Covid TERS payments extended for local businesses

On Monday, The Department of Employment and Labour announced that it will be extending the Covid-19 TERS payments to assist businesses that are still unable to operate due to due lockdown restrictions.

The Covid-19 TERS payments have been extended to 15 September 2020.

The announcement to extend the payment beneficiary system was announced after negotiations took place between the National Economic and Labour Council (NEDLAC), and the signing of the direction to that effect by Minister Thulas Nxesi.

Thulas Nxesi, the Minister of The Department of Employment and Labour in South Africa, explains why the relief payments have been extended.

“With the lockdown for some industries extended to September 15, it only makes sense for us to continue to shield workers from the worst effects of the pandemic by extending the relief payments which have placed much-needed cash into the hands of ordinary workers in this country,” said Minister Nxesi.

The relief fund forms part of the government’s efforts to provide assistance to businesses impacted by the pandemic and to ensure that South African businesses and its employees are provided with a source of financial assistance.

The Department of Employment and Labour claims that to date the UIF fund has distributed over R41-billion in 9 501 365 payments through applications submitted by 825 814 employers.

Application closing dates

In an official press statement, the Department of Employment and Labour indicates that no further applications will be accepted beyond the stipulated date.

“Consequent to the extension, the UIF will continue to receive applications for March 2020 to end July 2020 period until 15 September 2020 and no further applications shall be accepted beyond that date.”

Employers and business owners are advised that the receipt of Covid-19 TERS benefit applications submitted in August 2020 to 15 September will close on 30 October 2020.

The department has also indicated that no further applications beyond this date will be accepted.

Read more: UIF implements new measures to prevent fraud

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