Two SASSA grants to lapse this month: Here’s what you need to know

The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA), on Wednesday 2 December, announced that the Temporary Disability and Care Dependency Grants will lapse on 31 December 2020.

Temporary Disability grants that lapsed from 1 February were extended to 31 December 2020. Care Dependency Grants for children who turned 18 years during the period of February to December 2020 were also extended to 31 December 2020. 

SASSA GRANTS EXTENDED DUE TO STATE OF DISASTER 

Minister of Social Development Lindiwe Zulu took the decision to extend the SASSA grants to 31 December 2020 in response to the declared State of Disaster which made it difficult for beneficiaries to apply for social grants, especially those requiring medical assessments because of the limited access to health facilities. 

These two grants will now lapse on 31 December 2020, according to the agency.

BENEFICIARIES ADVISED TO RE-APPLY 

Beneficiaries of the Temporary Disability Grants who feel that their medical condition still prevents them from working are advised to approach their nearest SASSA Local Office from 5 January 2021 to re-apply. 

“It must be understood that this is not a review process, but a new application, as temporary disability grants are awarded for a specific period only,” SASSA said in a statement. 

Caregivers of children whose Care Dependency grants will lapse on 31 December 2020 are also requested to approach SASSA local offices from 5 January 2021 to apply for Disability grants for the young adults.  

“Both the above categories of beneficiaries are requested to bring along clinical records pertaining to the medical conditions of applicants when applying,” it added. 

Courtesy letters informing beneficiaries of the lapsing of their social grants have already been posted. Affected beneficiaries are, therefore, requested to respond to these letters as soon as they are able to do so.

COVID-19 PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES WILL CONTINUE TO BE OBSERVED 

All COVID-19 precautionary measures, including screening of both clients and SASSA staff, sanitisation, wearing of masks and social distancing, will continue to be observed at all times.  

“SASSA will endeavour to limit the time applicants have to spend in queues waiting for service, as much as practically possible,” it said. 

“Caregivers of children whose Care Dependency Grants will lapse are not required to bring the children to SASSA Local Offices but should come to undertake the application process as the proxy for their children,” it added.