The SASSA Disability Grant is a financial assistance program provided by the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) to individuals with disabilities who are unable to support themselves financially. The grant is intended to aid with basic needs such as food, clothing, and shelter. To qualify for the grant, individuals must be assessed by a medical professional and be certified as having a permanent disability that prevents them from being able to work. The grant amount is currently R1,980 per month.
In addition to the basic requirements, there are other eligibility criteria that must be met in order to qualify for the SASSA Disability Grant. These e include:
- South African citizenship or legal permanent residency
- A monthly income below a certain threshold (currently R3,500)
- No access to any other form of financial assistance
- No access to any other form of income (such as a pension or salary)
Individuals who meet these criteria can apply for the grant by submitting the necessary documentation to SASSA, including proof of identity, proof of residence, and a medical certificate certifying the individual’s permanent disability. The application process can take several months to complete, and the grant is reviewed on an annual basis to ensure that the individual continues to meet the eligibility criteria.
It’s important to note that the SASSA Disability Grant is not the only financial assistance available for people with disabilities in South Africa. There are other grants and programs, such as the Care Dependency Grant, that are specifically for individuals who require care and assistance due to their disability.
SASSA Disability Grant Application Process
A disability grant requires that you be assessed and diagnosed by a medical practitioner recognized by SASSA. The medical practitioner will assist you and make recommendation to SASSA as to whether your impairment it’s severe enough to qualify for a disability grant. SASSA makes the final decision towards the grant or not, not the medical practitioner. After the medical assessment has been done the application process can begin.
During the process, an assessor official will assist you to complete the application forms.
The disability grant will be awarded if you meet the legislated requirements and where the medical assessment confirms that you are able to work because of your condition or disability. Whether the grant is provided as a temporary grant or a permanent grant is determined from the medical assessment. The assessment also indicates whether a medical review will be required in the future.
Where Do You Apply for the Disability Grant?
- You apply at the SASSA office nearest to where you live.
- If you are too old or sick to travel to the office to apply for a grant a family or a friend can apply on your behalf.
- Your application form will be completed in the presence of an officer from SASSA.
- When your application is completed, you will be given a receipt – keep the receipt safe it’s your only proof of application.
- Please note that you do not need to pay any money to apply.
- If your application is not approved by SASSA, you must be given a reason in writing why.
- You have the right to request SASSA to reconsider its decision, if you are unhappy with the decision made. If the reconsidered decision is still unfavorable, you have the right to appeal to the Minister of Social Development. The request for SASSA to reconsider its decision must be informed by the outcome of your application and must be launched with SASSA within 90 days of you being informed of the outcome of your application.
If your grant is approved, you will be paid from the date on which you applied.
Who Qualifies for the SASSA Disability Grant?
Applicant of the SASSA disability grant will have to meet the following requirements for their application to be considered:
- You must be a South African citizen, permanent resident or refugee.
- You must live in South Africa.
- You must be between 18 and 59 years of age.
- You must submit a medical/assessment report confirming your disability.
- The medical assessment must not be older than three months at date of application.
- You and your spouse must meet the requirements of the means test.
- You must not be maintained in a state institution.
- You must not receive another social grant for yourself.
Applicants for the SASSA disability grant will also be required to submit the following documentations:
- Proof of identity: A valid South African ID document or passport is required.
- Proof of residence: A utility bill, lease agreement, or similar document that shows the applicant’s physical address.
- Medical certificate: A certificate from a medical professional certifying the applicant’s permanent disability. This certificate must be signed by a doctor, nurse practitioner, or occupational therapist and must indicate the nature of the disability and how it affects the applicant’s ability to work.
- Income statement: A statement of the applicant’s income, including any other forms of financial assistance or income they may be receiving.
- Bank statement: A bank statement showing the applicant’s bank account details.
- Completed application form: SASSA provides an application form that must be completed and signed by the applicant.
It’s important to note that these are the basic requirements for the application process, SASSA may request for additional documents or information to support the application process.
Suspension of the SASSA Disability Grant Application
The following may result in the suspension of a grant:
- Changes in financial or medical circumstances.
- Outcome of review.
- Failure to co-operate when the grant is reviewed.
- Furnishing SASSA with false information (fraud or misinterpretation).
- If the grant was approved in error.
Lapsing of the Disability Grant
The grant may lapse if:
- The beneficiary dies.
- Admitted at a state funded institution.
- Grant not claimed for three consecutive months.
- When the period of temporary disability has expired.
- If you are absent from the republic.
- If you cease to be a refugee.