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BY Lauren Salt AND Jessie Moore
The latest TERS extension: some much-needed detail for submission
On 21 May 2021, the Unemployment Fund (“UIF”) published a useful note on the TERS, clarifying and providing some useful detail on the most recent extension of the TERS for the period 16 October 2020 to 15 March 2021, for which the application portal is now open.
The note sets out the claim codes and four categories of eligible employees for this period as follows:
- Claim code 1: Employees (on temporary lay-off or Reduced Work Time) within those sectors that have not been able to operate due to regulatory restrictions as per directives issued;
- Claim code 2: Employees aged 60 and above, and who cannot be reasonably accommodated at work;
- Claim code 3: Employees with co-morbidities and who cannot be reasonably accommodated at work;
- Claim code 4: Employees in isolation and quarantine to prevent the spread of COVID-19
The note then sets out the capture methods and critical dates for the submission of claims for each claim code and period, namely from 16 October 2020 to 31 December 2020, and 1 January 2021 to 15 March 2021, respectively.
For employers, statutory bodies, bargaining councils, employees or organisations with non-sector based claims, the note sets out some key information for you, too. More generally, the note also outlines the key input data of which applicants should be aware pertaining to:
- the lockdown period;
- monthly salary information; and
- remuneration earned for hours worked (excluding leave income and advances).
It is crucial that applicants follow this guidance carefully in order to avoid the UIF’s systems rejecting their claims out of hand.
Finally, the note provides an update on disputes and sector appeals. Notably, the UIF has advised that all disputes received have been actioned. The dispute resolution process will start again on 24 May 2021. Likewise, the second phase of sector appeals process will commence on 24 May 2021.
The UIF also shed some light on what applicants should do in respect of bank verification issues, failed CSV files, foreign nationals, and where the error “Follow the Money” or “Risk Block” appears.
The details and updates provided in this note are certainly welcomed. While a further extension of the TERS beyond 15 March 2021 has not yet been announced, employers and employees are encouraged to watch this space.
Lauren Salt
Employment | Executive
+27 84 509 6494
Jessie Moore
Employment | Candidate Legal Practitioner
+27 71 125 6135
