COID Is No Longer Optional for Domestic Employers
Since 10 March 2021, all South African households that employ domestic workers, gardeners, nannies, caregivers, au pairs and drivers are required by law to register with the Compensation Fund under the Compensation for Occupational Injuries and Diseases Act (COIDA). This followed a landmark Constitutional Court ruling that found their exclusion violated constitutional rights to equality and social security.
What COID Covers
COID provides compensation to employees injured or who contract a disease as a result of their work. For a domestic worker this covers: slipping and falling while cleaning, being injured operating garden equipment, burns sustained while cooking or ironing, repetitive strain injuries, and occupational diseases. Coverage includes medical expenses, compensation for disability, rehabilitation costs, and death benefits for dependants.
The Employer Protection COID Provides
COID also protects you as the employer. When your domestic worker is covered by the Compensation Fund, they cannot sue you personally for damages arising from a workplace injury — the Fund covers the claim. Without COID registration, you have no such protection and could face a personal damages claim for the full cost of medical treatment, lost income and suffering.
Annual Return of Earnings
Every year you must submit a Return of Earnings (ROE) to the Compensation Fund declaring your domestic worker's total earnings. The Fund uses this to calculate your annual assessment fee. The 2025/2026 minimum domestic employer assessment is R560. The 2026 ROE submission window was 1 April to 31 May 2026. Missing the deadline results in an automatic 10% penalty.
New COID Penalties in 2026
New sections of the COIDA Amendment Act commenced in January 2026, introducing administrative fines that can be imposed without criminal prosecution. Failing to report a workplace accident within seven days can now result in the employer being required to cover the full cost of the injured worker's compensation personally.
Get Registered Today
Not sure if you are registered? Start with a free compliance check at myhelpersubmit.co.za. MyHelper assists with COID registration as part of our once-off R399 registration service. Payroll clients also benefit from our annual COID Return of Earnings submission included in the R249 per month plan.
Need help with compliance?
MyHelper makes UIF, COID, payslips and labour law compliance simple — from R249/month.