So, you have decided to apply for the NSFAS Disability fund but have no idea how to go about it. If you take your mouse for a scroll on the internet, you are sure to find tons and tons of articles written to help out.
However, most of these articles barely scratch the surface. Against that backdrop, this article offers a comprehensive guide that explains the procedures involved in applying and spells out all you need to know about NSFAS Disability Fund online applications.
How to apply for NSFAS Disability Fund Online
Fortunately, applying for NSFAS Disability Fund online is a thing you can do easily and comfortably from anywhere. All you have to do is;
visit the National Student Financial Aid Scheme’s website, https://www.nsfas.org.za.
You will need a valid MyNSFAS Account, which you can create at a designated section on the website. Apart from that, the application process involves four steps.
- In the first step, you create or log in to your MyNSFAS account.
- In the second step, you start the application properly by clicking on ‘Apply’ in the consequent window.
- In the third step, you provide the necessary information and upload the required documents.
- In the final step, click on ‘Submit’ to complete and finalize your application.
The application process attracts no fee charge.
Who qualifies to apply for NSFAS Disability Fund?
To be eligible to apply for NSFAS Disability Fund, you must demonstrate that you meet all the primary requirements specified by the NSFAS.
The first of such requirements is that you must be a student living with a disability. This ability must be long-term, frequent and severe in impact. In addition, you must also be a South African national enrolled for studies at a public university/technical and vocational education training (TVET) college with an annual household income of less than 600,000 South African Rand. Students who fail to meet these requirements are considered ineligible for the NSFAS Disability Fund.
How to Apply for NSFAS Disability?
As is evident already, applying for NSFAS Disability Fund is quite a simple and easy thing to do. You do not have to pay a dime to apply. All you have to do is:
- Log on to MyNSFAS platform using the link https://my.nsfas.org.za
- Log in by inputting your ID number and password (or create a valid account).
- Click on ‘Apply’.
- Input required information.
- Upload necessary documents.
- Click on ‘Submit’ to complete the application
According to the NSFAS, a submitted application must have a Disability Annexure Form attached to be considered complete and worthy of consideration for approval.
Do I need documents to apply for NSFAS Disability Fund?
You will need some documents if you are applying for NSFAS Disability Fund. The NSFAS requires these documents to process applications. These documents include the Human Support Claim Form (shown in the first picture below) and Disability Annexure A Form (illustrated in the second picture below).
A sample of the Human Support Claim Form
Apart from these forms, you will also need to present a secondary school matriculation certificate, a medical report to prove permanent disability, a South African identity document, as well as proof of income (used to determine family income).
What are the benefits of the NSFAS Disability Fund?
NSFAS Disability Fund is a funding source that comes with a lot of benefits attached. These benefits include the following:
- Financial support that covers study-related costs like tuition and registration fees.
- Support for extra-study costs through allowances such as transport allowance, personal/incidental allowance, meal allowance, allowance for study materials, and an accommodation allowance.
- You also enjoy extra support available in the form of allowances that cover medical assessments, assistive devices and human support. The first two allowances are paid in bulk at once, while the third is provided annually.
The financial worth of allowances provided by the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) to beneficiaries may be reviewed as the NSFAS deems fit on an annual basis. However, allowances usually sum up to more than 30,000 South African Rand yearly.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Disability Annexure A Form?
Annexure A Form is designed for students with disabilities applying for funding from NSFAS. Applicants fill out this form, which is otherwise known as the Disability Assessment Questionnaire, to provide information on any form of disability they may be living with. This form is an important document required of every applicant living with a disability.
What is MyNSFAS?
MyNSFAS is the official platform designed for students applying to the scheme and existing beneficiaries. It is where registrations and applications pertaining to the scheme are done. MyNSFAS can be accessed by using the link https://my.nsfas.org.za.
