In case you did not know, a veteran is an individual who has actively served in the SA military, navy, marines or airforce and was honourably relieved of their duties.
Seeing that serving in the military, navy etc is the main source of income for many, it is important that they are duly compensated for their service and can still stand on their feet whiles looking for the next thing to do. This help/reward comes in the form of veteran benefits. You need to be a veteran to get veteran benefits.
Requirements to qualify for veteran benefits in South Africa
It is clearly stated in the law that every veteran is entitled to benefits however there are some conditions.
- To be eligible you must meet the criteria for the applied benefits
- Be listed in the national military veteran’s database
However, there is a clause that states that although you may meet sub-regulation 1(stated above), you will be immediately disqualified if you have been convicted and imprisoned for crimes like rape and murder. On the condition that the crime was committed after 27 April 1994 and you were in prison for over 5 years.
Veteran Benefits
Veteran benefits are broad and cover things like;
compensation for injury, trauma and disease
counselling and treatment for mental health disorders like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Access to healthcare
Housing benefits
procedure to apply for veteran benefits
To start, you need to complete the application form available at the office of the department.
You can ask for help from any designated official in filling out the application form if you cannot do so.
You must include all the paperwork with the application form.
Two designated officials will have to certify that you meet all the application requirements.
The department will give you a receipt which;
contains the date and official stamp of the department.
has your name and identity number
the names of the designated officials involved
Documents you need to apply for benefits
You must have the following original copies of your
official military veteran ID
marriage certificate
birth certificate of children
Notification
30 days after your application, the department will write you to notify you of whether your application has been approved. They may deliver the notification to your physical address or through electronic mail. If your application was successful, the department will give you further instructions on receiving your benefits. However, if your application was rejected, the department will give you the reasons for turning you down and you are within your legal right to appeal the decision.
