Maternity leave and money
South African law entitles you to maternity leave, but not necessarily to full pay during it. The gap between the two is the financial problem, and UIF maternity benefits exist precisely to bridge part of it.
The Basic Conditions of Employment Act provides for maternity leave. Whether it is paid depends on your employment contract or company policy — many South African employers pay part or none of it.
UIF maternity benefits pay a percentage of your earnings for the leave period if you have contributed. The claim can be lodged before the birth, and doing so avoids a gap between your last salary and the first payment.
Plan for the shortfall before it arrives. Knowing what your employer pays and what UIF will add gives you a figure to save toward across the preceding months — far cheaper than borrowing during leave with reduced income.
If you are considering credit to cover the gap, remember the affordability assessment will be run against your reduced income, and the instalment will still be due when you return.
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Page last checked 10 August 2026. Statutory caps and lender terms change — confirm anything you intend to rely on with the provider or the National Credit Regulator. Found something wrong? Tell us and we will correct it.