How long does a letter of good standing take?

Two to six weeks is the usual Fund processing time once everything is in order, and the letter itself is free. The time is almost always lost before that, on a return of earnings not filed, an assessment not paid, or an account in arrears. Here is what the Fund checks and how each block is cleared.

Independent, not a government body. ProperSA is a private company. Everything in this guide can be done directly with the authority at its own fees; our service fee pays for it to be prepared, lodged and followed up for you.

The four conditions

Registered with the Compensation Fund (section 80 of the Act).
The annual return of earnings submitted (section 82). The window is 1 April to 30 June every year; late filing adds a 10% penalty.
The assessment the Fund raises on that return paid in full, or an instalment arrangement in place.
Nothing else outstanding on the account: no earlier year unfiled, no unpaid penalty or interest.

The timeline when all four hold

Return of earnings filed on ROE Online: same day.
Assessment notice from the Fund: days to a few weeks, depending on the Fund’s queue.
Payment reflected and letter requested: the Fund commonly issues the letter within two to six weeks of the assessment being paid. The letter carries its own expiry tied to the assessment year and lapses when the next return falls due.

What blocks it, and the fix

Never registered. Registration first, within seven days of the first hire; the first return and the first letter follow. ProperSA does this for R1 290.
Registered but behind on returns. File the outstanding years; each one carries the 10% late penalty. R690 for the return and the letter request.
Assessment too large to pay at once. The Fund will issue the letter month to month on an instalment arrangement, so the whole balance need not be cleared first. A 20% deposit with the balance over up to twelve months at prime is the usual shape. R1 890 for the arrangement.
Wrong industry class. A class correction can take months and only applies from the date the Fund receives the request, so get the letter first and fix the class after.

What the letter is not

It is not a certificate of safety compliance and it is not proof that claims will be paid; it confirms the employer is registered and assessed up to date. Tenders and principal contractors ask for it because the Construction Regulations require the client to check it before work starts.

Frequently asked questions

How long does the Compensation Fund take to issue a letter of good standing?

Commonly two to six weeks after the assessment is paid, when the return of earnings is filed and nothing else is outstanding. The time is usually lost before that, on unfiled returns or an unpaid assessment.

Is a letter of good standing free?

Yes, the Fund charges nothing for the letter. What you pay is the annual assessment it depends on, and a service fee if someone files the return and requests the letter for you; ProperSA charges R690.

How long is a letter of good standing valid?

Until the next return of earnings falls due. It carries its own expiry date tied to the assessment year, so it has to be renewed every year by filing the return and paying the new assessment.

Can I get a letter of good standing if I owe the Fund money?

Yes, on an instalment arrangement. The Fund issues the letter month to month while the arrangement is honoured, so the full balance does not have to be cleared first. ProperSA sets the arrangement up for R1 890.

Can a new company get a letter of good standing immediately?

Only after registration, the first return of earnings and payment of the first assessment. Allow the Fund’s two to six weeks after payment. Start before the tender closes, not after.

Conditions from sections 80 to 83 of the Compensation for Occupational Injuries and Diseases Act, the Fund’s return of earnings notice for 2026 (1 April to 30 June) and the Fund’s own processing times as experienced on ProperSA files; instalment terms from the Fund’s arrangement practice. General information, not legal, tax or financial advice. Figures were checked on 15 October 2026; authorities change fees and rules, so confirm anything you rely on.