What is the UI-2.5 form and who needs to fill it?

The UI-2.5 is the official Application for Dependant's Benefits by Surviving Spouse or Life Partner, issued by the Department of Employment and Labour under Section 30 of the Unemployment Insurance Act 63 of 2001. A surviving spouse or life partner of a deceased UIF contributor completes this form to claim the benefits the deceased had built up.

Am I eligible to claim using the UI-2.5?

You are eligible if you were the spouse or life partner of a person who died while contributing to the UIF through an employer. You will need to prove the relationship with a marriage certificate, a lobola letter for a customary marriage, or an affidavit if you were a life partner. Confirm any other eligibility conditions with your nearest Labour Centre.

What is the difference between the UI-2.5 and UI-2.6 forms?

The UI-2.5 is for a surviving spouse or life partner. The UI-2.6 is for a child or other dependant of the deceased contributor — a minor child's guardian, an independent adult child, or another nominated beneficiary. FillMeIn supports both online: use the UI-2.5 tool if you were the deceased's spouse or life partner, or the UI-2.6 tool if you are a child or other dependant.

Why does the UI-2.5 ask for two sets of ID details?

The UI-2.5 covers two people: the deceased UIF contributor (Section A) and you, the surviving spouse or life partner applying for the benefit (Section B). Each section has its own 13-digit ID or passport number, date of birth, and gender. FillMeIn labels every field 'Deceased's...' or 'Your...' so the two identities are never confused.

What documents do I need to submit with the UI-2.5?

You need the deceased's original 13-digit bar-coded ID document or passport, a certified copy of the death certificate, proof of your relationship to the deceased (marriage certificate, lobola letter, or affidavit), the deceased's last payslip showing UIF deductions, your own original ID document, and a completed UI-2.8 banking details form stamped by your bank.

How much will I receive as a surviving spouse?

Dependant's benefits are paid for up to 365 days, based on the UIF credit days the deceased had built up before their death. The exact amount depends on the deceased's salary level and accumulated credits. Confirm the calculation for your specific claim with your Labour Centre or the UIF Online portal (uifonline.labour.gov.za).

How long do I have to apply after the date of death?

FillMeIn could not confirm a single authoritative deadline on the current labour.gov.za guidance — sources vary. Do not delay: confirm the exact application window for dependant's claims with your nearest Department of Employment and Labour office before you submit.

What if there is more than one surviving spouse?

The UI-2.5 declaration asks you to state how many surviving spouses there are if the deceased had more than one recognised spouse under customary or religious law. Leave this blank if you are the only surviving spouse or life partner. Each spouse may need to submit a separate application — ask your Labour Centre for guidance.

Do I need the UI-2.8 banking form as well?

Yes. The UI-2.5 form itself states 'Use the UI-2.8 form for Banking Details' — it does not collect your bank account details directly. Fill in your name and ID on the UI-2.8 using FillMeIn, then take the printed form to your bank or post office for the Financial Institution section to be completed and stamped.

Where do I submit the UI-2.5?

Submit your completed UI-2.5, the death certificate, proof of relationship, both ID documents, and the stamped UI-2.8 at your nearest Department of Employment and Labour office (Labour Centre) in person.

How long does it take for UIF to pay out dependant's benefits?

Processing typically takes 6 to 8 weeks after all required documents are submitted and in order. Delays are common when the death certificate, proof of relationship, or the UI-2.8 banking form is missing or incomplete. You can check claim status through the UIF Online portal (uifonline.labour.gov.za) or by calling your Labour Centre.

Can I fill in the UI-2.5 together with my other UIF forms?

Yes. Visit the FillMeIn UIF toolkit page and select the "Dependant (Spouse)" claim type to see the full bundle of forms you need, including UI-2.7 and UI-2.8. The UI-2.5 itself is filled separately here, since it needs both the deceased's and your own details.

UI-2.5 — Dependant's Benefits (Surviving Spouse or Life Partner)

Department of Employment and Labour · Verified 26 July 2026

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