Employing someone at home? Five things make it legal.
Most households that employ a domestic worker, gardener or nanny are unknowingly non compliant, not negligent; nobody ever told them the rules. Here they are, without judgment, plus a kit that sorts the whole thing for you.
The five duties, in plain words
- Minimum wage: R30.23 per hour from 1 March 2026 (about R5 894 for a full 45 hour week). Below that is unlawful even by agreement.
- UIF: compulsory once they work more than 24 hours a month; 2% of the wage (1% you, 1% them) via uFiling, monthly. It funds their unemployment and maternity benefits.
- COIDA: households must register with the Compensation Fund since the Constitutional Court's Mahlangu ruling; an injury at your home is then the Fund's bill, not yours.
- Written particulars: hours, wage, overtime at 1.5 times, leave and notice, given in writing and explained in a language the worker understands.
- Payslips: a simple written statement with every payment. It protects both of you.
The done for you kit
For a private household the domestic worker UIF and COIDA registration (R590) does both registrations, sets up the declarations and writes the employment particulars for up to three workers. A business employing cleaners uses the Employer Admin pack (R2 390), which adds the SARS registration and the contract and payslip templates. Just need the paperwork? The employment contract (R290) and payslip template are sold singly with instant delivery.
More questions people ask
What is the minimum wage for domestic workers in 2026?
R30.23 per hour from 1 March 2026, the same national minimum wage as all workers. On a full 45 hour week that is about R5 894 a month. Paying below it is unlawful even if the worker agrees.
Must I register my domestic worker for UIF?
Yes, if they work more than 24 hours a month for you. The contribution is 2% of wages, half from you and half from the worker, paid monthly via uFiling. It is what gives them unemployment and maternity benefits.
Does COIDA cover domestic workers?
Yes. Since the Constitutional Court's Mahlangu ruling, households must register with the Compensation Fund; a worker injured at your home can then claim medical costs and compensation from the Fund instead of suing you.
Does my domestic worker need a written contract?
You must give written particulars of employment: hours, wage, overtime rate, leave and notice. A proper simple contract covers it and protects both sides; most households simply never knew this.
Wage per the national minimum wage gazetted for 2026; UIF and COIDA duties per the Unemployment Insurance and COID Acts and the Mahlangu judgment. Free tools are estimates and guidance, not legal advice.