SASSA disability grants are assistance programs provided by the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) to people with disabilities who cannot support themselves financially. The grant is intended to help with basic needs, such as food, clothing, and shelter. The grant is only available to individuals who have been assessed by a medical professional and have been certified as having a permanent disability that prevents them from working. Currently, the grant amount is R1,980 per month.
A SASSA Disability Grant applicant must also meet other eligibility requirements in addition to the basic requirements. These e include:
- Citizenship or legal permanent residency in South Africa
- Below a certain income threshold (currently R3,500)
- There is no other form of financial assistance available
- No other income (such as pensions or salaries) available
Applicants must submit the necessary documentation to SASSA, including proof of identity, proof of residence, and a medical certificate certifying a permanent disability, in order to be considered for the grant. The application process can take several months, and the grant is reviewed annually to make sure the applicant still meets the eligibility requirements.
The SASSA Disability Grant is not the only financial assistance available to people with disabilities in South Africa. Other grants and programs, such as the Care Dependency Grant, are tailored to individuals with disabilities who need care and assistance.
SASSA Disability Grant Application Process
SASSA requires that you be assessed and diagnosed by a medical practitioner recognized by the agency. A medical practitioner will assess whether your impairment is severe enough to qualify for a disability grant and make recommendations to SASSA. It is SASSA who decides whether or not to award the grant, not the medical practitioner. The application process can begin after the medical assessment has been completed.
The application forms will be completed by an assessor official during the process.
If you meet the legislated requirements and your medical assessment proves that your disability or condition prevents you from working, you will receive a disability grant. An assessment of the medical condition determines whether the grant is a temporary grant or a permanent grant. During the assessment, it is also determined whether a future medical review is needed.
Where Do You Apply for the Disability Grant?
- The SASSA office closest to your home is where you apply.
- You can ask a family member or friend to apply on your behalf if you are too old or sick to travel to the office.
- SASSA officers will complete your application form in your presence.
- You will be given a receipt upon completing your application – keep the receipt safe since it is your only proof of application.
- To apply, you do not need to pay anything.
- If SASSA does not approve your application, you must receive a written explanation.
- You have the right to request SASSA to reconsider its decision if you are unhappy with it. If the reconsidered decision is still unfavorable, you can appeal to the Minister of Social Development. You must request SASSA to reconsider its decision within 90 days of receiving notification of the outcome of your application.
A grant approval will result in payment from the date the application was submitted.
Who Qualifies for the SASSA Disability Grant?
SASSA disability grant applicants must meet the following requirements in order to be considered:
- The applicant must be a South African citizen, permanent resident, or refugee.
- You must live in South Africa.
- There is a minimum age requirement of 18 to 59 years old.
- A medical/assessment report confirming your disability must be submitted.
- At the time of application, the medical assessment must not have been older than three months.
- The means test must be met by you and your spouse.
- The state must not maintain you in an institution.
- It is not permissible for you to receive another social grant.
The following documentation must also be submitted by applicants for the SASSA disability grant:
Proof of identity:
South African ID documents or passports are required.
Proof of residence:
This document should include the applicant’s address on it, such as a utility bill, lease agreement, or similar document.
Medical certificate:
The certificate must be signed by a medical professional certifying the applicant’s permanent disability. It must be signed by a doctor, nurse practitioner, or occupational therapist, and indicate the applicant’s disability and how it affects his or her ability to work.
Income statement:
The applicant’s income, including any additional financial assistance or income they may receive.
Bank statement:
A bank statement showing the applicant’s bank account information.
Completed application form:
An application form must be completed and signed by the applicant by SASSA.
Please note that these are the basic requirements for the application process. SASSA may request additional documents or information to support the application.
Suspension of the SASSA Disability Grant Application
The following may lead to a grant suspension:
- A change in financial or medical circumstances.
- Outcome of review.
- Failure to co-operate when the grant is reviewed.
- Giving SASSA false information (fraud or misinterpretation).
- Errors in approving grants.
Lapsing of the Disability Grant
Grants may lapse if:
- The beneficiary dies.
- Educated at a state-funded institution.
- The grant has not been claimed for three consecutive months.
- After the temporary disability period has expired.
- Absent from the republic.
- If you cease to be a refugee.
