Get help from Social Welfare in Zimbabwe

What you'll usually need

Tick things off as you gather them. Your ticks are saved on this phone only.

Your national ID card
Birth certificates for you and anyone you support
For hospital bills: a referral from the medical social worker at the public hospital
If you are applying because of a disability: proof of disability from a government hospital
Any other papers that show your situation, such as a hospital bill

Find your district Social Welfare (Social Development) office. If you don't know where it is, call the Ministry's toll-free line on Call 1980.
Go in person and ask for the help you need by name. It could be an Assisted Medical Treatment Order (AMTO) for hospital costs, help with food, a pauper burial, or school fees (BEAM). You can apply for yourself, or someone can apply for you. Parents or guardians apply for children.
For hospital costs, first see the medical social worker at the public hospital treating you. Ask for a referral for an AMTO and take it to your district office. The AMTO is a voucher, and it only works at government hospitals.
An officer assesses your case. They look at how much hardship you and your dependants face, what other help you get, and your health. They may ask for more papers, or ask you to come back in person.
The office must tell you its decision within a reasonable time. Ask when to come back, and keep any papers they give you.
If you are refused, you can appeal in writing to the Minister of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare within 30 days of being told. Send your appeal to the Ministry's head office: 9th Floor, Kaguvi Building, corner Simon Muzenda Street and Central Avenue, Harare.

The AMTO covers treatment at government hospitals for people in need who are over 60, disabled or chronically ill, and their dependants.
Other help includes cash transfers in selected districts, support when food is short, pauper burials, and grants for older people living in care homes. You can register for cash transfers only in the districts chosen for them.
If your situation changes, or you start getting help from somewhere else, tell the office straight away. The law requires it.
For help with school fees, see the BEAM guide.
The department does not use agents, for adoptions or anything else.