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.
How can my kids and I claim death benefits for their father who was not living with us or listed on their birth certificates?
If you can somehow prove that he is the father of your children, your kids could apply for his death benefits.
Can I get an ID if I was born in SA to foreign parents but my uncle has a valid South African ID?
Possibly. In terms of the 2018 judgement in the Naki case, Home Affairs should accept and consider your application.
How can asylum seekers and refugees apply for temporary residence from inside South Africa?
You can get exemption by applying to Home Affairs for a Waiver of Regulation 9(5).
How is SASSA's old age grant payment calculated?
The closer you get to the maximum allowance, the less pension you will receive.
How can we change the beneficiary of a deceased relative's house?
The RDP house beneficiary is the person named on the title deed. That house will be inherited according to the will or according to the Intestate Succession Act of 1987.
How are assets redistributed if I change my marriage contract, which is in community of property?
It depends whether you shift to marriage out of community of property with or without accrual, or get divorced.
Will my ex inherit my belongings if we did not submit the divorce decree to Home Affairs? And can we remarry?
You need to submit the decree to Home Affairs. Inheritance depends on your last will and testament. There does not seem to be a legal objection to remarrying an ex spouse.
Why is it important to write a will?
It is the only way for you to control who should look after your children or inherit your estate.
Why hasn't SASSA paid my R350 Covid grant since May 2022?
Under the new regulations, you need to re-apply for the R350 grant.
How can I apply for the late registration of a birth certificate?
It depends during which stage of lockdown the baby was born.