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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.

Will I lose my provident fund if I move to a different country?

No, as of 1 September 2024, you can withdraw any funds saved before that date if you lose your job or resign.

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What can I do if my UIF maternity benefits still haven't been paid over a year since I applied?

You should lay a complaint with the UIF. If they don't help, you can escalate your complaint to the call centre at 0800 030 007.

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How does medical boarding work?

It depends on the company's pension or provident fund rules, but usually they leave it to the insurance company to decide whether you qualify. If you do, you will be paid a monthly stipend.

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Can a school hand over my unpaid fees account to debt collectors without warning me?

The school should contact you and give you three months to settle the account. But they do not need to tell you if they intend to hand over the account to debt collectors.

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Do I need to transfer a deceased person's estate to my name in order to pay off its debt?

No, the debt must first be paid from the deceased estate before the title deed can be transferred.

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How should I set up annual leave for my elderly mother's caregiver, as they will be needed more as her condition deteriorates?

Given the legal requirements surrounding annual leave, it may be simpler to employ more than one carer.

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What documents will I need for my baby if I, a foreign national, give birth in South Africa?

You first need to register your baby's birth with Home Affairs, then apply for their passport at your embassy/consulate so that you can apply for an Accompanying Minors Visa.

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Why is SASSA not sending me an ID verification link?

It could be that they are struggling to verify your identity because you have a green ID book and your photo is not clear enough.

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Am I automatically entitled to citizenship if I was born in South Africa?

No. You only qualify for South African citizenship if at least one parent is/was a South African citizen or has permanent resident status.

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Why has my R350 SRD grant application status said "pending" for two years?

SASSA manually verifies every application, which takes very long. It could be that there is information missing but SASSA does not inform applicants when this is the case, so you need to keep checking

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