A SASSA affidavit form is a legal document you must complete when applying for South African social grants. This sworn statement confirms your personal details and circumstances are true and correct.
The affidavit serves as proof of your eligibility for grants like child support, old age pension, disability, and care dependency. You sign this document under oath, meaning you face legal consequences if any information is false.
What Is A SASSA Affidavit Form
An affidavit is a written declaration signed under oath – the signer has sworn that the statement is truthful and has been informed that they may face legal consequences if the entire affidavit or any portion of it is proved to be false.
SASSA requires different affidavit forms for each type of grant. The form collects your personal information, income details, marital status, and specific circumstances related to your grant application.
Each affidavit must be signed in front of a Commissioner of Oaths who is not a SASSA official. This person stamps and signs the document to make it legally valid.
Different Types of SASSA Affidavit Forms
Child Support Grant Affidavit
SASSA collects this form for SASSA child support grant to identify your personal details, marital status, sources of income, your relation with your child, and child details.
You must confirm that you are the primary caregiver, the child lives with you, and you are not receiving payment to care for the child. If applying for multiple children, list all additional children on the form.
Old Age Grant Affidavit
The older persons grant affidavit verifies your personal details, age, marital status, income sources, and residence proof. This form must be completed by those applying for the old age grant, whereby they confirm that their personal details (full name, ID number, age and physical address) are true and correct.
Disability Grant Affidavit
This form must be completed by those applying for the disability grant, whereby they confirm that their personal details (full name, ID number, age and physical address) are true and correct. You must also confirm you do not live in a state institution and declare your marital status and income sources.
Care Dependency Grant Affidavit
This form verifies your relationship with the child requiring care, your personal details, and financial circumstances. The child under care dependency grant must have severe disabilities requiring full-time care.
Foster Child Grant Affidavit
SASSA collects this form for foster child grant to verify your personal information, marital status, income sources, relationship to the child, and child details. The court order will be also required along with affidavit to proof that you are the legal foster parent of your child.
Grant-in-Aid Affidavit
Before applying for grant-in-aid, you must already receive an older persons grant or disability grant. The form also allows for applicants to confirm that they are recipients of either the older persons grant, war veterans grant or disability grant.
How To Complete Your SASSA Affidavit Form
Step 1: Download The Correct Form
Visit the SASSA Download Center to download your specific affidavit form. Each grant type requires a different form, so make sure you download the right one.
You can also collect forms at your nearest SASSA office, but downloading saves time waiting in queues.
Step 2: Fill Out Personal Information
Write your full name exactly as it appears on your ID document. Include your 13-digit ID number, age, and complete residential address with postal code.
Provide accurate contact details including your cellphone number. SASSA uses this information to communicate about your application.
Step 3: Complete Grant-Specific Sections
For child support grants, include the child’s full name, date of birth, ID number if available, and place of birth. Confirm you are the primary caregiver and the child lives with you.
For disability grants, declare your medical condition and confirm you submitted medical reports. State whether you live in a state institution.
Step 4: Declare Income and Marital Status
List all sources of income including salaries, pensions, investments, and support from family members. If married, include your spouse’s income and assets.
Declare your marital status accurately. Single, married, divorced, or widowed status affects your eligibility and grant amount.
Step 5: Sign Before Commissioner of Oaths
you must complete an affidavit in a standard SASSA format in the presence of a Commissioner of Oaths who is not a SASSA official.
Find a Commissioner of Oaths at police stations, post offices, banks, or attorneys’ offices. They will verify your identity, watch you sign the document, and add their official stamp and signature.
Where To Find Commissioners of Oaths
Commissioners of Oaths are available at:
- South African Police Service (SAPS) stations
- Post offices
- Banks
- Attorneys’ offices
- Magistrates’ courts
- Some schools (principals)
- Religious institutions (some ministers)
Common Commissioners of Oaths include police officers, attorneys, religious leaders, and other authorized individuals. The commissioner will also provide their signature, rank or force number, and official stamp.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
Incomplete Information
Every section must be completed fully. Leaving blank spaces can delay processing or cause rejection. If a section doesn’t apply to you, write “N/A” or “Not Applicable.”
Wrong Form Type
Using the incorrect affidavit form for your grant type causes automatic rejection. Double-check you downloaded the right form before completing it.
Unsigned Documents
The affidavit is invalid without your signature and the Commissioner of Oaths’ stamp. Both signatures must be present for SASSA to accept the document.
False Information
A declaration that you understand that any false or misleading information provided in the affidavit may result in legal action being taken against you must be acknowledged. Providing false information is illegal and can result in criminal charges.
SASSA Affidavit Form Requirements Checklist
| Grant Type | Required Information | Additional Documents |
|---|---|---|
| Child Support | Child details, caregiver status, income | Birth certificate, ID copies |
| Old Age | Age verification, income, residence | ID document, proof of address |
| Disability | Medical condition, income, residence | Medical reports, ID document |
| Care Dependency | Child’s disability, caregiver details | Medical reports, court orders |
| Foster Child | Foster status, child details, income | Court order, ID documents |
| Grant-in-Aid | Existing grant details, care needs | Existing grant proof, medical reports |
Legal Consequences of False Information
Signing a false affidavit is perjury under South African law. You can face criminal charges, fines, or imprisonment if found guilty of providing false information.
SASSA conducts regular audits and investigations. They cross-check information with Home Affairs, South African Revenue Service, and other government departments.
If caught providing false information, SASSA will:
- Cancel your grant immediately
- Demand repayment of all money received
- Report you to the police for criminal charges
- Ban you from future grant applications
Processing Time and Next Steps
After submitting your completed affidavit with your grant application, SASSA takes up to 90 days to process your application. It may take up to three months to process your application. If your grant is approved, you will be paid from the date on which you applied.
You can check your SASSA status online using your ID number and cellphone number. SASSA sends SMS notifications about your application progress.
If your application is approved, you’ll receive your first payment within three months. Payments are backdated to your application date.
SASSA Payment Methods
Once approved, you can receive payments through:
- SASSA gold card at approved retailers
- Direct bank deposit
- Cash payments at Post Office branches
- Mobile money services
Complete the Consent Form for Bank Payment if you want direct deposits to your bank account.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I download SASSA affidavit forms in 2025?
Download official SASSA affidavit forms from the SASSA Download Center. Each grant type has a specific form, so choose the correct one for your application.
Do I need different affidavit forms for different SASSA grants?
Yes, each SASSA grant requires a specific affidavit form. Child support, old age, disability, care dependency, foster child, and grant-in-aid each have unique forms with different information requirements.
Can I sign my SASSA affidavit form without a Commissioner of Oaths?
No, your SASSA affidavit form is invalid without a Commissioner of Oaths signature and stamp. SASSA will reject unsigned affidavits, delaying your application processing.
What happens if I provide false information on my SASSA affidavit form?
Providing false information on your SASSA affidavit form is perjury, which can result in criminal charges, grant cancellation, and repayment demands. SASSA conducts regular audits to verify information accuracy.
How long does SASSA take to process applications with affidavit forms?
SASSA takes up to 90 days to process grant applications including affidavit forms. You can check your SASSA status online at the SASSA portal using your ID number and cellphone number.
Can I complete my SASSA affidavit form online?
SASSA affidavit forms must be signed in front of a Commissioner of Oaths, so you cannot complete them entirely online. Download the form, complete it digitally or by hand, then visit a Commissioner of Oaths for signing.
Where can I find a Commissioner of Oaths for my SASSA affidavit form?
Find Commissioners of Oaths at police stations, post offices, banks, attorneys’ offices, magistrates’ courts, and some schools. They verify your identity and witness your signature on the affidavit form.
What supporting documents do I need with my SASSA affidavit form?
Supporting documents depend on your grant type but typically include ID copies, birth certificates, medical reports, proof of income, bank statements, and proof of residence. Check SASSA requirements for your specific grant.
Conclusion
The SASSA affidavit form is a critical document for your grant application success. Choose the correct form for your grant type, complete all sections accurately, and sign before a Commissioner of Oaths.
Remember that providing false information has serious legal consequences. Complete your affidavit honestly and submit it with all required supporting documents to avoid delays or rejection.
