How do I apply for Sassa?

By | April 26, 2019

You should apply at the SASSA office nearest to where you live. If you are too old or too sick to apply for the grant at the office you may have a friend or family member apply on your behalf. You can also arrange for a home visit, although you may wait a while for this.

The application forms must be completed in the presence of a SASSA officer. When you hand in your application you will be given a receipt as proof of application. The application is free. You will receive written notification if your application is denied. You have the right to ask for reconsideration and you can also lodge an appeal within 90 days.

Applicants must provide proof of identity. If you do not have a 13-digit bar coded Identity Book or birth certificate for children, you may provide alternative documentation as proof of identity. Contact your nearest SASSA office to find out which alternative documents are accepted.

Other documents required for application: If married, provide ID of your spouse and proof of spousal relationship (marriage certificate, divorce order, a sworn statement, or spouse’s death certificate). Sworn statement or affidavit stating the income and assets of yourself and your spouse. Supporting documents to prove your income and assets. You must also provide proof of the income of dependent children.

The application process takes up to 90 days and your first payment will include back-pay for the time you wait to receive the grant. This is calculated from the first day of application.

Note: When affidavits are required, SASSA will provide the affidavits to be completed.

Your SASSA card

If your grant application is successful you will receive a SASSA card and a bank account where your money will be deposited each month. This card is associated with MasterCard and can be used as a debit card and you can either use it to make purchases, check your balance or withdraw cash at till points wherever MasterCard is accepted without incurring any transaction costs. You can also withdraw money with your card at ATMs, but you will be charged transaction charges. You and other people can also deposit money into this account.

More Information on SASSA

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SASSA Hotline 0800 601 011

SASSA offices Western Cape

Email address: GrantsEnquiriesWC [at] sassa.gov.za

Regional Office
Physical Address: Golden Acre Adderly Street, Cape Town
Postal Address: Private Bag, X9189, Cape Town, 8000
Telephone: (021) 469 0200

Caledon
Physical Address: Melofin Building C/O Birfwood Street and Klipfontein, Athlone, 7760
Postal Address: 10 Plein Street, Caledon, 7234
Telephone: (028) 214 3000

Cape Town
Physical Address: 48 Queen Victoria Street, 8000
Postal Address: P.O. Box 131, Cape Town, 8000
Telephone: (021) 481 9700

Eerste River
Physical Address: 42 Main Road, Eerste River, 7100
Postal Address: Private Bag X1
Telephone: (021) 904 1021

George
Physical Address: Rentzburghof, 42 Courtney Street, George, 7100
Postal Address: Private Bag, X6508
Telephone: (044) 801 4300

Gugulethu
Physical Address: C/O Bishops Court and Fezeka, Gugulethu, 7760
Postal Address: Private Bag, X11, Athlone, 7760
Telephone: (021) 638 5151/2/3/4

Khayelitsha
Physical Address: Julius Tsolo Street, Khayelitsha (near station)
Postal Address: Private Bag, X001
Telephone: (021) 364 1330

Mitchell’s Plain
Physical Address: 45 Alpha Street, Wespoort Park, Mitchell Plain
Postal Address: Private Bag, X10
Telephone: (021) 370 4800

For other information regarding social grants visit the SASSA website.

Also see the social benefits section on the government services website.

To find SASSA offices outside of the Western Cape, look at this page or call the SASSA hotline.

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Complete Guide to NSFAS Online Loan Application for South African Students (2025)

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The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is a government-funded financial aid scheme aimed at helping students from low- and middle-income households to access tertiary education without the burden of upfront fees.

See also  University of the Free State NSFAS

NSFAS offers both bursaries and income-contingent loans:

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NSFAS primarily funds undergraduate qualifications, but certain postgraduate programs (e.g., PGCE, postgraduate diplomas in education, and professional courses like LLB) may be considered under the NSFAS loan scheme, not bursaries.

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When applying, make sure you have the following documents scanned and ready:

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  5. Proof of registration or acceptance at a public institution.
  6. Academic transcripts (for continuing or postgraduate students).

🖥️ How to Apply for an NSFAS Loan Online

Step-by-Step NSFAS Online Application Process (2025)

  1. Visit the NSFAS Website

    Go to: https://www.nsfas.org.za

  2. Create an Account

    • Click on “MyNSFAS” and register your profile.
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🗓️ Important NSFAS Dates (2025)

  • Application Opening Date: September 1, 2025
  • Application Deadline: January 31, 2026
  • Appeals Period: February 2026 (if rejected)
  • Disbursement: After registration and approval

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NSFAS funding typically includes:

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For loans, repayment is only required once you start working and earn above a threshold (around R30,000 annually, but subject to change).


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Repayments are:

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🔁 How to Appeal a Rejected NSFAS Application

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📝 Final Tips Before Applying

  • Apply early to avoid system overload near the deadline.
  • Use your own email and cellphone number (do not use someone else’s).
  • Double-check that all your documents are certified and legible.
  • Keep a copy of your submission confirmation for reference.

By following this guide, you can confidently apply for NSFAS funding and move one step closer to achieving your academic and career dreams—without the burden of immediate financial pressure.