SASSA life certificate (proof of life) - the annual confirmation

Updated on 30 April 2026

A SASSA life certificate - sometimes called proof of life - is a simple periodic confirmation that an older persons grant recipient is still alive and still living in South Africa. SASSA uses it as a fraud-prevention check to make sure grants do not continue to be paid after a beneficiary has passed away or permanently left the country.

Most older persons paid into a bank account in their own name never have to submit one - SASSA verifies them through banking activity. The people who do need to submit a life certificate are usually those who collect cash at a paypoint, those who SASSA cannot verify through other channels, or those flagged through routine reviews.

When do you need to submit a life certificate?

SASSA contacts you directly when a life certificate is required. You will get one of:

• An SMS from SASSA telling you to submit a life certificate by a specific deadline.
• A letter delivered to your registered address.
• An announcement at your cash paypoint on collection day.
• Notice during a routine SASSA review (annual or every few years).

If you have not been notified, you do not need to act. Submitting a life certificate when SASSA has not requested one will not normally cause issues, but it is unnecessary.

Where to submit your life certificate

You have several options. All are free of charge:

1. Any SASSA office - bring your ID and SASSA card. Find your nearest office on the SASSA branch finder.
2. Your local SAPS (police) station - any SAPS member who is a commissioner of oaths can sign. Take your ID and the SASSA life certificate form (or a plain letter saying you confirm you are still alive and resident in SA).
3. A magistrates court - commissioners of oaths can sign your form there.
4. Your cash paypoint - SASSA officials at the paypoint can verify and stamp the form on collection day. This is often the easiest method.
5. Home visit - if you are bedridden or housebound, phone 0800 60 10 11 or visit your nearest SASSA office on behalf of the beneficiary to arrange an officer to visit at home.

What to bring

• Your original ID document (green book or smart ID card).
• Your SASSA Postbank card if you have one.
• The SASSA life certificate form if SASSA sent one to you. If not, the office will give you a fresh one.
• Your proof of address if asked (utility bill, lease, affidavit) - usually only needed if SASSA flagged residency.

The form (what gets signed)

The life certificate form is short. It includes:

• Your full name and ID number.
• Your physical address.
• A short declaration that you are still alive and reside in South Africa.
• The date and signature.
• The stamp and signature of the commissioner of oaths or SASSA official.

If you have lost the SASSA-issued form, any commissioner of oaths can draw up an equivalent affidavit. As long as it includes the declaration, your details, the date, and a stamped signature, SASSA will accept it.

What happens if you miss the deadline

If you do not submit by the deadline, your grant payment is suspended. This is a temporary pause - the grant is not cancelled. To reactivate:

1. Visit your nearest SASSA office with your ID and SASSA card.
2. Submit the life certificate.
3. Briefly explain why you missed the deadline (illness, travel, did not receive the SMS, etc.).
4. SASSA reactivates your grant within 1 to 2 payment cycles and back-pays the missed months.

If a beneficiary has passed away, the family must report this to SASSA as soon as possible at 0800 60 10 11 so the grant can be properly closed and the family can claim a funeral grant if eligible. Continuing to receive grant money after a beneficiary has died is fraud and SASSA will recover the funds.

Frequency: how often do you have to do this?

There is no fixed yearly cycle for everyone. SASSA runs routine reviews on different categories of beneficiaries, and you only need to submit a life certificate when you are reviewed. Some beneficiaries go several years without one; others (especially those collecting cash) may be reviewed annually.

The current trend is for SASSA to verify more beneficiaries automatically through bank-account activity and biometric data, so the use of paper life certificates is reducing.

Can someone do this for me?

No. The whole point of a life certificate is that the beneficiary appears in person to confirm they are alive. If you are unable to travel due to illness or being bedridden:

• A family member or caregiver can arrange a home visit by calling SASSA on 0800 60 10 11.
• The home visit is free.
• The SASSA official will verify the beneficiary in person at the home and sign the certificate there.

FAQ

What is a SASSA life certificate?

A periodic confirmation that an older persons grant recipient is still alive and resident in South Africa. SASSA uses it to prevent fraud.

How often is a SASSA life certificate required?

It is requested when SASSA reviews your account, which can be annual or every few years depending on your category. You will receive an SMS or letter when it is needed.

Where do I submit a SASSA life certificate?

SASSA offices, SAPS stations, magistrates courts, or your cash paypoint. All are free.

Does my old-age grant stop if I miss the deadline?

The payment is suspended (not cancelled). Submit the certificate at a SASSA office to reactivate the grant, and SASSA will back-pay the missed months.

Can someone else submit it on my behalf?

No. You must appear in person. If you cannot travel, arrange a home visit through 0800 60 10 11.

What documents do I need?

Original ID document and your SASSA card. Bring the SASSA-issued form if you received one; otherwise, the office will provide one.

Related SASSA pages

• Old Age Grant Hub
• Find Your Nearest SASSA Office
• Grant Amounts 2026
• SASSA Contact Numbers
• Update Your Banking Details