If your SASSA application was rejected because of a missing affidavit or you have no idea what one even is this guide will fix that today.
It Happens More Than You Think
Mama Mona woke up early, caught a taxi to the SASSA office, stood in line for three hours, and finally reached the counter. The officer looked at her documents and said:
“You need an affidavit. Come back when you have one.”
She didn’t know what an affidavit was. She didn’t know where to get one. She didn’t know what to write. She went home empty-handed – and her grandchildren went another month without support.
This happens every single day across South Africa. Thousands of people lose their place in line, miss grant payments, and suffer needlessly – all because of one document that nobody properly explains.
This guide explains everything. By the time you finish reading, you will know exactly what an affidavit is, when you need one, how to write it, where to sign it, and how to avoid the mistakes that get applications rejected.
What Is an Affidavit?
An affidavit is a written statement that you sign under oath.
When you sign an affidavit, you are officially saying: “Everything I have written here is true. I understand that lying in this document is a criminal offence.”
That is why you cannot just write it at home and hand it in. It must be signed in front of a Commissioner of Oaths – a person who is legally authorised to witness sworn statements. They confirm that you signed it willingly and that you understood what you were signing.
Think of it as a formal promise backed by law.
Which SASSA Grants Require an Affidavit?
Not every grant requires one. Here is when you will need it:
Child Support Grant (CSG) If you are not the biological parent of the child for example, you are a grandparent, aunt, uncle, or neighbour caring for the child you need an affidavit. It confirms that you are the primary caregiver and that you take responsibility for the child’s daily needs.
Foster Child Grant If you do not yet have a court order but the child is living with you, a supporting affidavit can help while you wait for formal documentation.
Older Person’s Grant (Old Age Pension) If someone else is applying or collecting on behalf of an elderly person, a procuration affidavit is required. This gives that person the legal right to act on their behalf.
Disability Grant If supporting documents are missing or the applicant cannot travel for assessment, an affidavit explaining the circumstances helps support the application.
SRD R370 Grant If you are unemployed or self-employed with little to no income, SASSA may ask for an affidavit confirming your financial situation. This is especially common for self-employed people who cannot show a payslip.
What to Write in Your Affidavit
Here is a template that works for most SASSA applications. Adjust the details to match your situation.
AFFIDAVIT
I, [Your Full Name], ID Number [Your ID Number], residing at [Your Full Address], hereby make the following statement under oath:
- I am the [relationship – e.g. grandmother, uncle, caregiver] of [Child’s Full Name], born on [Date of Birth], ID Number [Child’s ID Number if available].
- The child’s biological [mother/father/both parents] [is/are] [deceased / absent / unable to provide care] because [brief, honest explanation – e.g. “the mother passed away on 12 March 2021” or “the father’s whereabouts have been unknown since 2019”].
- The child has been living with me since [year] at the address mentioned above.
- I am solely responsible for this child’s food, clothing, schooling, and daily care.
- No other person is currently receiving a SASSA grant for this child.
- I confirm that all information in this statement is true and correct to the best of my knowledge.
Deponent’s Signature: ___________________
Date: ___________________
Place: ___________________
Sworn before me at [place] on this [date] day of [month] [year].
Commissioner of Oaths:
Full Name: ___________________
Signature: ___________________
Designation/Rank: ___________________
This structure covers most situations. If your case is more complex – for example, both parents are deceased and there is no birth certificate you may need to add extra paragraphs explaining the circumstances clearly.
Step-by-Step: How to Get Your Affidavit Done
Step 1: Understand What You Need to Confirm
Before you write anything, ask yourself:
- Which grant am I applying for?
- What relationship or situation do I need to prove?
- Did SASSA specifically tell me what to include?
If SASSA gave you a rejection letter, read it carefully. It usually tells you exactly what is missing.
Step 2: Write a Draft
Use the template above. Write in simple, clear sentences. You do not need legal language. You do not need big words. The officer reading it just needs the facts to be accurate and easy to understand.
Write your draft on a piece of paper first. This way, if you make a mistake, you can fix it before you go to the Commissioner.
Step 3: Go to a Commissioner of Oaths
You can get your affidavit signed for free at any of these places:
- Any Police Station – the most common option across South Africa
- Post Office branches – many have a Commissioner on duty
- Magistrate’s Court
- Some bank branches – Absa, Standard Bank, FNB, and Nedbank sometimes offer this service
- Attorneys or Notaries – they charge a small fee, usually between R50 and R150
Bring with you:
- Your original South African ID (green barcoded book or smart ID card)
- Your written draft
- Any supporting documents related to your application
Step 4: Sign in Front of the Commissioner – Not Before
This is the most important rule. Do not sign your affidavit at home.
The whole point of the Commissioner is to witness your signature. If you sign it before you get there, the affidavit is invalid. SASSA will reject it. You will have to start over.
Wait. Sign in front of them. It takes less than five minutes.
Step 5: Submit to SASSA
Take your signed affidavit along with your other documents to the SASSA office. Make sure you also bring certified copies of your ID, the child’s birth certificate, and any other supporting documents they require.
6 Mistakes That Get Affidavits Rejected
Mistake 1: Signing at home before visiting the Commissioner Already covered above – but it is the most common mistake, so it is worth repeating. The signature must happen in front of the Commissioner. Full stop.
Mistake 2: Using vague language “The parents are not around” is not good enough. SASSA needs specifics. Write: “The mother passed away on [date]” or “The father left the household in [year] and has not been in contact since.” Vague statements raise doubts and cause delays.
Mistake 3: Submitting an old affidavit SASSA generally does not accept affidavits older than three months. If yours is outdated, you need a fresh one. It is frustrating, but the rule exists to prevent fraud.
Mistake 4: Getting the ID number wrong One wrong digit makes the whole document unreliable. Double-check every ID number before you hand the draft to the Commissioner.
Mistake 5: Leaving blank spaces Any blank space in an affidavit can be seen as incomplete or suspicious. Fill in every field. If something does not apply, write “N/A” rather than leaving it empty.
Mistake 6: Forgetting certified copies of supporting documents The affidavit supports your application – it does not replace other documents. You still need certified copies of the child’s birth certificate, your ID, school enrollment letters, and anything else SASSA asks for.
Special Situations Explained
Both Parents Are Deceased
You need death certificates for both parents if available. In your affidavit, state clearly when they passed, and confirm that you have been the child’s primary caregiver since then. If death certificates are missing, explain why and mention any efforts you have made to obtain them.
Parent Has Abandoned the Child
Write exactly when the parent left, what attempts you made to contact them, and how long the child has been in your care. If you have a police report or any written communication, attach it. The more evidence, the better.
You Are Self-Employed with Low Income (SRD Grant)
State your monthly income honestly even if it is zero. Explain the nature of your work. For example: “I sell vegetables informally. My average monthly income is approximately R800. I have no employer and no fixed salary.” Be specific and honest.
Applying on Behalf of Someone Else
The person you are representing must sign a procuration affidavit confirming that they authorise you to act for them. Their signature must also be witnessed by a Commissioner of Oaths. You cannot simply write it yourself without their sworn consent.
Can You Submit an Affidavit Online?
For the SRD R370 Grant, online applications are processed through sassa.gov.za, and in some cases you can upload a scanned copy of your affidavit.
For all other grants – Child Support, Disability, Older Person’s – you still need to visit a SASSA office in person. Online submission for these grants is not yet available as of 2026.
If you are unsure, call the SASSA helpline before making the trip:
SASSA Toll-Free Helpline: 0800 60 10 11 Available Monday to Friday, during office hours. The call is free from any phone.
A Word on Honesty
An affidavit is a legal document. Submitting false information is a criminal offence under South African law. SASSA cross-checks information with the Department of Home Affairs, SARS, and other government databases.
If false information is discovered, your grant will be stopped immediately. You may be required to pay back all money received. In serious cases, criminal charges can be laid.
This guide is here to help you get the support you are legitimately entitled to not to help anyone exploit the system. If you qualify, you deserve the grant. Just tell the truth and document it properly.
Quick Checklist Before You Go to SASSA
Use this before every visit:
- Full name and ID number are correct throughout the affidavit
- The relationship to the child or person is clearly stated
- Dates are accurate and specific
- No blank spaces left in the document
- Affidavit was signed in front of a Commissioner – not at home
- Original ID is in your bag
- Certified copies of all supporting documents are ready
- Affidavit is dated within the last three months
Final Thought
An affidavit sounds intimidating. The reality is that it is just a written truth, witnessed by someone with authority to confirm it.
Mama Mona came back the second time with everything in order. Draft prepared. Signed at the police station. Documents certified. She was in and out of the SASSA office in under twenty minutes. Her Child Support Grant was approved the following month.
You can do this. The process is manageable when you know the steps.
If you have a specific situation that is not covered here, call SASSA directly on 0800 60 10 11 or visit your nearest SASSA office and ask to speak with a social worker. They are there to help.
Frequently Asked Questions Affidavits for SASSA Grants
What is an affidavit for a SASSA grant?
A sworn written statement confirming facts SASSA cannot verify – like who is caring for a child. It must be signed in front of a Commissioner of Oaths.
Where can I get an affidavit signed for free in South Africa?
At any police station, post office, or magistrate’s court. It is completely free. Private attorneys charge around R50 to R150.
Do I need an affidavit for the Child Support Grant?
Yes – if you are not the biological parent. Grandparents and other caregivers must confirm they are the primary caregiver and explain why the parents are absent.
How old can an affidavit be for SASSA? No older than three months. If it is outdated, you need a fresh one before submitting.
Can I write my own affidavit for SASSA?
Yes. Write your name, ID number, relationship, and the facts clearly. Then take it to a police station or post office to sign in front of a Commissioner of Oaths.
What happens if I submit a false affidavit to SASSA?
It is a criminal offence. Your grant will be cancelled, you may have to repay all money received, and you could face criminal charges.
Do I need an affidavit for the SASSA SRD R370 grants?
Sometimes. If SASSA needs proof of your income or employment status especially if you are self-employed they may ask for a sworn statement.
Can someone else collect my SASSA grant using an affidavit?
No. You need a procuration affidavit where you formally authorise that person. Both signatures must be witnessed by a Commissioner of Oaths.
This guide is for general information only. Every case is different. For complex legal situations, consider consulting a paralegal or community law clinic in your area.