Quick Facts

• Affidavit is needed when you don’t have an ID or birth certificate
• Must be signed by a Commissioner of Oaths (not a SASSA official)
• This service is completely FREE – never pay anyone
• Current grant amount: R840 per child per month (as of December 2025)

What Is an Affidavit?

An affidavit is a legal document where you make a sworn statement. You declare that the information you provide is true. If you lie on an affidavit, you can face criminal charges.

For SASSA grants, an affidavit serves as proof when you don’t have certain documents. It confirms who you are and your relationship to the child.

The affidavit must be signed in front of a Commissioner of Oaths. This person is authorised by the government to witness legal documents.

When You Need an Affidavit for Child Support Grant

You need an affidavit when you cannot provide certain required documents. This happens in several situations:

Missing Documents

You don’t have your ID document: If you lost your ID or never had one, you need an affidavit. You must also show proof that you applied for an ID at Home Affairs.

The child has no birth certificate: If the child’s birth certificate is missing or never issued, an affidavit can help. Show proof you applied for one at Home Affairs.

Proof of Caregiving

You’re not the biological parent: Grandparents, aunts, uncles, or other caregivers need to prove they care for the child. An affidavit can confirm this relationship.

The parent is deceased or absent: If the child’s parents have died or cannot be found, you must explain this in an affidavit.

Supporting Documents Needed

Along with your affidavit, you should provide:

• Temporary ID from Home Affairs (if you have one)
• Proof you applied for missing documents
• Any other identification you have (clinic card, school letter)
• A sworn statement from someone who knows you (councillor, social worker, religious leader)

What Information Must Be in Your Affidavit

Your affidavit must contain specific details. Here’s what you need to include:

Your Personal Details

• Your full name and surname
• Your ID number (if you have one)
• Your complete physical address
• Your postal code
• Your contact phone number

Child’s Information

• Child’s full name
• Child’s date of birth
• Where the child was born (hospital or clinic name)
• Child’s ID number (if they have one)

Your Relationship to the Child

Clearly state how you are connected to the child:

• Are you the mother or father?
• Are you the grandmother or grandfather?
• Are you an aunt, uncle, or other relative?
• Are you a family friend caring for the child?

Why You Are the Primary Caregiver

Explain why you are responsible for the child:

• The parents have passed away
• The parents abandoned the child
• The parents cannot afford to care for the child
• You have always cared for this child

Declaration Statement

You must include this important declaration:

Your Signature and Date

You must sign the affidavit and write the date. This must happen in front of the Commissioner of Oaths.

✅ Step-by-Step: How to Complete Your Affidavit

Step 1: Get the Correct Form

Visit your nearest SASSA office. Tell them you need to apply for Child Support Grant but don’t have all documents. They will give you the correct affidavit form. This service is free.

You can also download the form from the SASSA website at services.sassa.gov.za. Look for “Child Support Grant Affidavit”.

Step 2: Fill in Your Information

Complete all sections of the form carefully:

• Write clearly and neatly (print your letters)
• Use a black or blue pen
• Fill in every section that applies to you
• If something doesn’t apply, write “N/A” (not applicable)
• Double-check all names and numbers

Step 3: Read Everything Carefully

Before you sign, read the entire affidavit from start to finish. Make sure you understand what you’re signing. This is a legal document.

If you don’t understand something, ask someone to explain it. Don’t sign anything you don’t fully understand.

Step 4: Find a Commissioner of Oaths

Take your completed (but unsigned) affidavit to a Commissioner of Oaths. More details on where to find them in the next section.

Important: The Commissioner cannot be a SASSA official. You must go to a police station, bank, or other approved location.

Step 5: Take the Oath

The Commissioner of Oaths will ask you three questions:

1. Do you know and understand what this document says?
2. Do you have any problem taking an oath?
3. Do you believe this oath is binding on your conscience?

Answer honestly. If you understand the document and agree to the oath, you will then sign.

Step 6: Sign in Front of the Commissioner

Sign your affidavit while the Commissioner watches. The Commissioner will then:

• Sign the document
• Put their official stamp on it
• Write the date and location
• Write their name and designation

Step 7: Get a Copy

Make a copy of your signed affidavit before you submit it. Keep this copy for your records. If anything happens to the original, you have proof.

Step 8: Submit to SASSA

Take your completed and signed affidavit to SASSA. Submit it along with:

• Your Child Support Grant application form
• Any other documents you have
• Proof you applied for missing documents at Home Affairs

SASSA will give you a receipt. Keep this receipt safe. It’s proof you applied.

Where to Find a Commissioner of Oaths

A Commissioner of Oaths is a person authorised by the government. They can witness you signing legal documents. You can find them at many places:

Police Stations (Most Common)

All police stations have Commissioners of Oaths. Go to your nearest police station. Tell the person at the front desk you need a Commissioner of Oaths. They will help you.

Tip: Go during business hours (Monday to Friday, 8am to 4pm). Some stations are less busy in the mornings.

Post Offices

Many post offices have staff who are Commissioners of Oaths. Visit a large post office in your area. Ask if they have someone available.

Banks

Bank managers are often Commissioners of Oaths. If you have a bank account, visit your branch. Ask to speak to a manager about getting an affidavit signed.

Magistrate’s Courts

Magistrate’s courts have Commissioners of Oaths. Find your local magistrate’s court. Go to the enquiries desk and ask for help.

Attorneys and Law Firms

Lawyers are Commissioners of Oaths. If you know an attorney, they can help. Some may charge a small fee, so ask first.

Other Places

You can also find Commissioners at:

• Marriage officers
• Some school principals
• Traditional leaders (chiefs)
• Some accountants
• Social workers

✅ Costs and Fees – This Service Is FREE

Having an affidavit signed by a Commissioner of Oaths is completely FREE. You must never pay any fees.

What Is Free

Service	Cost
Commissioner of Oaths at police station	R0 (FREE)
Commissioner of Oaths at post office	R0 (FREE)
Getting SASSA affidavit form	R0 (FREE)
Applying for Child Support Grant	R0 (FREE)
Submitting your affidavit to SASSA	R0 (FREE)

The Law Is Clear

According to South African law, Commissioners of Oaths cannot charge fees. The Justices of the Peace and Commissioners of Oaths Act makes this illegal.

If anyone asks you to pay for this service, report them immediately. They are breaking the law.

Only One Exception

Some private attorneys might charge a consultation fee if you visit them for legal advice. But they cannot charge for signing an affidavit as a Commissioner of Oaths.

Our advice: Use police stations or post offices. These are always free.

🚨 Warning: Common SASSA Scams in 2025

Scammers target vulnerable people applying for grants. Be very careful. Here are the most common scams:

Scam 1: Fake SASSA Agents

Scammers pretend to be SASSA officials. They offer to “help” you apply for a grant. They then ask for money to “process” your application.

The truth: SASSA never charges any fees for applications. No legitimate SASSA official will ask for money.

What to do: Only apply at official SASSA offices. Don’t give money to anyone claiming to help you.

Scam 2: SMS and WhatsApp Scams

You receive a message saying:

• “Congratulations! You qualify for R1,682 family support grant”
• “Click here to claim your SASSA bonus payment”
• “Update your SASSA details or your grant will be suspended”
• “Claim your double grant payment now”

The truth: SASSA doesn’t send these messages. These links steal your information or install viruses on your phone.

What to do: Delete these messages. Never click on links. Check the official SASSA website instead.

Scam 3: Fake Grant Increases

Scammers promise higher grant amounts if you pay a “registration fee” or provide your banking details.

The truth: Grant amounts are fixed by government. No one can increase your grant amount. Everyone gets the same amount based on the grant type.

Scam 4: Fake SASSA Loans

People claim they can give you a loan against your SASSA grant. They ask for your grant card details or personal information.

The truth: SASSA doesn’t offer loans. SASSA doesn’t partner with any loan companies.

What to do: Never share your SASSA card details with anyone claiming to offer loans.

Scam 5: People Asking for Your PIN

Someone phones or messages asking for your SASSA card PIN, ID number, or banking details. They claim they’re from SASSA.

The truth: SASSA will never phone to ask for your PIN or banking details. These are criminals trying to steal your grant money.

What to do: Hang up immediately. Report the number to the police.

How to Protect Yourself

• Never pay anyone to help you apply for a grant
• Only apply at official SASSA offices – find locations at www.sassa.gov.za
• Don’t click on links in SMS or WhatsApp messages about SASSA
• Never share your PIN with anyone, even family
• Check information on the official SASSA website or call 0800 60 10 11
• Report scams to SASSA fraud hotline: 0800 60 10 11

Where to Get Help and Support

If you need help with your affidavit or Child Support Grant application, these organisations can assist you:

SASSA Contact Details

Contact Method	Details
Toll-free Helpline	0800 60 10 11
WhatsApp	082 046 8553
Website	www.sassa.gov.za
Online services	services.sassa.gov.za
Report fraud	0800 60 10 11 (same number)

Department of Home Affairs

If you need to apply for missing documents (ID or birth certificate):

• Helpline: 0800 60 11 90
• Website: www.dha.gov.za
• In person: Find your nearest Home Affairs office

Department of Social Development

For complaints or appeals about grant decisions:

• Main line: 012 312 7652
• Website: www.dsd.gov.za

South African Police Service (SAPS)

To report scams or fraud:

• Emergency: 10111
• Crime Stop: 08600 10111
• In person: Visit your nearest police station

Legal Aid South Africa

For free legal advice if your grant application is rejected:

• Helpline: 0800 110 110
• Website: www.legal-aid.co.za

⚠️ Current Child Support Grant Amounts (December 2025)

Once your application is approved, you will receive monthly payments:

Grant Type	Monthly Amount
Basic Child Support Grant	R560 per child
Top-up (for orphans)	R280 per child
Total for orphans	R840 per child

Who Qualifies for the Grant

Income limits:

• Single caregivers: Your income must be less than R61,200 per year (R5,100 per month)
• Married caregivers: Combined income must be less than R122,400 per year (R10,200 per month)

Other requirements:

• Child must be under 18 years old
• You and the child must live in South Africa
• You must be a South African citizen or permanent resident
• You must be the child’s primary caregiver

Payment Dates

Child Support Grants are paid on the 4th of each month (or the closest business day). Your grant will be backdated to the day you applied.

Processing Time

SASSA takes up to 3 months (90 days) to process your application. You will receive a letter telling you if you were approved or rejected.

❌ Common Mistakes to Avoid

Many affidavits are rejected because of simple mistakes. Avoid these errors:

Incomplete Information

Problem: Leaving sections blank or writing incomplete addresses.

Solution: Fill in every section. If something doesn’t apply to you, write “N/A”.

Wrong Commissioner of Oaths

Problem: Having a SASSA official sign your affidavit.

Solution: The Commissioner must NOT be a SASSA employee. Go to a police station or other approved location.

Missing Commissioner’s Stamp

Problem: The Commissioner signs but doesn’t stamp the document.

Solution: The affidavit must have both the Commissioner’s signature AND their official stamp. Check before you leave.

Handwriting Not Clear

Problem: Writing so messy that SASSA cannot read it.

Solution: Print your letters clearly. Use a black or blue pen. If your handwriting is poor, ask someone to help you fill in the form neatly.

Providing False Information

Problem: Lying on your affidavit (giving wrong addresses, names, or relationships).

Solution: Always tell the truth. Providing false information is a crime called perjury. You can be arrested and jailed.

Not Keeping Copies

Problem: Submitting your only copy and having no proof if something goes wrong.

Solution: Make copies of all signed documents before submitting them to SASSA.

Not Following Up

Problem: Submitting your affidavit and application, then forgetting to check on progress.

Solution: After 6 weeks, phone SASSA on 0800 60 10 11 to check your application status. Have your ID number ready.

Completing your SASSA Child Support Grant affidavit doesn’t need to be difficult. Follow these key steps:

• Get the correct form from SASSA – it’s free
• Fill in all sections carefully and honestly
• Take it to a police station to find a Commissioner of Oaths
• Never pay any fees – this service is completely free
• Make copies before submitting to SASSA

Most important: Be aware of scams. SASSA never charges fees. Anyone asking for money is a criminal. Report them to police immediately.

The Child Support Grant helps millions of South African families. If you qualify, you have a legal right to this money. Don’t let anyone take advantage of you.

If you need help, phone SASSA toll-free on 0800 60 10 11. They are there to assist you.

Q: Can I write my affidavit in my home language?

Yes, but it’s better to use English if you can. Most Commissioners of Oaths and SASSA officials work in English. If you need help translating, ask a SASSA official to assist you.

Q: What if I can’t read or write?

Go to a SASSA office. Tell them you need help. A SASSA official can help you complete the form. You can then take it to a Commissioner of Oaths to sign. You can make a thumbprint instead of signing if you cannot write.

Q: How long is my affidavit valid for?

Affidavits are usually valid for 3 to 6 months. Submit yours to SASSA as soon as possible after it’s signed. If circumstances change (like you get your ID), you should get a new affidavit.

Q: What if SASSA rejects my application?

You have the right to appeal. You must appeal within 90 days of getting the rejection letter. You can appeal by writing to the Minister of Social Development or by visiting a SASSA office to get help with the appeal process.

Q: Can I apply for grants for multiple children?

Yes. You can apply for Child Support Grant for all your children who are under 18. However, you can only apply for up to 6 children who are not your biological or legally adopted children.

Q: Do I need a new affidavit every year?

No. Once your grant is approved, you don’t need to reapply every year. SASSA will review your grant periodically. However, if your circumstances change (you get an ID, the child’s birth certificate is issued), you should update SASSA with the new documents.

Q: What if the child’s parents are alive but not caring for the child?

Your affidavit must explain this situation. State that the parents are unable or unwilling to care for the child. Explain why you are now the primary caregiver. SASSA may ask for additional proof, such as a letter from a social worker or school principal.