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How to Add Child to SHA Below 18: Documents Needed

This page explains how to add child to SHA below 18 when the child is your own biological child. You only need a number from the birth certificate. The child does not need a National ID yet, because that is asked for only from age 18.

If the child is adopted, or you are their legal guardian rather than their parent, use the matching page in the table further down.

How to Add Child to SHA Below 18: Where to Click

Every step of the login and navigation is explained in the full guide on how to add dependants to SHA.

Documents Needed to Add a Child Under 18 to SHA

Birth Certificate Number or Birth Notification Number: Which One to Use

Use the birth certificate number whenever your child has a certificate. Use the birth notification reference number only when the certificate has not been issued yet.

Whichever one you use, copy the number exactly as printed, including any letters or dashes. A single wrong character is a common reason a dependant cannot be matched.

Tips on How to Add Child to SHA Below 18 Before You Submit

• Check that the child’s name matches the birth certificate exactly.
• Make sure your own SHA account is active before you add anyone.
• Keep the birth certificate or notification slip next to you while you type the number.
• Add each child separately, one Add Dependant entry per child.

Is This the Right Page?

This page covers how to add child to SHA below 18 for one case only: your own biological child. Pick the page that matches your situation.

Your situation	Page to use
Your own child, 18 or older	How to add a child above 18 to SHA
Adopted child, under 18	How to add an adopted child under 18
Child under your guardianship, under 18	How to add a loco parentis child under 18
Your spouse	How to add your spouse on SHA

What Happens After You Add Your Child

After you save, SHA verifies the details. Until then the child shows as Pending, so wait for the confirmation before you rely on the cover.

When the child turns 18, the portal asks for the child’s own National ID number instead of the birth certificate. See the above-18 page for that stage.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I add a child to SHA below 18?

Log in to Afya Yangu, open My Profile, then Dependants, then Add Dependant. Choose Child, select below 18, and enter the birth certificate number or birth notification reference number.

Can I add my child with a birth notification number?

Yes, if the birth certificate has not been issued. Use the reference number from the birth notification.

Does a child under 18 need a National ID?

No. For a child under 18, SHA asks for the birth certificate number or the birth notification reference number instead.

What if the name on the portal does not match the certificate?

Correct the name so it matches the certificate exactly before you submit. Do not guess spellings.

When does this child need a National ID?

When the child turns 18, the portal asks for the child’s National ID number instead. See the above-18 page.

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