The Complete Domestic Employer Compliance Checklist for 2026

How Compliant Are You?

South African domestic employers have a range of legal obligations spanning labour law, social security, tax and data protection. This checklist covers the key compliance areas for 2026. Work through it honestly — each gap is a potential risk.

UIF Compliance

• ☐ I am registered as a domestic employer with the UIF
• ☐ My domestic worker is registered under my UIF employer number
• ☐ I deduct 1% UIF from my worker's wages every month
• ☐ I pay my own 1% UIF contribution every month
• ☐ I submit a monthly UI-19 declaration to the Department of Labour
• ☐ I retain proof of every UIF submission and DoL response

COID Compliance

• ☐ I am registered with the Compensation Fund (COID)
• ☐ I submit an annual Return of Earnings before the May deadline
• ☐ I have paid my annual assessment fee (minimum R560 for 2025/2026)
• ☐ I know the procedure for reporting a workplace accident within 7 days

Wage and Pay Compliance

• ☐ I pay at least R30.23 per hour (from 1 March 2026)
• ☐ I pay at least R120.92 for any day worked (4-hour daily minimum rule)
• ☐ I pay overtime at 1.5x the hourly rate for hours beyond 45 per week
• ☐ I pay double rate for work on public holidays that are not normal working days
• ☐ I issue a compliant payslip every pay period and retain copies for 3 years

Leave Compliance

• ☐ My worker receives 15 working days of annual leave per year
• ☐ My worker receives 6 weeks of paid sick leave per 36-month cycle
• ☐ My worker receives 5 days of paid family responsibility leave per year (SD7)
• ☐ I maintain leave records showing leave accrued, taken and remaining

Contract and Documentation

• ☐ My domestic worker has a written employment contract compliant with SD7
• ☐ Both parties have signed the contract and each retains a copy
• ☐ I have written warning records if disciplinary action has been taken

How Many Ticks Did You Get?

If you could not tick every box with confidence, you have compliance gaps carrying real risk. Start with a free compliance assessment at myhelpersubmit.co.za. If registration is required, MyHelper handles UIF and COID registration for R399 once-off. Our R249 per month payroll plan then keeps every box permanently ticked — automatically, every month.