[FiLE] The Government Gazette details how several social grants will rise in value this month, and again in October 2022 – Image: SASSA / Supplied
The SASSA files: From the requirements to the application process, here is everything you need to know about social grants in South Africa.
[FiLE] The Government Gazette details how several social grants will rise in value this month, and again in October 2022 – Image: SASSA / Supplied
It is believed that social grants support 33% of South Africans.
According to Jannie Rossouw, the head of school of economic and business sciences at the University of the Witwatersrand, grants are very important in South Africa due to the extent of poverty, the consequent number of recipients, and the amount paid out.
Grant money is not only used to support beneficiaries but also to provide broader support to the citizens of South Africa.
Based on research he conducted more than one-third of South Africans depend – directly and indirectly – on grant payments. Any disruption of grant payments will therefore have a massively detrimental impact on a large number of poor households.
Social grant applications are administered by the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA).
According to the not-for-profit news agency GroundUp, SASSA is mandated by the South African Social Security Agency Act of 2004 to “ensure the provision of comprehensive social security services against vulnerability and poverty within the constitutional legislative framework”.
In order to understand the do’s and dont’s of these grants, here is a rundown of everything we know so far:
The Social Assistance Act of 2004 and regulations to the act provide the legal framework for the administration of seven social grants.
Grants are targeted at categories of people who are vulnerable to poverty and in need of state support. These are older people, people with disabilities and children.
Also, the Social Relief of Distress award provides immediate temporary assistance to people in dire need of financial support and is given to people in the form of vouchers, food parcels or money for a three month period.
Grants available include:
Applicants for social grants must be South African citizens, permanent residents or refugees and currently living in South Africa.
Except for the Foster Child Grant and the Grant in Aid, social grants in South Africa are currently “means tested”. This refers to the process of assessing the value of your assets and income and is different for single and married people in SA.
You will only be eligible for a grant if your income and assets fall below a certain threshold. This threshold is different for all the grants and will depend on whether or not you are married.
The amount you receive for your Old Age Grant and the Disability Grant is also determined by the means test and you may not necessarily receive the maximum amount offered by SASSA.
If you do some work or have another source of income but still really need social assistance you can still apply for a grant. You must declare all your income and assets to SASSA. If you receive the disability grant, old-age grant or war veterans grant your monthly money will be reduced according to how much money you earn.
If you are admitted to a state institution for an extended period of time, the value of your Old Age Grant, Disability Grant or War Veteran’s Grant will be reduced to 25% of its value from the 4th month following your admission until you are discharged.
Social relief of distress is temporary assistance for people in the following situations:
Social Relief of Distress is issued monthly for a maximum period of three months. An extension of a further three months may be granted in exceptional cases. You cannot apply for this grant if you are already the recipient of a different grant.
You should apply at the SASSA office nearest to where you live. If you are too old or too sick to apply for the grant at the office you may have a friend or family member apply on your behalf. You can also arrange for a home visit, although you may wait a while for this.
The application forms must be completed in the presence of a SASSA officer. When you hand in your application you will be given a receipt as proof of application. The application is free. You will receive written notification if your application is denied. You have the right to ask for reconsideration and you can also lodge an appeal within 90 days.
Applicants must provide proof of identity. If you do not have a 13-digit bar-coded Identity Book or birth certificate for children, you may provide alternative documentation as proof of identity. Contact your nearest SASSA office to find out which alternative documents are accepted.
Other documents required for application: If married, provide ID of your spouse and proof of spousal relationship (marriage certificate, divorce order, a sworn statement, or spouse’s death certificate). Sworn statement or affidavit stating the income and assets of yourself and your spouse. Supporting documents to prove your income and assets. You must also provide proof of the income of dependent children.
The application process takes up to 90 days and your first payment will include back-pay for the time you wait to receive the grant. This is calculated from the first day of application.
Note: When affidavits are required, SASSA will provide the affidavits to be completed.
If your grant application is successful you will receive a SASSA card and a bank account where your money will be deposited each month.