1What is it?
A Letter of Good Standing is a certificate issued by the Compensation Fund confirming that an employer is registered under COIDA and that all assessments are paid up to date. It is the document site managers, body corporates and insurers ask to see before letting you work.
2Who needs it?
- Any employer working on commercial, industrial or managed residential property
- Sub-contractors appointed by a principal contractor
- Providers on insurance panels and facilities management contracts
3Who doesn't need it?
- Sole operators with no employees doing residential work only — although some estates will still ask
5Why is it important?
Without a current letter you will be refused site access, removed from panels, and cannot legally place employees on a construction site under the Construction Regulations.
6Benefits
- Immediate site access on commercial and managed properties
- Eligibility for principal-contractor and facilities work
- Proof to customers that your workers are covered if something goes wrong
7Step-by-step guide
- 1Confirm your COIDA registration is active and your Return of Earnings is submitted.
- 2Settle the current assessment invoice in full.
- 3Request the Letter of Good Standing on CF-Filing, or at a Labour Centre.
- 4Download the letter and check the validity dates.
- 5Upload it to the FIX IT Business Centre under Documents.
- 6Diarise a renewal reminder 30 days before expiry.
8Supporting documents
- Compensation Fund registration number
- Proof of payment of the latest assessment
- Submitted Return of Earnings (W.As.8)
9Costs
Government fees
No fee for the letter itself — you only pay your annual assessment.
Training costs
None.
Other costs
Agent assistance where assessments are in arrears, typically R500 – R1 500.
10Expected turnaround time
Immediate to 5 working days once the assessment is paid.
11Renewal requirements
Valid for 12 months or until the next assessment falls due. Renew annually.
12Official website
13Official contact details
- Compensation Fund: 0860 105 350
- CF Filing portal: cfonline.labour.gov.za
14Frequently asked questions
My letter has expired — can I still work?
You remain registered, but most sites will refuse entry. Request a fresh letter as soon as your assessment is settled.
Can I get a letter if I have arrears?
No. The Fund only issues the letter when the account is paid up or a payment arrangement is honoured.
15How FIX IT verifies this
- You upload the letter and enter its expiry date.
- Our reviewer confirms the employer name matches your verified business and the letter is currently valid.
- The expiry date feeds the automated compliance engine, which warns you at T-30, T-14 and T-7 days.
- An expired letter marks the document expired and removes the associated compliance badge until replaced.