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Answers to your questions

Have a question you would like answered? Email us and we may answer it. The questions here are based on ones from our readers, with identifying information removed.

Please note: GroundUp is just a news agency. We are not lawyers or financial advisors, and we have nothing to do with SASSA, Home Affairs, or any other government bodies. We do our best to make the answers accurate using publicly available information, but we cannot accept any legal liability if there are errors. If you notice any discrepancies, please email info@groundup.org.za.

Is it possible to transfer an RDP application from one province to another?

Unfortunately not. If your application was not approved or if it was approved but you never received a house, you can cancel your application and submit a new one somewhere else.

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How can I stay in the country if my visa and passport have expired and my new passport has not arrived yet?

It might be possible to make a "legalisation application" to Home Affairs. You should speak to a lawyer as soon as possible.

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If someone gave you their title deed before their death, would you have rights to the house even if your name is not on the deed?

Unfortunately, your name has to be on the title deed for it to count. If there was no will, the law of intestate succession would apply.

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I can't access my online ID application to complete it. What should I do?

You should contact Home Affairs and ask them to help.

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How can I resolve an overpayment issue at the UIF so that they will pay me?

The employer is responsible for refunding any overpayments to the UIF if they have paid an employee more than their normal salary.

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If I overstayed my visa and it has been waived, will it affect how my South African partner and I register our marriage?

It's possible that processes like a spousal visa application may be delayed because Home Affairs needs to pay particular attention to it.

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How can I claim Government Employees Pension Fund inheritance if I was born out of wedlock?

You may need to contact the GEPF to follow up. A child who is financially dependent on the member can receive a GEPF child pension until they are 22 years old.

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What rental rights do I have as a backyard dweller on council property?

As you are paying rent, you can complain to the Rental Housing Tribunal.

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I applied for housing 20 years ago, but I'm no longer with the person I applied with, and I have since married someone else. How do I proceed?

If you and your previous partner received a house, neither of you would be granted another subsidy. If you were not allocated a house, you should update your application with the municipality.

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What can I do if someone fraudulently applied for a disability grant on behalf of someone else, and is collecting the money, without their knowledge?

The true beneficiary can officially revoke the power of attorney that the person has assumed, and report the fraud to SASSA.

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