A Common Scenario That Changes Everything
Consider this: your housekeeper slips on a wet floor while mopping, fractures her wrist and requires surgery. She cannot work for three months during recovery. Medical bills come to R45,000. Lost income over three months at her normal wage amounts to R15,000. Total exposure: R60,000. If you are registered for COID, the Compensation Fund covers these costs. If you are not registered, you are personally liable for every rand.
The Legal Position Is Clear
Since 10 March 2021, all household employers of domestic workers are required to register with the Compensation Fund. The Constitutional Court has confirmed that domestic workers have the same rights as other workers under COIDA. Even if you are not registered, your domestic worker retains the right to claim compensation from the Fund directly. The Fund will then recover those costs from you — with penalties added.
Medical Costs Can Be Substantial
Domestic workers perform physically demanding work every day. Falls, burns, cuts, back injuries and repetitive strain injuries are common occupational risks. Medical costs for serious injuries — hospitalisation, surgery, physiotherapy, medication — can run into tens of thousands of rands. Without COID cover, every one of those costs falls on you personally.
New 2026 Enforcement Measures
Amendments to COIDA that commenced in January 2026 made enforcement significantly more aggressive. Administrative fines can now be imposed without the previous requirement for criminal prosecution first. Failing to report a workplace accident within seven days of it occurring can result in you being ordered to personally cover the employee's full compensation.
The Annual Cost of Being Covered
The minimum annual assessment fee for domestic employers with the Compensation Fund is R560 for 2025/2026 — less than R50 per month. Compare that to potential personal liability running into tens of thousands of rands and the calculation is obvious. Start with a free compliance check at myhelpersubmit.co.za. MyHelper offers COID registration as part of our once-off R399 service.
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