COIDA registration for domestic workers
The Compensation for Occupational Injuries and Diseases Act (COIDA) covers workers who are injured or fall ill because of their work. Household employers must register with the Compensation Fund, declare their worker's earnings each year and pay the assessment.
Step 1: Register as a domestic employer
The Compensation Fund's Notice 106 of 2021 sets out what to send:
- A completed form CF-1E (Application for the registration of the domestic worker employer). It asks for your details, your spouse or partner's details, each worker's details, their earnings and duties, and your banking details (used only for refunds).
- A copy of your ID, passport or work permit.
- Proof of your residential address.
- A copy of each worker's ID, passport or work permit.
- A copy of the employment contract, if you have one.
Email the application to [email protected] (the notice also lists [email protected]). The form includes your UIF reference number, so register for UIF first.
Step 2: Submit the return of earnings every year
The Compensation Fund's year runs from 1 March to 28/29 February. Each year, when the ROE Online system opens (1 April to 31 May), declare what you actually paid in the past year (including the value of food and accommodation) and estimate the coming year's earnings. Register as a user on the Department of Employment and Labour's online services (ROE Online) to do this.
The Fund then emails an assessment invoice, which must be paid within 30 days to avoid interest.
Step 3: If your worker is injured at work
- Get the worker medical help first.
- Report the injury or disease to the Compensation Fund, online through CompEasy (Compensation Fund online claims) or at a labour centre.
- Register as a CompEasy user in advance so you can report quickly. The forms needed are listed in Government Gazette 42021 (Notice 1217 of 2018).
- Provide the worker's earnings. If they work for more than one employer, the earnings from all employers are needed.
Industry class and rate
Domestic employers fall under Class M, subclass 2500. The 2021 notice set an assessment rate of 1.04 per R100 of earnings; for a worker earning R60 000 a year that would be about R624. This is the latest rate we could confirm from an official source, and your invoice may differ.
Frequently asked questions
Are domestic workers covered by COIDA?
Yes. On 19 November 2020 the Constitutional Court (Mahlangu) declared the exclusion of domestic workers invalid, with effect back to 27 April 1994. The COID Amendment Act of 2022, which writes this into the Act, came into force in phases from 23 January 2026.
What does COIDA pay for?
Medical costs and compensation if the worker is injured or becomes ill because of their work, including temporary and permanent disablement, and benefits for dependants if the worker dies.
How much does it cost?
The Compensation Fund bills an annual assessment based on the earnings you declare. Its 2021 notice set the domestic employer rate at R1.04 per R100 of earnings. We could not confirm the current rate on an official page, so check your assessment invoice.
Is this the same as UIF?
No. UIF pays when a worker loses income through unemployment, illness or maternity. COIDA covers injuries and diseases caused by work. You need to register for both.