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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.

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].

The government pension fund won’t process my child’s claim without an affidavit from a relative we don't know, despite proof of support and a willing extended family.

You may still claim from the GEPF by proving financial dependence and trying to involve the brother through a meeting, affidavit, or sworn statements from other relatives.

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How can we help a child get a birth certificate if the mother refuses to assist and he needs to attend a special school?

You could ask if the social workers are able to apply for a birth certificate for the child if the mother is unable or unwilling to do it.

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I’m the fideicommissary heir but my sister won’t give me the keys to our home after our mom, the surviving spouse, died. What can I do?

If the will names you as the fideicommissary heir, you may have a legal right to the property. Consult the Master’s Office for help.

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I was abandoned by my parents, and don't have an ID or proof of birth documents. How can I apply for an ID on my own?

If your birth was registered, you can get a copy of your birth certificate from Home Affairs. If not, you will need to apply through the Late Registration of Birth process.

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We are struggling to pay school fees. The school has just handed us over to the sheriff's department. What can we do?

If you can't afford school fees, you should apply for a fee exemption or negotiate a payment plan before legal action is taken.

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Home Affairs “lost” my spouse’s permanent residency application, now he is facing deportation. What can we do?

If an application for permanent residency is wrongfully rejected, you can apply to the Director-General of Home Affairs to review the decision.

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I was retrenched in November 2024. I was told my next UIF payout will be the last, but I should have enough credits for eight months.

UIF payments are based on your last four years of work, if they're ending early despite having credit, follow up with UIF for clarity.

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My half-brother applied for an authority letter to claim our late father’s inheritance. How can we be included to get our share?

If your father died without a will, all four children are equal heirs and should have had a say in who got the letter of authority. You can write to the Master of the High Court over your concerns.

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I need to register my customary marriage so that I can get divorced, but my husband is refusing to give me his ID. What can I do?

Yes, you can use your husband's ID number to register your customary marriage.

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How long after a car accident can the family of a deceased claim from the RAF?

A hit-and-run accident has to be reported within two years to the RAF. The claim itself must be finalised within five years.

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