The Department of Employment and Labour in South Africa is seeking dedicated individuals to fill ten (10) UI Claims Officer: Pay Master positions

The Department of Employment and Labour in South Africa is seeking dedicated individuals to fill ten (10) UI Claims Officer: Pay Master positions

DEADLINE: 25 July 2025

UI Claims Officer: Pay Master (X10 Posts) – A Vital Role in South Africa’s Unemployment Insurance Fund

The Department of Employment and Labour in South Africa is seeking dedicated individuals to fill ten (10) UI Claims Officer: Pay Master positions. This role is integral to the efficient functioning of the Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF), ensuring that crucial financial support reaches eligible citizens during periods of unemployment. Becoming a UI Claims Officer: Pay Master offers a unique opportunity to contribute directly to the nation’s social safety net and embark on a rewarding career in public service.

Remuneration and Location

Successful candidates for the UI Claims Officer: Pay Master (X10 Posts) can expect an annual salary of R269,499. These positions are distributed across various Labour Centres in the Western Cape, including Paarl, Somerset West, Ceres Satellite, Swellendam Satellite, De Doorns Satellite, Goodwood Satellite, and Worcester. Specific reference numbers are associated with each center.

Core Responsibilities of a UI Claims Officer: Pay Master

The duties of a UI Claims Officer: Pay Master are diverse and critical to the smooth operation of UIF benefit disbursements. Key responsibilities include:

• Providing Screening Services: Acting as the initial point of contact for applicants, ensuring that all necessary information and documentation are in order.
• Processing Applications for UIF Benefits: Accurately reviewing, verifying, and processing claims for various UIF benefits in accordance with established procedures and timeframes.
• Registering Payment Continuation Forms: Managing and updating forms that facilitate ongoing benefit payments to claimants.
• Performing Administrative Functions: Handling a range of administrative tasks essential for record-keeping, claimant communication, and overall operational efficiency within the section.
• Executing Payments: As a “Pay Master,” a primary function involves executing the payment of approved claims, which has been emphasized as a decentralized service to improve turnaround times.

Essential Requirements for the Role

To be considered for these significant positions, applicants must meet specific requirements related to education, knowledge, and skills:

Qualifications

• Applicants must possess a Matriculation/Grade 12/Senior Certificate.

Essential Knowledge

Candidates should demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of relevant legislation, policies, and principles governing unemployment insurance and public finance in South Africa. This includes:

• Unemployment Insurance Act and Regulations
• Unemployment Insurance Contributions Act
• Public Financial Management Act (PFMA)
• Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA)
• Treasury Regulations
• Batho Pele Principles (People First Principles)
• Departmental Policies, Procedures, and Guidelines

Required Skills

The role demands a strong set of practical skills to effectively manage claimant interactions and administrative tasks:

• Interviewing Skills: Ability to conduct effective interviews with claimants to gather necessary information.
• Communication Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication abilities for clear and concise interaction with colleagues and the public.
• Computer Literacy: Proficiency in using computer systems and relevant software for data entry, processing, and record keeping.
• Listening Skills: The capacity to actively listen and understand claimant needs and queries.
• Interpretation Skills: Ability to accurately interpret and apply the Unemployment Insurance Act and Contribution Act.
• Conflict Management: Skills to handle and resolve disputes or challenging situations with professionalism.
• Time Management: Efficiently manage workload and meet deadlines.
• Customer Relations: Ability to maintain positive and professional relationships with the public.
• Analytical Skills: Capacity to analyze information and make informed decisions.
• Interpersonal Skills: Ability to interact effectively with a diverse range of individuals.
• Telephone Etiquette: Professional and courteous communication over the phone.
• On-job training (Operational Systems): Adaptability to learn and utilize specific operational systems.

The Importance of the UI Claims Officer Role

Working as a UI Claims Officer: Pay Master is more than just a job; it’s about being a crucial part of the mechanism that sustains South Africa’s social safety nets. These roles directly influence the lives of thousands of South Africans annually, ensuring that those temporarily without work can still provide for their families. The decentralization of Pay Master services to Labour Centres aims to expedite service delivery and streamline the processing of Unemployment Insurance Fund benefits claims, highlighting the Department’s commitment to effective public service.

Application Process

Interested candidates are typically required to submit their applications on the new Z83 form, which is obtainable from any Public Service Department or the www.gov.za website. Applications must be fully completed, initialed, and signed, and accompanied by a comprehensive CV. It is important to adhere to all instructions, including using the correct email address for the specific post and referencing the correct job title and reference number. Failure to comply with these requirements may lead to disqualification.

Public sector jobs in South Africa often offer competitive benefits, including medical aid, housing allowances, pension contributions, and structured career growth pathways, making these positions a valuable stepping stone for graduates and skilled job seekers looking for long-term public administration careers.

For specific application details and to confirm closing dates, always refer to the official vacancy circulars published by the Department of Employment and Labour or the South African Government.

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