TERS Extension COVID-19 Lockdown. The State President announced on Sunday evening, 28 February 2021, during his televised address to the nation that the government will extend the TERS Extension COVID-19 Lockdown benefits to 15 March 2021 for specific sectors that have not been able to operate and to other employees that remain affected by regulatory restrictions.

The Department of Employment and Labour has now released a communique explaining that employers can now claim TERS Extension COVID-19 Lockdown benefits, on behalf of affected employees, for the period 16 October to 31 December 2020. An announcement will be made in due course when claims for the period 1 January 2021 to 15 March 2021 will be processed.

The following categories of employees can now claim TERS Extension COVID-19 Lockdown benefits for the extended period:

Employees on temporary lay-off or Reduced Work Time within those sectors that have not operated due to regulatory restrictions as per the direction issued.
Employees (in all sectors) – were required to self-isolate or quarantine to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Employees aged 60 and above – that could not be reasonably accommodated in the workplace.
Employees with co-morbidities – that could not be reasonably accommodated in the workplace.

Employers can apply, on behalf of their employees, utilising the bulk application spreadsheets and processes on the UIF-Covid-19 TERS website.

Benefits will be paid directly to employees in line with the UIF Act. Herewith the communique in full:

Contact Onestop Accounting if you require any assistance in processing claims on behalf of your employees.