What Is A Vulnerable Child Declaration for NSFAS?

By Tevait Feanle •  Updated: 01/23/24 •  5 min read

As part of your NSFAS application process, you may be asked to provide a Vulnerable Child or Non-SASSA Declaration Form. Many applicants find these a very intimidating form to create, and the titles can be confusing if you are not used to bureaucratic systems. Luckily, you have us to help! Today we have rounded up everything you need to know about these types of forms and how to ensure they are filled in correctly so your application process is as smooth as possible.

- ADVERTISEMENT -

What Is a Vulnerable Child, Or Non-SASSA Declaration Form?

While the title of both forms is rather odd to look at, a Vulnerable Child or Non-SASSA Declaration Form is simply a document used to identify and verify the vulnerable status of a student, or someone who is not receiving any form of social grant through the South African Social Security Agency, better known as SASSA. You will typically be asked to provide a Vulnerable Child or Non-SASSA Declaration Form when you are applying for specific financial aid programs, including NSFAS for tertiary education.

The forms are intended to help interested parties gather information about the applicant’s circumstances. Sadly, the level of financial need in South Africa is so great that potential NSFAS students will often try to hide or obscure the real facts about their parents and other funding they receive in order to access financial assistance. Plus, of course, there are always scammers trying to exploit government programs for their own gain, which takes funding away from the truly needy. These declaration forms help to assess the financial need and vulnerability of the student, and help ensure that they receive appropriate assistance and support as much as possible without abusing the program. They are also used where the applicant provides details that do not match with SASSA’s records.

While providing a Vulnerable Child or Non-SASSA Declaration Form is a common part of applying for such financial assistance, the exact format and details needed can vary depending on the organization which has requested it. So don’t be afraid to ask for clarification on what exactly they expect! Today we are focusing specifically on the NSFAS version of these forms, but the information should help you with other applications too. You can download both forms from the SASSA website.

Who Signs The Vulnerable Child Declaration Form?

The Vulnerable Child Declaration Form will need to be signed by the applying student, alongside any guardian figure or registered social worker they have in their life (in the case of child-led households without a guardian). This form is commonly used by NSFAS where a student claims not to have family details or access to their abridged birth certificate or where they say they are an orphan.

- ADVERTISEMENT -

How To Fill In Non SASSA Declaration Form?

You can download the Non SASSA Declaration Form directly from NSFAS here. It is a very intuitive form to fill in, so simply work through each section and provide the details you are asked for.

It is important to complete the declaration form accurately and honestly, providing all the necessary information and supporting documents requested by NSFAS. This will help ensure that your application is processed correctly and that you receive the appropriate financial aid based on your circumstances.

Why Does NSFAS Want a Declaration Form?

NSFAS will request a declaration form when it needs to gather additional information about an applicant’s circumstances and to further verify their eligibility for financial aid. A declaration form helps NSFAS assess the financial need and vulnerability of the applicant accurately by gathering additional information, often from sources outside the family. Here are a few occasions where NSFAS may ask you for a declaration form:

We hope you now have a much stronger idea of when a declaration form may be requested by NSFAS, how to find the right form, and how to fill it in. Remember that honesty is always the best policy, and that the information you provide will be rigorously assessed by NSFAS, so it is important not to lie or obfuscate your circumstances.

- ADVERTISEMENT -

Keep Reading

How To Apply For NSFAS Online

How To Apply For NSFAS Online

It is for this very reason that the article was written for all those who want to know how to apply for NSFAS online.

Bursaries Similar To NSFAS

Bursaries Similar To NSFAS

Today we look at South African bursaries similar to the NSFAS program you may also want to consider, as well as exploring the wider concept of bursaries.

How Long Does NSFAS Take To Approve Application?

How Long Does NSFAS Take To Approve Application?

On average, it takes days to a few weeks for your application to be reviewed by someone in the NSFAS office.

How to Reapply For NSFAS Online

How to Reapply For NSFAS Online

Reapplying for NSFAS online can be a burden to who had their application declined. In this guide, we will take you through how to reapply for NSFAS online

Does NSFAS Accept Late Applications?

Does NSFAS Accept Late Applications?

Does NSFAS Accept Late Applications?. You should know the following things before submitting your application for NSFAS funding.   

How Many Times Can You Appeal NSFAS

How Many Times Can You Appeal NSFAS

As we continue to share the information, we want to ensure our readers find the best answers to queries relating to NSFAS appeal and rejection. 

How to Get NSFAS Proof of Funding Letter

How to Get NSFAS Proof of Funding Letter

This is everything you need to know about whether you've been funded, including a detailed guide on how to get NSFAS proof of funding letter

What is NSFAS?

What is NSFAS?

What is NSFAS? NSFAS helps undergraduates who cannot afford tertiary education, enabling students to contribute to the country's development.

Which Colleges Does NSFAS Fund in Gauteng

Which Colleges Does NSFAS Fund in Gauteng

Which Colleges Does NSFAS Fund in Gauteng. The following are the TVET colleges funded by NSFAS in Gauteng.

What Documents Do I Need to Apply For NSFAS

What Documents Do I Need to Apply For NSFAS

So What Documents Do I Need to Apply For NSFAS? To answer, you must first even understand the concept of documents

Does NSFAS Have Age Restriction?

Does NSFAS Have Age Restriction?

In this article, we explain crucial elements that can affect the outcome of your aid application.Does NSFAS Have Age Restriction?

How To Apply NSFAS At UNISA

How To Apply NSFAS At UNISA

Are you planning on studying through UNISA and looking to secure funding from NSFAS? If you answered yes, then this article is for you.

Can You Cancel NSFAS Application And Apply Again

Can You Cancel NSFAS Application And Apply Again

The answer is yes! You have the option to cancel your application if you want to and then reapply again later. Can You Cancel NSFAS Application And Apply Again

What Happens To NSFAS When You Change University?

What Happens To NSFAS When You Change University?

What Happens To NSFAS When You Change University? Should you decide to change Universities and still qualify for NSFAS, you will be able to keep your funding and continue at your new institution

How Much Should A Person Earn to Qualify For NSFAS?

How Much Should A Person Earn to Qualify For NSFAS?

How Much Should A Person Earn to Qualify For NSFAS. NSFAS updates its determination of financial needs annually to account