Do you have an elderly or frail family member who has trouble getting their monthly grant from merchants or other payment methods? Then you need a Procurator!
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Who Can Become A Procurator For Sassa Grants?
To apply for a SASSA grant on behalf of someone, the procurator needs to meet certain requirements. Firstly, they must be 18 years or older and a permanent resident of South Africa.
Additionally, the procurator should not be an unrehabilitated insolvent.
The procurator must also be willing to act on behalf of the beneficiary and have a valid 13-digit South African Identity document. It is also necessary to provide a life certificate for the beneficiary.
It’s important that the beneficiary doesn’t owe any debts to the procurator, and the procurator is limited to acting on behalf of a maximum of five beneficiaries.
To complete the application, the procurator needs to provide an affidavit, certifying the accuracy of all facts stated and confirming that all collected funds will be given to the beneficiary. Both the beneficiary’s and the appointee’s identity documents must be submitted.
If needed, a Sassa official can assist in capturing the appointee as the procurator during the application process. Ensuring that all these requirements are met will make the application process clear and straightforward.
A procurator must be appointed by the beneficiary of the grant. The grant beneficiary is required to complete an affidavit appointing the procurator to collect the grant on their behalf.
Through an affidavit, it is their [procurator] responsibility to ensure that the facts stated are correct and that all monies collected are given to the beneficiary.
Applying For Sassa Grants
A procurator may also be appointed to apply for a grant from Sassa on behalf of another person. This will usually occur when the grant applicant is unable to visit a Sassa office to submit a grant application.
Applications for the Child Support Grant, Older Persons Grant and Disability Grant can also be submitted online via the Sassa online services portal.
Sassa grant applicants must meet eligibility criteria specific to the grant they are applying. The procurator will be required to provide the relevant documents to support the Sassa grant application.
Individuals who want more information are encouraged to contact Sassa with their enquiries.
Related Resources
Student Loans in South Africa: How to Apply and What to Expect
For many young South Africans, accessing higher education is a dream that often comes with a financial challenge. Fortunately, several student loan optionsstrong> are available in South Africa to help fund university, college, or TVET studies. Whether you’re looking for a government loan like NSFAS or a private student loan from a bank, understanding the process is essential for success.
What Are Student Loans?
Student loans are a form of financial aid provided to eligible students to help cover tuition fees, books, accommodation, and other study-related expenses. In South Africa, these loans can come from government institutions like NSFAS or private banks such as Nedbank, Standard Bank, FNB, and Absa. Most loans offer repayment flexibility and low-interest options until you graduate.
Types of Student Loans in South Africa
- NSFAS (National Student Financial Aid Scheme): A government-funded loan/grant program for students from low-income households. Covers tuition, housing, transport, and meals.
- Bank Student Loans: Offered by most major banks. These are credit-based and require a guardian or parent as a co-signer.
- Private Loan Providers: Companies like Fundi offer educational loans covering various costs such as school fees, gadgets, and textbooks.
Requirements to Qualify for a Student Loan
Each provider has its own criteria, but most South African student loans require the following:
- Proof of South African citizenship or permanent residency
- Proof of registration or acceptance at a recognised tertiary institution
- Parent or guardian with a stable income to co-sign (for private loans)
- Completed application form with supporting documents (ID, proof of income, academic records)
How to Apply for a Student Loan
To apply for a student loan in South Africa, follow these steps:
- Identify your loan provider: Choose between NSFAS, a bank, or a private lender.
- Gather necessary documents: ID copies, academic transcripts, acceptance letters, and income statements.
- Complete the application form online or at a branch.
- Await approval: Some banks offer instant decisions, while NSFAS can take a few weeks.
- Receive disbursement: Funds are typically paid directly to the institution or your account, depending on the lender.
Loan Amounts and Repayment
The loan amount you can receive depends on your chosen lender and financial need:
- NSFAS: Covers full tuition, residence, books, and a personal allowance. The loan becomes a bursary if you pass all your courses.
- Banks: Can provide up to R120,000 or more annually, depending on tuition costs and credit history.
Repayment usually starts after graduation or once you start earning an income. Bank loans may require interest-only payments during your studies. NSFAS repayment only begins when you earn above a specific income threshold.
FAQs on Student Loans in South Africa
1. Can I apply for a student loan without a parent or guardian?
For government loans like NSFAS, yes. But most banks require a financially responsible co-signer, especially for students without an income.
2. Is NSFAS a loan or a bursary?
NSFAS starts as a loan, but it converts to a bursary if you meet academic performance requirements. This means you may not have to pay it back.
3. What is the interest rate on student loans?
Private banks offer competitive rates between 5% and 12%, depending on the applicant's credit profile. NSFAS charges a much lower interest rate, usually linked to inflation.
4. What happens if I fail my courses?
If you’re funded by NSFAS and fail, your loan won’t convert into a bursary, and you’ll need to repay the full amount. Banks may continue charging interest, and your co-signer may be held liable.
5. Can I use a student loan to pay for accommodation and laptops?
Yes. Both NSFAS and many bank student loans cover costs beyond tuition, including housing, meals, textbooks, and electronic devices like laptops or tablets.
Final Thoughts
Student loans in South Africa offer a much-needed financial lifeline to thousands of students every year. Whether you're applying through **NSFAS** or a private bank, ensure you understand the **terms, interest rates, and repayment conditions** before signing any agreement. Make informed decisions today to secure your academic and financial future tomorrow.