What is the SASSA Declaration by Applicant form?

The SASSA Declaration by Applicant is a mandatory form that every grant applicant must sign when applying for any social grant from the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA). By signing it, you declare that all information you have provided in your grant application is true and correct. It also gives SASSA consent to verify your information with other government departments and financial institutions.

Why do I need to sign the SASSA declaration form?

The declaration is a legal requirement under the Social Assistance Act (Act 13 of 2004). It serves two purposes: first, it confirms that you have provided truthful and accurate information in your grant application; second, it authorises SASSA to verify your personal details, income, assets, and other information with third parties such as the Department of Home Affairs, SARS, banks, and the National Credit Regulator. Without a signed declaration, your grant application cannot be processed.

Is the SASSA declaration form mandatory for all grant applications?

Yes. The declaration form is mandatory for every SASSA grant application, regardless of the type of grant. This includes the Child Support Grant (CSG), Disability Grant (DG), Older Persons Grant (OAG), Foster Child Grant, Care Dependency Grant, Grant-in-Aid, War Veterans Grant, and the Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant. You must sign a new declaration each time you apply for or renew a grant.

What information does the SASSA declaration cover?

The declaration covers all information you provide as part of your grant application. This includes your personal details (name, ID number, address), financial information (income, assets, bank accounts), household composition, employment status, and any other information relevant to your grant eligibility. By signing, you confirm that all of this information is true and that you understand the consequences of providing false information.

What happens if I provide false information on my SASSA declaration?

Providing false information on the declaration is a criminal offence under the Social Assistance Act. Consequences include immediate suspension and cancellation of your grant, a requirement to repay all grant money received based on false information, prosecution which can lead to a fine or imprisonment, and being barred from receiving any SASSA grants in the future. SASSA regularly cross-checks applicant information with other government databases to detect fraud.

Can someone else sign the declaration on my behalf?

In most cases, the applicant must sign the declaration personally. However, if you are unable to sign due to physical disability or incapacity, a thumbprint is accepted in place of a signature. If the grant application is being made by a procurator (someone acting on behalf of the applicant due to the applicant being unable to apply in person), the procurator signs the declaration on the applicant's behalf, but must also provide supporting documentation such as a medical report or letter from a social worker explaining why the applicant cannot attend in person.

When should I sign the SASSA declaration form?

You sign the declaration at the time of submitting your grant application at a SASSA office. The SASSA official will witness your signature or thumbprint. Do not sign the form before arriving at the SASSA office — the official needs to verify your identity and witness the signing. The date on the declaration should match the date of your application.

Which grants require the SASSA declaration form?

All SASSA social grants require the declaration form. This includes: Child Support Grant (CSG) for children under 18, Disability Grant (DG) for people with a permanent or temporary disability, Older Persons Grant (OAG) for women 60+ and men 60+, Foster Child Grant for foster parents, Care Dependency Grant for children with severe disabilities, Grant-in-Aid for grant recipients who need full-time care, War Veterans Grant for former soldiers and their spouses, and Social Relief of Distress (SRD) for temporary emergency assistance.

What documents do I need when submitting the declaration form?

When submitting the declaration along with your grant application, you need your original South African ID document (green barcoded ID book or Smart ID card) and the completed grant application form for the specific grant you are applying for. Depending on the grant type, you may also need proof of income, a medical report (for disability grants), the child's birth certificate (for child support grants), or a court order (for foster child grants). The SASSA official will verify your identity before you sign.

Can I fill the SASSA declaration form before going to the SASSA office?

Yes, you can pre-fill the declaration form using the FillMeIn tool to save time at the SASSA office. Fill in your full name and the date, then print the completed form. You will still need to sign or place your thumbprint on the form at the SASSA office in the presence of an official. Pre-filling ensures your details are legible and reduces the time spent at the office.

What does "consent" mean on the SASSA declaration form?

The consent portion of the declaration authorises SASSA to access and verify your information held by other organisations. This includes checking your identity with Home Affairs, verifying your tax status with SARS, confirming your banking details with financial institutions, checking for existing employment or UIF benefits with the Department of Labour, and verifying property ownership with the Deeds Office. This consent is necessary for SASSA to confirm your eligibility for the grant.

Is my personal information safe when using FillMeIn to fill the SASSA declaration?

Yes. FillMeIn processes all your data entirely on your device. Your personal information, ID number, and all form data never leave your phone or computer — nothing is sent to our servers or stored in the cloud. This privacy-first approach means your sensitive information stays under your control at all times. You can fill the form offline and your data remains on your device even after generating the PDF.

SASSA Declaration by Applicant

South African Social Security Agency · Verified 1 May 2026