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 [email protected].
I am 55 and survive on a disability grant. Do I qualify for a government subsidy to buy or rent a house?
Yes, you can apply for an RDP/BNG house or rent at a social housing project.
The company I work for has not given us a contract to sign and is robbing employees through hours worked and money paid.
Your employer is not legally required to give you a written contract to sign.
My father passed away due to silicosis complications. How can I claim benefits?
You could claim benefits under Occupational Diseases in Mines and Works Act of 1973 or the Tshiamiso Trust.
Are employees of liquidated companies considered creditors that must be paid by the liquidators?
Yes, but there are other creditors that need to be paid off first.
How do I apply for an ID if my mother has died and I lost my birth certificate?
You can apply for a replacement birth certificate, and contact DIRCO to a get your mother's death certificate from the country she died in.
My employer applied for me to be medically boarded. But the insurance company has not paid me yet.
If you were a member of a fund or scheme that provides disability benefits, and your employer applied for you to be medically boarded, the insurer has the final say on whether you qualify to benifit.
My husband's application for permanent residency was rejected. We appealed months ago but have not heard back. Please help us!
The delay your husband is experience at Home Affairs is unfortunately very common. You can lodge a formal complaint with the Public Protector.
I have been shortlisted for a new job and have an interview next week. Do I have to tell the panel I am three months pregnant?
No, you are not legally or ethically required to tell the panel that you are pregnant.
I resigned from my job of 10 years and worked for another company for three months. Can I claim UIF for both?
You can't claim UIF if you resigned from your first job. You can only claim UIF for your second job. But UIF payout will be calculated using all your accumulated credits.
I was off sick for two days with verbal permission from my manager but was dismissed for absconding. Is this legal?
If your employer dismisses you without holding a proper disciplinary hearing, you can go to the CCMA for help.