Apply Now for 141 UI Claims Officer Roles at Employment and Labour Department 2026 – Graduate Opportunities
The Department of Employment and Labour is looking for suitable young people to apply for their UI Claims Officer opportunities. The closing date for applications is 27 February 2026.
If you’re a Grade 12 graduate, a fresh‑start job seeker, or just curious about public service, this could be the entry point you need.
Why this job matters for you
- Start‑up salary – R269 499 a year, a decent paycheck while you learn the ropes.
- Career ladder – From admin to HR or even a future UIF inspector, the skills you gain open many doors.
- Learn on the job – You’ll be handling real claims, learning government procedures and customer service every day.
- South Africa’s lifeline – UIF helps people when they lose a job; you’ll be part of that safety net.
What a UI Claims Officer actually does
| Day‑to‑Day | Why it’s cool |
|---|---|
| Receive & review UIF claims in the system | Get techy with real data |
| Check employer declarations & verify info | Keep the process fair |
| Process approved claims and make payments | See the outcome of your work |
| Answer queries from claimants & employers | Practice people skills |
| Follow SOPs and keep records tidy | Build professional habits |
You’ll work at Labour Centres and satellite offices all over the Western Cape – from Cape Town to George, Vredendal and beyond.
Who can apply?
- Minimum qualification – Grade 12 or a Senior Certificate.
- Experience – 0‑6 months, so it’s great for students, interns or anyone new to the field.
- Skills – Basic computer use, clear speaking and writing, listening, decision‑making.
- Knowledge – A quick grasp of the Unemployment Insurance Act, Public Service Act and Batho Pele principles is a plus.
Where are the posts located?
| City | Ref No. | Posts |
|---|---|---|
| Beaufort West | HR4/4/10/637 | 13 |
| Cape Town | HR4/4/10/638 | 12 |
| Atlantis | HR4/4/10/639 | 5 |
| Athlone | HR4/4/10/640 | 11 |
| George | HR4/4/10/641 | 10 |
| Knysna | HR4/4/10/642 | 12 |
| Plettenberg Bay | HR4/4/10/643 | 12 |
| Mitchells Plain | HR4/4/10/644 | 9 |
| Nyanga | HR4/4/10/645 | 12 |
| Mossel Bay | HR4/4/10/646 | 13 |
| Oudtshoorn | HR4/4/10/647 | 9 |
| Vredenburg | HR4/4/10/648 | 18 |
| Vredendal | HR4/4/10/649 | 10 |
What you’ll get
- Stipend – R269 499 per year (paid monthly).
- Public sector perks – Health, pension and the possibility of a permanent role.
- Work‑life balance – Standard working hours and a supportive team.
How to stand out
- Clean CV – Highlight any admin, call‑centre or retail experience.
- Show customer focus – Mention situations where you helped someone solve a problem.
- Be ready to work with the public – This role is all about helping people.
- Apply to multiple centres – The more you apply, the higher the chance of landing one.
Step‑by‑step application guide
- Gather your documents
- Updated CV
- Copy of your Grade 12 certificate
- ID photo
- Reference numbers (choose the centre you want)
- Decide how to send your application
- Mail: Chief Director, Provincial Operations, PO Box 872, Cape Town, 8000
- Drop‑off: Department of Employment and Labour, 9 Long Street, Cape Town
- Email: Human Resources Management, Western Cape (use the centre’s email if available)
- Write a short cover letter – say why you want the job and what you can bring.
- Send or deliver before 27 Feb 2026 – don’t miss the deadline!
- Keep copies – for your own record and to reference later.
Apply right here before it closes – Apply right here before it closes.
Who can help you prepare?
Edupstairs has a checklist to make you ready:
| Tip | What to do |
|---|---|
| CV polish | Focus on admin & computer skills |
| Mock interview | Practice answering “Why do you want to help people with UIF?” |
| Study the basics | A quick read of the Unemployment Insurance Act and Batho Pele principles |
| Reach out | Contact the numbers below if you’re unsure about a centre or the process |
Contact Numbers
Beaufort West – Ms V Theron: (023) 285 0981
George – Mr M Charles: (044) 801 1223
Knysna/Plettenberg Bay – Ms C Windwaai: (044) 302 6800
Mitchells Plain/Nyanga – Mr F Creighton: (021) 065 4990
Mossel Bay – Mr C Minnies: (044) 285 0260
Oudtshoorn – Ms A Van Wyk: (044) 285 1340
Vredenburg/Vredendal – Ms J Le Fleur: (022) 065 0815
Career growth after your first job
Starting as a UI Claims Officer can lead to:
- Senior administration roles
- Labour Centre Operations Officer
- Government HR clerk
- UIF inspector
- Compliance officer
With experience and a bit more study, you could move into supervisory positions.
FAQs in a nutshell
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Do I need work experience? | No, 0‑6 months is fine. |
| Is it open to unemployed youth? | Yes – it’s an entry‑level role. |
| What documents do I need? | CV, Grade 12 certificate, ID photo, reference numbers. |
| Do I have to be in the Western Cape? | Yes – the posts are only in that province. |
Final thought
This drive is a great chance to step into the public sector, earn a decent salary and learn skills that last a lifetime. Don’t let the deadline slip – 27 Feb 2026 is the final date.
If you’re ready, apply right here before it closes: Apply right here before it closes.
[Department of Employment and Labour] – your first move toward a stable, meaningful career.
