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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].

Topic: Older people  |  Show questions and answers for all topics

Can I apply for an old age SASSA grant if my wife's annual income exceeds the maximum income threshold but I am unemployed and she is under debt review?

Unfortunately, if your combined income exceeds the threshold, your application is unlikely to succeed, but you can appeal the decision.

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How can I get my ID if my fingerprints aren't scanning properly?

There are some workarounds that could help you get a clear fingerprint scan, but you may need to find an office with alternative biometric options.

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Is it legal for an old age care facilities to take the residents' SASSA cards to buy them things not provided by the facility?

No. SASSA says unequivocally that no one should give their SASSA cards to any other person.

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I can't verify my identity to Home Affairs or SASSA because I don't look the same and my fingerprints have faded.

Accommodations should be made to help you if you look different because you have aged since your last ID photo was taken and your fingerprints are faded.

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Can I withdraw the full amount of my pension after early retirement?

If you retire, you can only cash out up to one third of the money in your pension fund. The balance will be paid as fixed sum of money monthly.

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