SASSA Grant-In-Aid: A Lifeline for Vulnerable South Africans

Many vulnerable citizens in South Africa have found hope in the Grant-In-Aid program of the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA). In this comprehensive article, we will examine the SASSA Grant-In-Aid and its eligibility criteria, application process, and impact on beneficiaries.

SASSA Grant-In-Aid

South Africa’s Grant-in-Aid (GIA) program enables current social grant recipients who are unable to care for themselves to pay someone full-time to help them.

At the beginning of April 2023, the Grant-In-Aid will be valued at R500 per month. As of 1 October 2023, the grant will be R510 (an increase of R10).

Take a look at the following information for more information about Grants-In-Aid.

Also, read Sassa Old Age Pension Payout Dates

Requirements FOR THE SASSA GRANT-IN-AID

It is important to meet the SASSA Grant-In-Aid eligibility criteria (please note that these criteria may change). Here are the criteria:

• A grant for older persons, a grant for people with disabilities, or a grant for war veterans must be paid to you
• To qualify for one of these grants, you must meet the criteria
• Disability, either physical or mental, must prevent you from taking care of yourself full-time
• If you need full-time care, you must have a valid medical report (from a private doctor or from a state doctor).
• It is not permissible for you to receive care from a state institution

Also, read Types of SASSA Social Grants in South Africa

How to Apply for SASSA Grant-In-Aid

Visit a SASSA office near you to apply or apply online (read instructions here on how to apply online via the SASSA services website).

A SASSA officer must be present when completing the application form at the SASSA office. SASSA officers can assist you or your designated person in completing the application form if they are unable to do so themselves.

In addition to applying for older persons grants, disability grants, or war veteran grants, applicants may apply for Grant-In-Aid.

A power of attorney can be used by a family member or friend to apply for you if you are incapacitated, too sick, or too old to visit the SASSA office yourself. It is your procurator who is responsible for applying for or receiving your social grant legally on your behalf.

The Grant-In-Aid application will require applicants to submit a valid medical report or assessment report, no older than three months, confirming they need full-time care. Whether the medical report is performed by a state physician or a private physician is up to them.

You will be interviewed, fingerprinted, and informed whether or not you qualify for the grant.

The SASSA official who assisted with your application will be listed on the dated stamped receipt. In order to prove your application, you will need to keep your receipt.

There is no cost associated with the application process. 

Also, read Sassa Payment Dates for September 2023

Documents Required For SASSA Grant-In-Aid

To apply for the SASSA disability grant, applicants must provide the following documents (originals or certified copies):

• The SASSA Grant-In-Aid Affidavit must be completed and signed
• Document of identification
• Your medical report or medical assessment (less than 3 months old) confirming your disability
• Documents proving your marital status (a single affidavit, a marriage certificate, your spouse’s ID, a divorce order, a death certificate if your spouse is deceased)

GRANT OUTCOME

Upon receipt of your application, you will receive a written notification of approval or rejection within 30 business days. SASSA will explain the reason for your rejection if you were rejected.

When your application is rejected, SASSA will be able to reassess it. Here is the SASSA Grant Reconsideration Application.

The Minister of Social Development may hear your appeal if your application is still rejected after reconsideration.

Within 3 months of applying, approved applicants will begin receiving their payments. We will backdate payments to when you applied. 

Also, read What A ‘Pending’ R350 Grant Status Means

GRANT PAYMENTS

The date on which your grant application was approved will be the date you receive your payment.

There are three ways to receive your Disability Grant (depending on your preference):

• Your bank account will be credited directly
• Cash collected at approved pay points
• Institutions specific to the field

Providing your consent for SASSA Grant bank payment and the following documents is required if you wish to receive your grant into your bank account: proof of identity (ID/birth certificate/driver’s license) and proof of a bank account in your name (received from your bank) or 3 months’ bank statement showing your name and bank account number.

The new payment method will take effect the following month if you change your payment method at the Welfare office.

Both your main grant and your Grant-In-Aid will be paid at the same time. 

GRANT REVIEWS

For grant-holders to continue receiving grants, applications are reviewed to ensure they meet the grant criteria. If your circumstances have changed, we will review your application.

Three months before applications are to be reviewed, SASSA will notify applicants in writing. Upon receiving the notification, you will be informed of when and where the review will take place, as well as what will happen following the review. A home visit will be provided to bedridden applicants. An acknowledgment of compliance will be sent to you once the review is complete.

As soon as a refugee’s status expires, their application will be reviewed. 

Also, read How To Get Your Sassa One Time Pin (OTP)

GRANT-IN-AID SUSPENSION

The following reasons may lead to your grant being suspended:

• The means test no longer applies to you because your circumstances change – either financially or medically
• The information you provided in your application was false or inaccurate
• When the grant was being reviewed, you failed to cooperate
• Review outcome
• There was an error in approving the grant

GRANT-IN-AID RESTORATION

You can apply to have your grant restored within 90 days of receiving a suspension notice if your grant was suspended for any of these reasons.

GRANT-IN-AID LAPSE

The following reasons may cause your grant to lapse:

• The grant holder has passed away
• An institution funded by the state admitted the grant holder
• There is no longer full-time care being provided to the grant holder
• Three consecutive months have passed without the grant being claimed

GRANT-IN-AID NOTES

It is your responsibility as a grant holder to:

• Whenever your personal or financial circumstances change, keep SASSA informed
• Any changes to your physical address or contact information should be reported to SASSA

In the event that your address changes, SASSA will send official notices via registered mail to your most recent address. Your grant may be suspended if you fail to respond to the notices.

No fraudulent activity will be tolerated by SASSA.

Also, read Srd.Sassa.Gov.Za Banking Details Submission 

CONTACT SASSA

SASSA can be contacted directly for any further queries:
Contact the SASSA Toll Free Call centre on 0800 60 10 11
Contact the SASSA Head Office on 012 400 2322
Email SASSA Head Office at: [email protected]
Contact details of SASSA offices across the country:

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

Our SASSA Grant-In-Aid program plays an essential role in providing essential financial assistance to the most vulnerable in our society. With this program, poverty has been alleviated, quality of life has been improved, and social inclusion has been promoted for those who are most in need.

Also, read SASSA Status Pending