Maintenance Grant in Namibia: All You Need to Know About the Financial Assistance for Parents

In this post, We are going to tell you how to apply for Maintenance Grant in Namibia. Are you a parent struggling to make ends meet after the death of your spouse? The Ministry of Gender Equality and Child Welfare offers financial assistance through the Maintenance Grant in Namibia to help you take care of your children. Here’s what you need to know to apply for this grant.

Requirements for the Maintenance Grant in Namibia (How To Apply For Child support In Namibia)
Requirements for the Maintenance Grant in Namibia (How To Apply For Child support In Namibia)

Requirements for the Maintenance Grant in Namibia (How To Apply For Child support In Namibia)

To apply for the Grant, you will need to provide the following documents:

  1. Certified copies of your birth certificate and identity document
  2. Certified copies of your child or children’s full birth certificates, confirmation of birth, or baptism card
  3. A certified copy of your marriage certificate (if applicable)
  4. The latest school report for each school-going child
  5. A certified copy of your spouse’s death certificate (in case of death)
  6. A letter from the prison and a declaration from your spouse (if your spouse is in prison)
  7. Proof of your spouse receiving a disability grant or an old-age pension (if applicable)
  8. If you are employed, a pay slip with the name, phone number, and address of your employer. If you are not employed, a police declaration.
Who Qualifies for the Maintenance Grant in Namibia (How To Apply For Child support In Namibia)
Who Qualifies for the Maintenance Grant in Namibia (How To Apply For Child support In Namibia)

Who Qualifies for the Maintenance Grant in Namibia (How To Apply For Child support In Namibia)

The Grant is available to the following individuals:

  1. Biological parents with a child or children under the age of 18 whose spouse has died and earns less than N$1000.00 per month or is unemployed
  2. Children whose parent receives an old-age pension or a disability grant
  3. Parents whose spouse is sentenced to imprisonment for six months or longer
  4. Namibian citizens and permanent residents
How to Apply for the Maintenance Grant in Namibia (How To Apply For Child support In Namibia)
How to Apply for the Maintenance Grant in Namibia (How To Apply For Child support In Namibia)

How to Apply for the Maintenance Grant in Namibia (How To Apply For Child support In Namibia)

To apply, you will need to contact the Ministry of Gender Equality and Child Welfare. You can reach them at the following number:

Head Office: +264 283 3111

Don’t let financial struggles prevent you from providing for your children. The Grant is available to help you during this difficult time. Apply today and take the first step towards financial stability.

Step-by-Step Tutorial: How to Apply for Maintenance According to the Maintenance Act 9 of 2003 (How To Apply For Child support In Namibia)

According to the Maintenance Act 9 of 2003, parents have a joint responsibility for the maintenance of their child. This tutorial will guide you through the process of applying for maintenance for a child in Namibia. (How To Apply For Child support In Namibia)

Total Time: 3 minutes

Gather the necessary information to apply for child support In Namibia

As the person applying for maintenance, you will need to provide relevant details about yourself and the child. This includes your name, date of birth, contact information, and a statement confirming that the person from whom you are seeking maintenance is the child’s parent and is not currently providing support. You will also need to provide details about the child’s living expenses and any contributions currently being made by either parent.

Go to the nearest magistrate’s court to apply for child support In Namibia

Locate the nearest magistrate’s court in your area. No appointment is necessary, and in some towns, there may be a specific court dedicated to maintenance cases. Once you are at the court, you will need to speak to the clerk of the court.

Complete the complaint form to apply for child support In Namibia

The clerk of the court or the maintenance officer will assist you in completing the complaint form. Provide the required information accurately and ensure that all necessary sections are filled in.

Maintenance officer investigation:

The maintenance officer is required to investigate every complaint, including those made by a child. They have the authority to order individuals to provide information, such as employers or banks, in order to assess the non-supporting parent’s income or assets.

Informal resolution or mediation:

Prior to going to court, the maintenance officer may attempt to reach an informal agreement between the parties involved. This could involve discussing the case with all parties present. Mediation is not mandatory and may not be advisable if there is a history of violence between the parents or between parent and child.

Enquiry and evidence to apply for child support In Namibia

If an informal agreement is not reached, the maintenance court will set a date for an enquiry. During the enquiry, the magistrate will listen to all parties involved and consider the evidence presented. It is not necessary to have legal representation as the maintenance officer will help you present all relevant information before the court.

Private proceedings:

The proceedings in a maintenance court are private. Only individuals directly involved in the case are allowed to be present.

Maintenance order:

If the court determines that the parent in question is financially able to contribute towards the child’s maintenance, a maintenance order will be given. The order will state the amount to be paid, the start date of payments, the payment schedule, and the method of payment. Payments can be made directly to the court for collection by the child or caretaker, or paid into a designated bank account.

Enforcement of maintenance order:

If the payments are not made as ordered, the court can take action once a payment is ten days overdue.

Duration of maintenance:

Maintenance for a child is typically paid until the child reaches the age of 18. However, if the child is still studying, the court may extend the payment period until the child turns 21.

Supply:

  • Your name, date of birth, contact information, and a statement confirming that the person from whom you are seeking maintenance is the child's parent and is not currently providing support

Tools:

  • Magistrate Court

Materials: Details about the child's living expenses and any contributions currently being made by either parent

It is important for parents to fulfill their parental duties without court orders. However, if they fail to do so, children have the right to take legal action to secure maintenance for themselves.

Frequently Asked Questions (How To Apply For Child support In Namibia)
Frequently Asked Questions (How To Apply For Child support In Namibia)

Frequently Asked Questions (How To Apply For Child support In Namibia)

What is a Maintenance Grant in Namibia?

It is financial assistance given to a parent with a child(ren) under the age of 18 whose spouse has died. It is meant to support the care of children.

Who is eligible to apply for child support in Namibia?

A biological parent with a child or children under the age of 18 whose spouse has died and earns less than N$1000.00 per month or is unemployed, a child whose parent receives an old-age pension or a disability grant, or a parent whose spouse is sentenced to imprisonment for six months or longer. Namibian citizens and permanent residents are eligible.

What are the requirements to apply for Maintenance Grant in Namibia?

To apply, you need certified copies of the applicant’s birth certificate and Identity document, certified copies of the child or children’s full birth certificates/confirmation of birth or baptism card, a certified copy of the applicant’s marriage certificate where applicable, the latest school report of each school-going child, a certified copy of the spouse’s death certificate in case of death, and proof of the spouse receiving a disability grant or an old age pension. If the spouse is in prison, a letter from the prison and a declaration from him/her confirming this is needed. If the applicant is employed, a pay slip with the name, phone number, and address of the employer is required. If not employed, a police declaration is needed.

How can I contact the Ministry of Gender Equality and Child Welfare regarding the Maintenance Grant in Namibia?

You can contact the Ministry of Gender Equality and Child Welfare head office at +264 283 3111 for more information.

Who is eligible to apply for child support in Namibia?
Who is eligible to apply for child support in Namibia?

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