your claim.

Can I claim UI-2.4 adoption benefits if I am still employed?

Yes. If you are still employed but on adoption leave, you can claim UIF adoption benefits. Your employer must then complete the UI-2.7 form to declare your salary. The form itself notes that if you are still employed, the UI-2.7 must also be completed.

What happens when I return to work?

When you return to work, you must immediately inform the Claims Officer at the Labour Centre. Benefits stop from the date you return. Continuing to receive benefits after returning to work without informing the Claims Officer constitutes fraud and you will be required to repay all overpaid amounts.

UI-2.4 — Application for Adoption Benefits

Department of Employment and Labour · Verified 26 July 2026

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