How to Register Your Dependents Under SHA

SHA covers more than just you. Your spouse. Your children. Your parents.

But they need to be registered first.

Here's exactly how to add your dependents to your SHA coverage.

Table of Contents

• Who Can Be Your Dependent?
• Documents You Need
  • For Spouse
  • For Children Under 18
  • For Children 18–24 (Students)
  • For Children with Disability
  • For Parents
  • For Parents-in-Law
• How to Register Dependents
  • Method 1: SHA Super App
  • Method 2: SHA Office/Huduma Centre
  • Method 3: Through Employer (If Employed)
• Step-by-Step: Adding a Spouse
• Step-by-Step: Adding Children
• Verifying Dependent Registration
  • Check via SHA App
  • Check via USSD
  • Check at Facility
• When Registration Takes Effect
• Cost of Adding Dependents
  • Under SHIF (Social Health Insurance Fund)
• Common Problems and Solutions
  • Problem: "Document Rejected"
  • Problem: "Dependent Already Registered"
  • Problem: "Relationship Cannot Be Verified"
  • Problem: "Student Status Not Confirmed"
• Updating Dependent Information
• Removing Dependents
• Tips for Smooth Registration
  • Before You Start
  • During Registration
  • After Submission
• The Bottom Line
• Next Steps

Who Can Be Your Dependent?

SHA allows you to register certain family members as dependents.

Important: The specific dependents allowed may vary. Check current SHA guidelines for the most up-to-date list.

Documents You Need

For Spouse

For Children Under 18

For Children 18–24 (Students)

For Children with Disability

For Parents

For Parents-in-Law

How to Register Dependents

Method 1: SHA Super App

1. Download SHA Super App (if you haven't)
2. Login with your credentials
3. Go to "Dependents" or "Manage Dependents"
4. Select "Add Dependent"
5. Choose dependent type (spouse, child, parent)
6. Enter dependent details (name, ID, date of birth)
7. Upload required documents (photos of documents)
8. Submit application
9. Wait for verification (usually 3–7 days)

Method 2: SHA Office/Huduma Centre

1. Gather all documents (originals and copies)
2. Visit SHA office or Huduma Centre
3. Fill dependent registration form
4. Submit documents
5. Get receipt/reference number
6. Wait for processing
7. Receive confirmation

Method 3: Through Employer (If Employed)

1. Submit documents to HR
2. HR processes with SHA
3. Confirmation through payroll system

Step-by-Step: Adding a Spouse

Let's walk through adding your spouse as a dependent.

Step 1: Gather Documents

• Your ID
• Spouse's ID (both sides)
• Marriage certificate
• Spouse's passport photo

Step 2: Access Registration

• Open SHA Super App
• Login
• Navigate to "Dependents"
• Tap "Add Dependent"

Step 3: Fill Details

• Select "Spouse"
• Enter spouse's full name (as on ID)
• Enter spouse's ID number
• Enter spouse's date of birth
• Select gender

Step 4: Upload Documents

• Take clear photos of:
  • Spouse's ID (front)
  • Spouse's ID (back)
  • Marriage certificate
  • Spouse's passport photo

Step 5: Submit and Wait

• Review all information
• Submit application
• Note your reference number
• Check status in app after 3–5 days

Step-by-Step: Adding Children

For each child:

Step 1: Prepare Documents

• Child's birth certificate
• Child's passport photo
• Your ID (you're the principal member)

Step 2: Enter Child Details

• Full name (as on birth certificate)
• Date of birth
• Gender

Step 3: Upload Documents

• Birth certificate (clear photo)
• Child's passport photo

Step 4: Submit

• Each child submitted separately
• Get reference number for each

For children 18–24 (students): Add school enrollment documents and student ID.

Verifying Dependent Registration

After submission, verify your dependents were added:

Check via SHA App

1. Login to SHA Super App
2. Go to "My Dependents" or "Coverage"
3. View list of registered dependents
4. Check status of each (pending, active)

Check via USSD

If available, use SHA USSD service to check dependent status.

Check at Facility

When visiting a SHA facility:

• Give your ID
• Ask them to verify dependents in system
• They can see who is covered under you

When Registration Takes Effect

Tip: Start the process before you need services. Don't wait until someone is sick.

Cost of Adding Dependents

Under SHIF (Social Health Insurance Fund)

For employed members:

• SHIF deduction is percentage-based
• Adding dependents doesn't change premium
• All registered dependents covered

For self-employed/voluntary:

• Fixed contribution amount
• Check if dependent count affects rate

Note: Contribution structures may vary. Verify current rates with SHA.

Common Problems and Solutions

Problem: "Document Rejected"

Causes:

• Poor image quality
• Wrong document type
• Expired document

Solution:

• Take clearer photos
• Ensure correct documents
• Update expired IDs/certificates

Problem: "Dependent Already Registered"

Causes:

• Dependent registered under someone else
• Previous registration still active

Solution:

• Contact SHA to investigate
• May need to resolve with other registrant
• Provide proof of relationship

Problem: "Relationship Cannot Be Verified"

Causes:

• Names don't match across documents
• Missing linking documents

Solution:

• Ensure names are consistent
• Provide additional proof (birth certificate, marriage certificate)
• Get statutory declaration if needed

Problem: "Student Status Not Confirmed"

For children 18–24:

• Provide current enrollment letter
• Submit recent fee statement
• Include valid student ID
• School must be recognized

Updating Dependent Information

When to update:

• Dependent gets new ID
• Name change (marriage)
• Address change
• School change for students
• Disability status change

How to update:

1. Access SHA app or visit office
2. Select the dependent
3. Update relevant information
4. Upload new documents
5. Submit change request

Removing Dependents

When you need to remove:

• Divorce (remove ex-spouse)
• Child turns 25 and not disabled
• Death of dependent
• Dependent gets own coverage

Process:

1. Submit removal request
2. Provide reason
3. May need supporting documents (divorce decree, death certificate)
4. Dependent removed from your coverage

Tips for Smooth Registration

Before You Start

• Gather all documents first
• Check all documents are current and valid
• Ensure names match across documents
• Take clear photos of all documents

During Registration

• Fill all fields accurately
• Double-check ID numbers
• Upload high-quality images
• Save reference numbers

After Submission

• Check status regularly
• Respond to any queries promptly
• Don't assume approval — verify
• Test coverage at a facility once approved

The Bottom Line

To register dependents under SHA:

1. Know who qualifies (spouse, children, parents)
2. Gather correct documents (IDs, certificates, photos)
3. Submit via app or office
4. Wait for approval (3–7 days typically)
5. Verify before using services

Your dependents can access SHA services once properly registered. Don't wait until an emergency.

Next Steps

1. List all dependents you want to register
2. Gather required documents for each
3. Start with your spouse and children
4. Use SHA Super App for convenience
5. Read: SHA Super App Guide