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Disability grant assessments: Over 400 doctors enlisted to assist
The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) has appointed 465 doctors around the country to fast track the assessment of grant applications by people with disabilities.
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Social Development Minister Lindiwe Zulu said people with a disability assessed prior to lockdown, but who did not complete the administrative process; as well as those who were booked for assessments, which could not take place during Levels 4 and 5 of the lockdown, would be prioritised.
“New applicants will be assisted at the SASSA offices on an appointment basis and subject to the availability of resources to complete medical assessments, which are a legislated prerequisite to an application for a disability or care dependency grant.”
Zulu added: “In addition, I am considering a further extension to the period for which temporary disability grants will be paid in an effort to address the concerns of a very vulnerable sector of our society.”
Disability grant extension
SASSA had said earlier that disability grants that were supposed to lapse in March have been extended to the end of October this year.
“Ministerial directions issued on March 30 enable continued payment of temporary disability grants throughout the lockdown period. Directions were issued in order to reinstate all temporary disability grants that lapsed in the period between February and June 2020. These grants will remain in payment until October 2020,” said SASSA KZN spokesperson Sandy Godlwana.
Zulu said further announcements on this will be made shortly.
Increased capacity of GBV Command Centre
With regard to GBV and femicide (GBVF), the minister said her department has increased the capacity of the GBV Command Centre through the recruitment of social work interns.
“We have recruited an additional 1,809 social workers on a six-month contract to assist with the provision of psychosocial care and support to vulnerable groups, families and communities.”
Zulu further announced that the Victim Support Services Policy and Bill has been approved by Cabinet.
“This legislative framework will provide guidance on how support services may be provided to victims of violent crimes. The Bill will be published for public comment on 17 July 2020.”
She added that relevant government departments have been instructed to mobilise and coordinate their resources and programmes towards effecting aspects of the National Drug Master Plan, as well as the Gender-based Violence and Femicide Master Plan.
Also read: Western Cape DSD offer services for those with disabilities
