How to Write Affidavit for SASSA Child Support Grant

Getting your SASSA child support grant application approved depends heavily on submitting the correct affidavit. Many South African parents struggle with understanding exactly what needs to be included in their affidavit and how to complete it properly. An affidavit serves as your sworn statement confirming that all information you’ve provided is truthful and accurate.

When you don’t have proper identification documents or need to prove your relationship with the child, this document becomes critical for your grant approval. SASSA officials use affidavits to verify your identity and circumstances before processing your R560 monthly child support payment.

What Is a SASSA Child Support Grant Affidavit

An affidavit is a legally binding sworn statement where you declare that the information you’ve provided in your grant application is completely truthful. Since underage kids do not have the authority to apply themselves, their guardian or main caregiver needs to give a detailed explanation about who they are, their relationship with the child, and other important details before the grant money is given to the child.

SASSA requires affidavits when you can’t provide standard identification documents or need to establish your caregiving relationship with the child. If you don’t have an ID or the child’s birth certificate: you must complete an affidavit in a standard SASSA format in the presence of a Commissioner of Oaths who is not a SASSA official.

The affidavit must follow SASSA’s specific format and structure. You can’t simply write your own version – you must use the official SASSA affidavit form designed specifically for child support grants.

When You Need to Write Affidavit for SASSA Child Support Grant

You’ll need to complete a SASSA child support grant affidavit in several situations:

Missing Identity Documents

• You don’t have your 13-digit bar-coded ID document
• The child’s birth certificate is unavailable or lost
• You’re waiting for Home Affairs to process your ID application

Proving Caregiving Relationship:

If you are not the child’s parent, you must provide proof that you are the child’s primary caregiver through an affidavit from a police official, a social worker’s report, an affidavit from the biological parent or a letter from the principal of the school attended by the child.

Alternative Documentation

• You have temporary identification from Home Affairs
• You need to establish your relationship with the child
• Standard documents don’t fully support your application

Required Information for Your SASSA Affidavit

Your child support grant affidavit must include specific information to meet SASSA requirements. Firstly, you must provide your personal details, including your full name, surname, physical address, and postal code in the designated sections.

Personal Information Section

• Full legal name and surname
• Physical residential address with postal code
• Contact telephone number
• ID number (if available)
• Age and date of birth

Child Information Required

Additionally, include the name and date of birth of the child you are applying for the child support grant, and also specify the clinic or hospital where the child is born.

Include these child details:

• Child’s full name
• Date of birth
• Place of birth (hospital or clinic name)
• ID number if the child has one
• Current residential address

Caregiving Relationship Declaration

You must clearly state your relationship to the child and confirm that you’re the primary caregiver. The form also allows for applicants to confirm that they are the primary care giver or biological parent of the child, the child resides with them and they are not receiving payment to care for the child.

Financial Information

Applicants must also confirm their marital status and any sources of income (their own or their spouses). Declare all income sources honestly, including:

• Employment income
• Self-employment earnings
• Other grants received
• Maintenance payments
• Any other financial support

Multiple Children Applications

If you are applying for multiple children, attach a list with their names. Each child’s information must be clearly documented with their personal details.

Process to Complete Your Affidavit

Obtain the Official SASSA Form

Don’t attempt to create your own affidavit. You must use the official SASSA child support grant affidavit form. Visit your nearest SASSA office to collect the form, or download it from the SASSA services portal.

Fill Out Personal Details Accurately

Complete every section of the form with accurate information. Write clearly and avoid crossing out or correcting information. If you make mistakes, start with a fresh form.

Include Child Information Comprehensively

Provide complete details about each child you’re applying for. Double-check dates, names, and ID numbers for accuracy.

Add Supporting Documentation List

Reference any additional documents you’re submitting with your application, such as:

• Proof of Home Affairs application
• Temporary ID documents
• School enrollment letters
• Medical reports if relevant

Step 5: Include Legal Acknowledgment

A statement acknowledging that you comprehend that any inaccurate or misleading details written in the affidavit may lead to legal action being pursued against you. This confirms you understand the legal consequences of providing false information.

Commissioner of Oaths Requirements

Your affidavit isn’t valid until it’s been signed and stamped by an authorized Commissioner of Oaths. The applicant must sign it in the presence of a Commissioner of Oath, an individual authorized by the South African government to witness legal documents such as this.

Who Can Commission Your Affidavit

The most common Commissioner of Oath you will encounter is a police officer, although many marriage officers, attorneys, accountants, religious leaders, and others are also authorized as Commissioner of Oath.

Authorized commissioners include:

• Police officers at SAPS stations
• Attorneys and advocates
• Magistrates and judges
• Marriage officers
• Bank managers
• Certain religious leaders
• Qualified accountants

Important Commissioner Restrictions

You must complete an affidavit in a standard SASSA format in the presence of a Commissioner of Oaths who is not a SASSA official. SASSA staff members cannot commission affidavits for grant applications to avoid conflicts of interest.

What Happens During Commissioning

The Commissioner of Oaths will:

• Verify your identity
• Confirm you understand the affidavit contents
• Watch you sign the document
• Add their signature and official stamp
• Record the date and location

Lastly, the form must be stamped and signed by a commissioner of oaths/ SAPS and must include the applicants thumb print.

Supporting Documents for Your Affidavit

Your affidavit works alongside other supporting documents to strengthen your application. a sworn statement by a reputable person (e.g. councillor, traditional leader, social worker, minister of religion) who knows the applicant and child

Identity Verification Documents

• Proof of Home Affairs application for ID
• Temporary ID from Home Affairs
• Any available identification documents
• Sworn statements from community leaders

Proof of Caregiving Relationship

For non-biological parents:

• Social worker reports
• School principal letters
• Community leader statements
• Biological parent consent letters

Financial Documentation

• Proof of income or unemployment
• Bank statements if applicable
• Other grant payment records
• Maintenance court orders

Mistakes to Avoid

Incomplete Information

Don’t leave any sections blank. If something doesn’t apply to you, write “Not Applicable” rather than leaving it empty.

Incorrect Commissioner

Never have a SASSA official commission your affidavit. This will result in automatic rejection of your application.

Missing Signatures and Stamps

Lastly, sign and date the affidavit, and provide the location where it was signed. Your affidavit will also be signed and stamped by the Commissioner of Oath, confirming their authority in South Africa.

False Information

Remember that affidavits are legal documents. Providing false information can result in criminal charges and permanent disqualification from SASSA grants.

SASSA Child Support Grant Eligibility Requirements

While completing your affidavit, ensure you meet the basic eligibility criteria:

Citizenship and Residency

Be a South African citizen or permanent resident and Both you and the child must live in South Africa.

Income Thresholds

Not earn more than R52 800 per year if you are single. If you are married, your combined income should not be above R105 600 per year.

Child Limitations

You cannot get this grant for more than six children who are not your biological or legally adopted children.

Payment Information and Grant Amount

Once approved, You will get R560 a month per child. (Top-up R560 + R280) SASSA pays grants through various methods including SASSA cards, bank transfers, and cash collection points.

Payment starts from your application date if approved, meaning you’ll receive backdated payments for the processing period.

What Happens After Submission

Processing Timeline

It may take up to three months to process your application. During this time, SASSA verifies all information and documents you’ve provided.

Application Receipt

You will be given a receipt. Keep it as proof that you applied. This receipt is crucial for tracking your application status and any future inquiries.

Approval Notifications

If your grant is approved, you will be paid from the date on which you applied. You’ll receive notification about your payment method and schedule.

If Your Application Is Rejected

If your application is not approved, SASSA will inform you in writing why your application was unsuccessful. You have the right to appeal this decision within 90 days.

Appeal Process for Rejected Applications

If SASSA rejects your application, you can appeal the decision. If you disagree with the decision, you can appeal to the Minister of Social Development at the national office of the Department of Social Development. You must appeal within 90 days of being notified that your application was unsuccessful.

Your appeal should include:

• Copy of rejection letter
• Additional supporting documents
• Corrected affidavit if there were errors
• Explanation of why you believe the decision was incorrect

Tips for Successful Affidavit Completion

Accuracy Is Critical

Double-check all names, dates, and ID numbers. Small errors can delay processing or result in rejection.

Use Black Ink

Complete your affidavit using black ink to ensure clear photocopying and scanning.

Keep Copies

Make copies of your completed affidavit before submission. You’ll need these for your records and potential appeals.

Seek Help If Needed

It is advisable to reach out to your nearest SASSA office or their hotline to verify the necessary documents that you might need when writing an affidavit.

Visit your local SASSA office if you’re unsure about any requirements. Staff can guide you through the process and ensure you have all necessary documentation.

FAQs About Affidavit for SASSA Child Support Grant

Conclusion

Writing an affidavit for your SASSA child support grant doesn’t have to be complicated when you follow the official requirements and complete all sections accurately. Remember to use only the official SASSA form, have it commissioned by an authorized person who isn’t a SASSA employee, and include all required supporting documents. Take time to double-check every detail before submission, as accuracy is crucial for approval. If you’re unsure about any requirements, visit your local SASSA office for guidance, and keep copies of all documents for your records.