TSS Payroll
FAQ

How Often Must Payroll Run in South Africa?

The BCEA doesn't force a single pay frequency — it just requires a fixed, agreed interval that's actually followed.

Allowed pay frequencies

  • Monthly — most common for salaried employees
  • Fortnightly (every 2 weeks) — common for hourly and wage-based teams
  • Weekly — common for casual, contract and manual labour roles
  • Daily — less common, but permitted for daily-rated workers

What's actually required

Whatever frequency you choose, it must be stated in the employment contract, applied consistently, and paid on time every period. Switching an employee's pay frequency requires their agreement — it can't just be changed unilaterally.

Can you mix frequencies across your team?

Yes — it's common for salaried office staff to be paid monthly while hourly or shift-based staff are paid weekly. Payroll software should support multiple pay frequencies running side by side, since they still all need PAYE, UIF and EMP201 handled correctly.

Does pay frequency affect PAYE and UIF?

No — PAYE and UIF are still calculated based on the employee's earnings for the relevant period, whatever the frequency. Weekly-paid employees just have smaller, more frequent PAYE/UIF deductions rather than one larger monthly deduction.

People Also Ask

How often must employees be paid in South Africa?

The BCEA allows daily, weekly, fortnightly or monthly pay intervals, as agreed between employer and employee. Monthly is most common for salaried staff; weekly or fortnightly is common for hourly and wage workers.

Can I change an employee's pay frequency later?

Yes, but it requires the employee's agreement since it's a change to a term of employment.

Does pay frequency affect how much tax is deducted overall?

No — total annual PAYE is the same regardless of frequency; only the size and timing of each deduction differs.

Any frequency, one system

Weekly, fortnightly or monthly — all handled

TSS Payroll supports multiple pay frequencies across your team, all correctly calculated and compliant.

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