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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].

Why does the online Housing Subsidy Portal say that my ID is not found even though I applied in 2015?

It could mean that the application was withdrawn by the municipality.

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Can someone with dementia write a valid will?

It depends on whether the person has testamentary capacity, which is explained below.

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What happens if an underage child is left assets from a deceased estate?

The assets are kept in an account under the supervision of the Master of the High Court until the child turns 18.

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Do I qualify for a SASSA loan?

SASSA does not give loans.

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What should I do if my children's SASSA cards have been left with a moneylender?

You have to contact SASSA.

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How can I apply for UIF death benefits if I was in a traditional marriage with no marriage certificate?

You will have to provide some proof of the marriage, like lobola letters of a letter from the chief.

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What child support options are available to mothers who cannot supply supporting documents?

They will not qualify for government support, but there may be community programmes that could help.

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Can my UIF death benefits application be denied if I don't have an unabridged marriage certificate?

The UIF website does not specify what type of marriage certificate is needed, so it seems unlikely.

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How can you get a government house if you earn more than R3,500 a month?

If you earn between R3,500 and R22,000, you qualify for "gap" housing, like the Finance Linked Individual Subsidy Programme.

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Can my employer withhold my provident fund if I was dismissed on a safety-related charge?

No, only the provident fund can withhold an employee's provident fund for reasons stipulated in Section 37 of the Pensions Act.

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