W.As.2 preparation
We complete and submit the W.As.2 employer registration form with your company, payroll and director details.
COIDA / Compensation Fund
Register with the Compensation Fund (COIDA).
The law requires every employer to register with the Compensation Fund as soon as they hire their first employee. Smartbook files the W.As.2 application and follows up until your COIDA registration number is issued.
What you get
- W.As.2 employer registration prepared and submitted
- Filed through the CF Online portal on your behalf
- We manage every query from the Compensation Fund
- Your CF registration number emailed once issued
From
R1 750
Turnaround
21 days
For
South African companies with at least one employee
The Compensation for Occupational Injuries and Diseases Act (COIDA) requires every employer in South Africa to register with the Compensation Fund. If an employee is injured or falls ill on duty, the Fund covers their medical costs and lost income — instead of you being sued directly. The threshold is one employee, including part-time, casual and domestic workers.
Registration goes through the W.As.2 form and the Compensation Fund's CF Online portal, which is notorious for downtime and rejected applications around its busy season. Once you're registered, you also need to file an annual Return of Earnings and keep your Letter of Good Standing current — the certificate tenders and construction sites demand.
Smartbook completes and submits your W.As.2, deals with the Fund's queries, and gets your CF registration number issued — then sets you up for your first Return of Earnings so you stay in good standing.
When you need COIDA
You must register with the Compensation Fund if:
- You're a new company hiring your first employee
- You have employees but haven't registered for COIDA yet
- You need a Letter of Good Standing for tenders or construction sites
- A main contractor requires your subcontractor business to be COIDA-registered
- You employ a domestic worker (domestic employers are covered too)
What's included
Document review
We check your documents before filing so the Compensation Fund doesn't bounce the application back.
CF Online submission
We lodge everything through the Compensation Fund's CF Online portal on your behalf.
Direct follow-up
If the Fund queries the application, our team handles the back-and-forth so you don't sit in their queues.
Your CF number
Once issued, we email your COIDA (CF) registration number for your records and tender applications.
Return of Earnings setup
We give you clear guidance on your first Return of Earnings (W.As.8) declaration so you stay compliant.
How it works
Send us your details
Complete a short online form with your company details and estimated annual payroll. No paperwork required.
We prepare and file
We review your documents and submit the W.As.2 through CF Online, managing any queries from the Fund.
You get your CF number
Once the Compensation Fund issues your registration number, we email it to you and set up your Return of Earnings.
What you need to register
The standard checklist for registration with the Compensation Fund.
- Registered company (CIPC registration certificate / CoR 14.3)
- Company tax number from SARS
- Director's certified ID document (not older than 3 months)
- Proof of business address
- Estimated annual payroll (used for the initial assessment)
- Bank confirmation letter for assessment payments
Common questions
What is COIDA?
The Compensation for Occupational Injuries and Diseases Act, 130 of 1993, requires every employer to register with the Compensation Fund and pay annual assessments. In return, employees injured on duty are compensated by the Fund, and the employer can't be sued by the worker for the same injury.
Who needs to register for COIDA?
Every employer with at least one employee, including part-time, casual and domestic workers. The threshold is one employee, not five or ten. The rare exceptions are members of the SANDF, SAPS and certain mining contractors under separate legislation.
How long does COIDA registration take?
Around 21 working days from when we have your signed documents. The Compensation Fund processes applications in queues, and turnaround can stretch around March, when the Return of Earnings deadline drives a surge of activity.
What is the W.As.2 form?
W.As.2 is the official employer registration form filed with the Compensation Fund. It captures the company details, industry classification, expected annual payroll and directors. We complete and submit it on your behalf.
What is the difference between COID and COIDA?
COID refers to the regulator — the Compensation Fund that administers the law. COIDA is the Act itself, the legislation that requires employer registration. People use the terms interchangeably.
What is the Return of Earnings?
The Return of Earnings (W.As.8) is the annual declaration of total payroll filed with the Compensation Fund, due by 31 March each year. The Fund uses it to set your next year's assessment. Missing it puts your account in arrears and blocks your Letter of Good Standing.
What is a Letter of Good Standing and do I need one?
It's the certificate the Compensation Fund issues to confirm your COIDA registration is active and your assessments are paid up. It's valid for 12 months and is mandatory for government tenders, construction sites and most main-contractor work.
What happens if I don't register for COIDA?
You become personally liable for injury costs your employees incur — which can run into hundreds of thousands of rands. The Department of Employment and Labour can also fine you for failing to register and pursue backdated assessments and interest.
What is the difference between UIF and COIDA?
UIF pays out when an employee loses their job or takes maternity, illness or parental leave. COIDA pays out when an employee is injured or contracts a disease at work. Both are separate, mandatory registrations from your first hire.
Related services
Last reviewed: June 2026. Smartbook keeps this page current with CIPC and SARS rules.
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Register for COIDA