The Non-SASSA Declaration Form for NSFAS is an important supporting document required during the financial aid application process.
It applies to students whose parents or guardians do not receive SASSA grants, and it helps NSFAS verify household income, dependency, and financial need for funding.
If you’re applying for NSFAS and your household is not supported through SASSA, this guide explains what the form is, how to download it, how to submit it, and the requirements for 2026.
What Is the Non-SASSA Declaration Form and Who Needs It?
NSFAS uses the Non-SASSA declaration form to confirm the financial status of households not receiving social grants.
This form states that parents, caregivers, or guardians do not benefit from SASSA social grants, such as Child Support Grants, Disability Grants, Old Age Grants, or SRD (R370) temporary assistance.
This form is typically required for:
- Students applying for NSFAS for the first time
- Returning NSFAS beneficiaries with changed financial circumstances
- Applicants living with guardians instead of biological parents
- Households with informal or unverified income
- Students from unemployed or self-employed households
This form functions similarly to a Non-SASSA affidavit, and it supports verification for financial eligibility, which is an essential criterion for NSFAS funding.
NSFAS Non-SASSA Form Requirements and Supporting Documents
To avoid delays or rejection, students must ensure all required details and documents are correctly submitted. In 2026, the typical requirements include:
- Valid South African ID or birth certificate
- Parent/guardian IDs
- Proof of residence
- Proof of income (if applicable)
- Declaration form signed by parents or guardians
- Affidavit (for informal or no income households)
- Contact details for verification
NSFAS may also request alternative supporting documents when: - One or both parents are unemployed
- Income is self-reported
- Household income fluctuates
- Dependency status needs clarification
How to Download the Non-SASSA Declaration Form
NSFAS typically provides downloadable forms through its online application portal. To download the Non-SASSA form:
- Log into the NSFAS website or myNSFAS account
- Navigate to the Documents or Upload Supporting Documents section
- Select Non-SASSA Declaration Form
- Download and print the form
If you cannot locate the form online, NSFAS offices, university financial aid offices, and TVET college administration departments often provide printed versions.
How to Complete and Submit the Non-SASSA Form
Completing the form correctly is crucial for your NSFAS application to be processed. Here’s how to do it step-by-step:
Step 1: Fill in Applicant Details
Provide the student’s personal information, including:
- Full name
- ID number
- Institution (if applicable)
- Contact information
Step 2: Declare Parent or Guardian Household Details
This section confirms that no SASSA social grants are received by the household.
Step 3: Include Income Information
If parents or guardians are employed, unemployed, or self-employed, income must be disclosed truthfully.
Example: A household with informal trading income should attach an income affidavit.
Step 4: Sign and Certify
The form must be signed by parents or guardians, and in some cases, certified at a police station or affidavit commissioner.
Step 5: Upload or Submit to NSFAS
Students can submit through:
- myNSFAS online portal upload
- Campus financial aid office
- NSFAS walk-in support centres
Note: Incorrect submission is a common cause of application delays or provisional rejection.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Applicants often face processing issues due to:
- Missing signatures
- Incorrect household information
- No supporting affidavits
- Unverified income
- Out-of-date or expired documents
Tip: Adding household affidavits can strengthen cases involving informal or no-income scenarios, which are common among funding applicants.
Conclusion
The Non-SASSA Declaration Form helps NSFAS verify eligibility for students from households without social grant support.
Completing the form correctly and submitting accurate documents ensures smoother financial aid processing and reduces delays.
If you’re planning to apply for NSFAS funding, prepare your documents early and follow the steps carefully to improve your chances of approval in 2026.
FAQs
Do I need the Non-SASSA declaration form if my parents receive SASSA grants?
No. The form is only required for households that do not receive SASSA.
Can I submit an affidavit instead of the Non-SASSA form?
In some cases yes, but NSFAS may still require the official form as part of verification.
Where can I get help completing the form?
NSFAS offices, college financial aid teams, and university administration departments can assist.
What if household income is informal or cash-based?
Submit an affidavit confirming income type and amount for verification purposes.
Does the form affect funding approval?
Yes. NSFAS uses it to determine financial eligibility and dependency, which impacts approval decisions.