• Obtain an application form – either by downloading one, contacting the Call Centre on 0860 00 4367, or from your HR department;
• Complete the form, ensuring that you have completed all the sections in full and that you have provided the requested supplementary documents (see ‘Documents Required’)
• Send the completed form and documents by:
  • fax to 0861 00 4367;
  • post to GEMS, Private Bag X782, Cape Town, 8000; or
  • e-mail to enquiries@gems.gov.za

Detailed list of requirements and documents needed to register a dependant › 

Husband or wife

• For a customary marriage, we need an affidavit from the principal member confirming the obligation towards the
  husband or wife.
  
• We need a certified copy of the marriage certificate if married and the surname of the husband or wife is different from the principal member's surname.
  

Ex-husband or ex-wife

• We need a copy of the legal obligation to provide medical support as required by the divorce settlement.
  

Partner

• We need an affidavit (completed by the principal member, partner and a witness) confirming that the dependant is the
  principal member's life partner.

Children (biological, adopted, step or foster) under the age of 21

• If the child's surname is different to that of the principal member, the principal member must complete an affidavit stating the reason for the difference and confirming the obligation towards the child.

Children (biological, adopted, step or foster), over the age of 21

If the child is a student and not yet 28 years old, we need:

• Proof of registration at a recognised tertiary institution.
  
• Affidavit from the principal member confirming financial dependency.

If the child is totally dependent due to mental or physical disability, we need:

• Proof of disability from a medical practitioner (medical assessment report to be completed by a medical
  practitioner) and
  
• An affidavit from the principal member confirming financial dependency and that the child is not in a state institution.

If the child is neither a student nor disabled, we need:

• An affidavit from the principal member confirming financial dependency.
  
• Remember: In this instance, adult rates will be payable for this dependant.

Parents, parents-in-law, grandparents and grandparents-in-law

• We need an affidavit from the principal member confirming financial dependency of the dependants.
  
• Parents-in-law and grandparents-in-law may only be registered if the husband, wife or partner is also registered as a dependant.

Grandchildren and great grandchildren

They may be registered as dependants:

• If the principal member or the husband or wife receives a child support grant
  OR
  
• If the principal member or husband or wife gives us a sworn affidavit that he or she takes primary responsibility for meeting the daily needs of the child.
  
• We need an affidavit to be completed by the principal member and biological parent, where applicable confirming financial dependency of the grandchild on the principal member.
  
• If the parent of the child is also registered as a dependant, an affidavit is only needed from the principal member for
  the grandchild or great grandchild.

Siblings (brothers or sisters), half-siblings, step-siblings and siblings-in-law

• We need an affidavit (to be completed by the principal member) confirming financial dependency of the sibling on the principal member.
  
• The husband, wife or partner must be registered to add their siblings as dependants.

Nephews and nieces (including in-laws)

• We need an affidavit confirming financial dependency of nephews and nieces on the principal member. The affidavit must
  be completed by the member and the sibling, where applicable.
  
• If the parent of the child is also registered as a dependant, an affidavit is only needed from the principal member for
  the niece or nephew.

Registering a newborn in time is very important!

A completed newborn registration form and a certified copy of the birth certificate must be sent to the Scheme within 60 days
from the birth of the child. If the newborn's surname is different from that of the principal member, the Scheme must be provided with an affidavit confirming that the child is theirs.

Contributions for the child will be due from the first day of the month after the month in which he/she was born if the child is registered within 60 days of the date of birth. If the newborn is not registered in time, we will not be able to register the child as a dependant on the Scheme from the date of their birth. This means that we will not cover any expenses related to the newborn's birth and the member will have to pay the costs out of his/her own pocket.

Yearly review of dependants:

Every year, the Scheme reviews whether dependants still qualify to receive benefits according to the Scheme Rules.

Each year, principal members must give us proof of financial dependency for all dependants over the age of 21.

Disabled dependants and dependants (parents, parents in law, partners) who are over 65 years (pensioners) only need to give supporting documents to the Scheme once.

The table below gives more details about  students qualifying to be dependants:

Why it is important to provide the required documents in time:

• If ALL the required documents (as specified on the eligibility review letters sent to members) are not received before the end of the birth month, we will remove the dependant from the Scheme. We could also change the rates from child dependant to adult rates.
  
• If documents for a newborn are provided late, the dependant will not be covered by the Scheme from the date of birth. Required information must be received.