Of the R16.5-billion that the Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) has disbursed as part of the COVID-19 TERS benefits payment, almost half has gone to Gauteng benefitting　 one and a half million workers (1 516 441) of the 3　464　124 million workers who have been　 beneficiaries.

In monetary terms, this amounts to R7 913 141 048.34 and the workers who have been given the cash injection had their claims lodged by 111　385 employers.

The Northern Cape had the least number of claimants with R163-million paid to the province for 32　141 workers represented by 4 176 employers. The second highest recipient province is the Western Cape with R2.7-billion disbursed so far to 549 156 workers represented by 54 077 employers.

KwaZulu-Natal is the third largest recipient with over R2.4-billion paid to 523 578 workers as claimed by 42 136 employers while fourth spot is the Eastern Cape with disbursements of just under a billion rand (R912　893　113.65) distributed to 186 789 workers in the province represented by 18 495 employers.

They are closely followed by Mpumalanga with 185 329 workers represented by 15 443 employers who received R886-million in cash.; Free State with 115 701 workers represented by 14 388 employers who in total claimed R557-million; Limpopo with 93 275 workers getting their share via 9 826 employers totalling R435-million and the North West being is the second last with R459-million distributed there for 88　215 workers who had their applications submitted by 9 184 employers.

These disbursements represent the April and part of May payments (R452-million which has been processed and paid since June 1, 2020).

According to the UIF Commissioner, Teboho Maruping, the UIF is holding back R2.8-billion which could benefit 686　463 workers due to 107　202 employers not furnishing the UIF with the right details and the status of the workers.

Ordinarily, feedback for payment or non-payment with reasons thereof together with acceptance or approval is sent to employers via automated process within 24 hours through e-mail address provided in addition to the on-line portal.

The UIF continues to pay ordinary benefits which have increased by 1.64% from R2　475　231　742.20 to R2　516　525　813.48 and the number of claims rising by 2.76% from 358 048 to 368　243.

For further information, log on to our website www.uifecc.labour.gov.za/covid19 or reach the UIF on the toll-free number 0800 030 007./Ends