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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.

What documents will I need for my baby if I, a foreign national, give birth in South Africa?

You first need to register your baby's birth with Home Affairs, then apply for their passport at your embassy/consulate so that you can apply for an Accompanying Minors Visa.

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Why is SASSA not sending me an ID verification link?

It could be that they are struggling to verify your identity because you have a green ID book and your photo is not clear enough.

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Am I automatically entitled to citizenship if I was born in South Africa?

No. You only qualify for South African citizenship if at least one parent is/was a South African citizen or has permanent resident status.

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Why has my R350 SRD grant application status said "pending" for two years?

SASSA manually verifies every application, which takes very long. It could be that there is information missing but SASSA does not inform applicants when this is the case, so you need to keep checking

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I think the company I resigned from for mistreating me is doing something to stop me from getting my provident fund. What can I do?

If this is the case, you can report your employer to the trustees of the fund, who will take action.

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Do I qualify for benefits if I was diagnosed with TB three years after leaving my mining job?

No, you can only receive compensation if you were diagnosed with TB within one year of leaving work. But if you can prove you had latent TB prior, you might have a shot.

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What should I do if the company I worked for refuses to release my UI-19 form?

You can report them to the labour department.

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Can I be paid my UIF and SASSA pension while also getting money from my old job?

Yes, but SASSA grants are means tested, and UIF and pension benefits count as income, so your grant will be less.

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How can I reduce the electricity tariff of my new flat?

Speak to your local municipality. It may help to have an affidavit explaining the situation.

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Why won't the UIF and pension fund pay my wife's money into her Mukuru Bank account?

They may have a specific reason, so you'll need to ask them. If they won't help, you can lay a complaint.

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