Ask Athalie Banner

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.

Why does SASSA consider outstanding debt or loans as income with regard to the means test when applying for the old age grant?

SASSA does not regard outstanding debt or loans as income but regards these as assets. The current old age grant monthly income thresholds is R8,990 for a single person and R17,890 if you are married.

Read more

How can I apply for a SASSA child support grant if I don't have a bank statement to prove my income?

If you don’t have a bank account, there are other ways you can prove your income situation to SASSA.

Read more

Can I apply for an old age SASSA grant if my wife's annual income exceeds the maximum income threshold but I am unemployed and she is under debt review?

Unfortunately, if your combined income exceeds the threshold, your application is unlikely to succeed, but you can appeal the decision.

Read more

What should I do if my late parent's attorney lost their will and title deed, and we can't get hold of them?

You should be able to get copies from the Master's Office where the death was registered.

Read more

How can someone buy an abandoned house if the previous owners can't prove ownership?

They could go to the Deeds Office to see if there is a title deed, otherwise legal assistance may be required.

Read more

Can I get my parent's RDP house if they passed away before getting the key?

If the house had been awarded to your parent before they passed away, you should be able to get the house (unless they wrote a will saying otherwise).

Read more

Why does my identity verification link for my SASSA application not work?

There could be a problem with your photo or the information captured in your application could be incorrect or incomplete.

Read more

How long does it take to get an ID card?

It seems to take two to three weeks on average to get your smart ID card.

Read more

My father died in 2006. He worked as a miner at Harmony Gold. Can I claim from the Tshiamiso Trust?

Yes, if your father was medically diagnosed with silicosis or TB before he died.

Read more

Can I apply for my newborn's birth certificate if I am still waiting for Home Affairs to verify my fingerprints?

Probably not. You can ask Home Affairs if they can expedite your fingerprint verification.

Read more