SASSA: Disability grant applicants are being turned away, claims DA

The Democratic Alliance (DA) has accused the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) of referring disability grant applicants to the COVID-19 relief R350 grant instead of the disability grant which is around R1 500 more. The maximum payout for a disability grant is R1 860 per month.

DA Western Cape Spokesperson on Social Development Gillion Bosman released a statement on Wednesday 22 July saying that since the commencement of the lockdown in March, SASSA has been referring disability grant applicants to the “incorrect” grant so to speak.  

SASSA ALLEGEDLY REFERS DISABILITY GRANT APPLICANTS TO R350 GRANT

Bosman, noting these reports, said SASSA explained why there is a “blockage” of disability grant applications.

“Upon follow-up, SASSA advises that the blockage of disability grant applications is to reduce potential exposure of the coronavirus to its approved district surgeons,” said Bosman. 

“This is unfathomable. These brave doctors are already at the frontlines but well-prepared with PPE and health protocols per national and provincial regulations. A disability grant assessment poses far less risk than other procedures our healthcare workers are already engaged in,” he said. 

Bosman said there are only four such SASSA-designated doctors for all applicants of George, Knysna, Mossel Bay, Plettenberg Bay, and Riversdale in the Western Cape. 

‘GRANT APPLICANTS TOLD TO SETTLE’ 

Bosman said that while applicants for old-age pension and childcare grants have reopened under current lockdown regulations, disability grants are excluded. 

“SASSA is only willing to revisit this situation of disability grants in October, and those with expiring grant allowances may not renew until then either,” he said. 

“According to SASSA, many of our persons with disabilities have special needs and are being told to settle for the R350 grant. There is no guarantee that they will receive this either, considering the persistent backlogs, delays, and technical glitches which SASSA itself admits,” he added. 

Bosman said since the Regional Manager for SASSA in the Western Cape is no longer in office, he will be writing to CEO Busisiwe Memela-Khambula, and Regional Executive Manager Mr Maqetuka for a breakdown of expiring grant allowances and a formal explanation for the situation. 

DO YOU QUALIFY FOR A DISABILITY GRANT? 

To qualify, you must:

• Be a South African citizen or permanent resident or refugee and living in South Africa at the time of application
• Be between 18 and 59 years old
• Not be cared for in a state institution
• Have a 13-digit, bar-coded identity document (ID)
• Not earn more than R78 120 if you are single or R156 240 if married.
• Not have assets worth more than R1 115 400 if you are single or R2 230 800 if you are married
• Undergo a medical examination where a doctor appointed by the state will assess the degree of your disability
• Bring along any previous medical records and reports when you make the application and when the assessment is done.

The doctor will complete a medical report and will forward the report to SASSA. The report is valid for three months from the date you are assessed.

If you are under 18 and need permanent care due to your disability, your primary caregiver can apply for a Care Dependency Grant. If you don’t have an ID, you will be required to complete an affidavit and provide proof of having applied for the document from the Department of Home Affairs. If you have not applied for an ID, you must do so within three months of applying for the grant.

For more information on the disability grant, click here.