Deductions from your SASSA account

Deductions from your SASSA account

What to do if you do not agree with a deduction from your SASSA account or you did not allow the deductions?
SASSA is responsible for the receipt, management and accounting for all disputes on deductions
that are registered with them.

Step 1
Go as soon as possible when you realise that you do not agree with a deduction to your nearest SASSA Local Office.
Step 2
You will have to register your dispute at the Help Desk at the pay point.
Step 3
1. The SASSA staff will register your dispute either electronically or manually.
2. You will need to provide the staff with the following documents and information:
2.1. Your full names
2.2. Your ID number
2.3. Nature of complaint – include details such as how long the problem has been going on
2.4. The value of the deductions being disputed
2.5. What the deduction has been for
Step 4
You will have to complete an affidavit and it must be commissioned by the Commissioners of Oaths appointed in each office.
You do not need to go to the Police Stations to complete these.

What happens after that?
Your completed affidavits will be sent to the regional official responsible for the co-ordination of all disputes.
He or she will forward the complaints and completed affidavits to SASSA department dealing with fraud.
What can be the possible outcomes?
a. Your account can blocked for future sales or products.
b. If you did not allow these deductions the money deducted (taken out ) will be refunded.

Contact details for South African Social Security Agency Head Office
SASSA House 
501 Prodinsa Building, corner Beatrix & Pretorius Streets
Pretoria 
Private Bag X55662, Arcadia
Pretoria 0083
Tel: +27 12 400 2000 • Fax: +27 12 400 2257
www.sassa.gov.za

Grants at a Glance 2020-2021

War Veteran’s Grant

War Veteran’s Grant

In order to apply for a War Veteran’s Grant the applicant must:

  • Be a South Africa citizen, or a permanent resident
  • Be resident in South Africa at the time of application
  • Be 60 years and over
  • Have fought in the First World War (1914-1918), the Second World War (1939-1945) or the Korean War (1950-1953)
  • Not be cared for in a wholly funded State Institution
  • If married, your spouse must comply with the means test

Special grants have been introduced for war veterans who fought in the liberation struggle for a democratic South Africa. If a person thinks that they qualify they should contact their political party.

The Special Pension makes provision for individuals who made sacrifices in fighting for a democratic South Africa., In the event of the death of those who fought, their survivors may receive a pension or lump sum payment.

Applicants for a grant must have proof of the following before applying for a grant:

  • South African identity document (to prove identity, citizenship and age)
  • Proof of ‘official war’ service (discharge certificate or medals)
  • If the applicant is under 60 years, they need to bring a medical assessment or report stating that they are disabled and cannot work
  • If single, an affidavit stating this fact
  • Marriage certificate, if the person is married
  • Divorce papers if they are divorced
  • An affidavit if the spouse has deserted the applicant for more than 3 consecutive months
  • Death certificate, if their husband or wife died
  • If the person is employed, a wage certificate
  • If the person is unemployed, any UIF record of registration, discharge certificate from your previous employer and affidavit made at a police station to state you are unemployed
  • If they have a private pension, proof of the pension
  • If they have a bank account, bring a bank statement of three consecutive months
  • Proof of any other income and assets

*Information obtained courtesy – Black Sash

The Means Test for adult social assistance grants

The Means Test for adult social assistance grants

Anyone applying for a social grant must qualify through a means test. This is a way of measuring a person’s income and assets. If the person applies for a grant, SASSA will evaluate their income and assets. If the income and/or assets are higher than the threshold set by government, then they will not qualify for a social grant.

The means test depends on their own income and assets if they are not married, and on the income and assets of the applicant and their spouse if married.

Please note: It makes no difference if the applicant is married in community of property or out of community of property.

The income and assets thresholds set for the means test are as follows:

Assets threshold

  • single person should not have assets totaling more than

      R 1 056 000.00

  • married person’s joint assets with his/her spouse should not total more than

       R 2 112 000.00

The value of a house that a person lives in is not taken into account, regardless who it belongs to.

Income threshold

  • single person should not earn more than R R73 800.00 per year
  • or R 6150.00 per month
  • married person’s joint income with his/her spouse should not be more than R 147600.00 per year,
  • or R 12300.00 per month.

The income of a spouse is taken into account whether you are married in or out of community of property.

However, if your spouse has deserted you for more than 3 months, then the marital status of the applicant is not taken into account. In this case you would need to attest to the desertion with an affidavit.

For up-to-date information on the asset and income thresholds for the means test, check the

South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) website: www.sassa.gov.za.,

or the

Black Sash website: www.blacksash.org.za

What counts as income?

Income means money you get from somewhere else. This can be:

  • Renting out a room in your house for a fee
  • Leasing out any other property for a fee
  • From a private pension fund
  • Earning money for work that you do
  • Profits you make from farming or from any business
  • Compensation for instance from UIF, Road Accident Fund or Compensation for Occupational Injuries and Diseases Fund (COIDA)
  • Financial support received from relatives such as dependent children;
  • Maintenance received as an ex-spouse or for a child

If one of the spouses already receives a grant, then that grant must not be counted as income when you apply for a grant.

A husband and wife can claim separate grants If either of the spouses already gets a grant, then that grant must not be counted as income when the other spouse applies for a grant.

Your assets can be:

  • The value of a house or land that you or your spouse own (if the property has a bond registered over it then it is regarded as having a nil value), remember that a home that you own is not counted as an asset if you live in it
  • Bonds or loans or other outstanding debt
  • Cash in the bank or any account with a bank or building society.

What can be deducted when calculating income?

You are allowed to deduct the following:

  • Contributions to a pension fund or retirement annuity
  • Income tax that you pay
  • Payments made to a medical aid
  • Payments made to the unemployment insurance fund

Who cannot get a grant?

Whether  you are elderly, disabled, or a war veteran, a grant may still be refused if you:

  • Already get another social grant (except in the case of a Grant-in-Aid which is only given to a person if they are already receiving either an Older Person’s Grant, Disability Grant or War Veteran’s Grant)
  • A mineworker who receives money in terms of the Occupational Diseases in Mines and Works Act
  • Get money for permanent disablement from the COIDA
  • Are kept and cared for in a wholly funded state institution (like a state-run nursing home, a hospital or a prison), although you may be entitled to a part if you are in a private institution which has a contract with the state
  • Do not pass the means test.

How much money can you get?

The amount you get depends on your income. The amount also changes each year with the annual government budget.

As from 1st April 2017, the following amounts will be paid per month:

  • State Older person’s grant: R 1600.00
  • State Older person’s grant: R 1620.00 if older than 75
  • Disability grant: R 1600.00
  • War veterans grant: R 1620.00
  • Grant-in-aid: R 380.00
  • Foster Child Grant : R 930.00

*Information obtained courtesy –Blacksash

Pensions / Older Person’s Grant (OPG)

Pensions / Older Person’s Grant (OPG)

In order to apply for an Older Person’s Grant the applicant must:

  • Be a South Africa citizen or a permanent resident
  • Be resident in South Africa at the time of application
  • Be 60 years or older
  • If married, the spouse must comply with the means test
  • Have a valid identity document or produce alternative identification

A person cannot apply for an Older Person’s Grant in the following cases:

  1. If they are living or being taken care of by any of the following institutions which are wholly funded by the state:
  • Prison
  • Old age home and state treatment centre
  • Psychiatric hospital
  • Drug rehabilitation centre

A person can still apply if they are in an institution which is partially funded by the state, however the grant would be reduced to 25%.

  1. If the applicant is receiving another adult social grant (unless it is a Grant-in-Aid).

Applicants for a grant must have proof of the following before applying:

  • South African bar-coded identity document (to prove identity, citizenship and age)
  • If single, an affidavit stating this fact
  • Marriage certificate if the person is married
  • Divorce papers if the person has been divorced
  • Death certificate, if the husband or wife died
  • If they are employed, a wage certificate
  • If they are unemployed, any UIF record of registration, discharge certificate from the previous employer
  • If they have a private pension, proof of the pension
  • If they have a bank account, bring a bank statement of three consecutive months
  • Proof of any other income and assets

*Information obtained courtesy – Black Sash

Grant in Aid

Grant in Aid

The Grant-in-Aid is a social grant intended to provide for the basic needs of adults who are unable to care for themselves and is certified by a medical officer to be in need of full-time care from someone else.

The Grant-in-Aid is provided as an additional grant to adults who are already receiving one of the following grants: Older Person’s Grant / Disability Grant / War Veteran’s Grant. The Grant-in-Aid is not paid out on its own – it must be in addition to a main social grant. Please note this grant is paid out to the person receiving the main grant, and not to their assistant. In addition, the means test for the Grant-in-Aid, is linked to that of the adult grant.

In order to apply for a Grant-in-Aid you must be:

  • A South African citizen, or a permanent resident, or a refugee in respect of the Disability Grant
  • Resident in South Africa at the time of application
  • Receiving an adult social grant
  • Require full-time care by another person due to a physical or mental disability.
  • Not be cared for in a wholly funded state institution

What do you need in order to apply?

  • South African bar-coded identity document (to prove identity, citizenship and age)
  • A medical report or medical assessment report (less than 3 months old)
  • If single, an affidavit stating this fact
  • Marriage certificate, if you are married
  • Divorce papers if you are divorced
  • Death certificate, if your husband or wife died
  • If you are employed, a wage certificate
  • If you are unemployed, any UIF record of registration, discharge certificate from your previous employer
  • If you have a private pension, proof of the pension
  • If you have a bank account, bring a bank statement of three consecutive months
  • Proof of any other income and assets

*Information obtained courtesy – Black Sash

Foster Care Grants

Foster Care Grants

A Foster Care Grant is a grant intended to provide for the basic needs of foster children who have been placed in the care of foster parents by a Children’s Court. The Foster Care Grant is paid to foster parents for children between the ages of 0 and 18 years. An extension order for foster care can be given until the age of 21 years if the child is still at secondary school.

Usually a grant is for 2 years but a social worker can extend the grant depending on the circumstances.

A foster parent is responsible for ensuring that the child is fed, clothed, healthy, attending school and used for the general upkeep of the child. SASSA officers must always be allowed to have access to the child.

The amount paid for a foster care grant is R1 040.00 per month.

For up-to-date information on grant amounts which change every year, see the following websites:

www.sassa.gov or www.blacksash.org.za

Who can apply for a Foster Care Grant?

In order to apply for a Foster Care Grant, the foster parent and the foster child must:

  • Be resident in South Africa at the time of making the application (but they do not have to be South African citizens)
  • Be in possession of a court order that makes the foster care status legal
  • Qualify in terms of the means test for a Foster Care Grant
  • A child from any country that finds themselves in need of care and protection in South Africa, can be fostered. This will include a child who is undocumented, or a child who is a refugee
  • Only a foreign national who is a refugee can qualify to be a foster parent

What is the means test to qualify for a Foster Care Grant?

There is no means test to qualify for a Foster Care Grant.

How to apply for a Foster Care Grant

The process for applying for a Foster Care Grant is the same as for all other grants. However note that the child must have been placed in foster care by order of the court before the foster care grant can be applied for.

The following documents are required for the application:

  • The foster parent’s bar-coded identity document (ID)
  • The foster child’s RSA or non-RSA identity document or birth certificate
  • The court order indicating foster care status
  • If there is no birth certificate, check with SASSA what alternative document will be accepted

The situation of the child who is placed in need of care is reviewed from time to time. A social work review may take into account, whether the foster child:

  • Remains in the care of the parents
  • Is living in adequate housing
  • Is fed and given clothes to wear
  • Receives necessary medical and dental care
  • Goes to school regularly

When does the Foster Care Grant stop?

A Foster Care Grant will stop:

  • If the foster child or both foster parents pass away
  • If the child is no longer in the custody of the foster parent
  • When the child turns 18, the grant will stop in the last month of that year. If the child is still attending school over the age of 18 the foster placement can be extended until age 21
  • When the court order expires
  • When the child leaves school at school leaving age

The beneficiaries must inform SASSA of any changes in the foster parent/s’ or foster child/ren’s circumstances.

If a child is severely disabled, the foster parent can get a Care Dependency Grant as well as a Foster Child Grant.

*Information obtained courtesy – Black Sash

Disability Grant

Disability Grant

A disability grant is a social grant intended to provide for the basic needs of adults (people who are over 18 years) who are unfit to work due to a mental or physical disability. The applicant should not have refused to do work that they are capable of doing and should not have refused treatment. The disability must be confirmed by a valid medical report of a medical officer stating whether the disability is temporary or permanent.

Proof of disability

When an application is made for a disability grant, the SASSA officer will give the person a medical form to be completed by either a medical officer or an assessment panel. The medical person must write on the form what kind of disability it is and how long they think it will last.

The assessment by an assessment panel will take place if there is no doctor available. The panel will consist of medical people such as nurses, psychologists and social workers as well as community leaders such as chief magistrates or priests.
The SASSA officer sends the doctor’s certificate in with the application form. The medical officers in SASSA look at the medical certificate or assessment and see if they agree that you are disabled. If they do not agree, they turn the application down.
A person can apply for a temporary disability grant where it is believed the disability will last between six months and a year, OR a permanent disability grant where it is believed the disability will last for more than a year.
The medical certificate for a grant may not be older than 3 months at the date of application.
In order to apply for a Disability Grant the applicant must:

  • be a South African citizen, or a permanent resident or refugee
  • be resident in South Africa at the time of the application
  • be between the ages of 18 years and 60 years
  • be unfit and unable to work because of the nature of your disability
  • if married, your spouse must comply with the means test
  • have a valid identity document or produce alternative identification

A person can still apply if you are in an institution which is partially funded by the state, and may then receive a partial grant.

You cannot apply for a Disability Grant in the following cases:
If the person is living or being taken care of by any of the following institutions which are wholly funded by the state:

  • prison
  • old age home and state treatment centre
  • psychiatric hospital
  • drug rehabilitation centre

If they have refused to undergo medical treatment;
If they are receiving another grant (unless it is a Grant-in-Aid).
Applicants for a grant must have proof of the following before applying for a grant:

  • South African bar-coded identity document (to prove identity, citizenship and age)
  • If you are under 60 years bring a medical assessment or report stating that you are disabled and cannot work
  • If you are single, an affidavit stating this fact
  • Marriage certificate, if you are married
  • Divorce papers if you are divorced
  • An affidavit if your spouse has deserted you for more than 3 consecutive months
  • Death certificate, if your husband or wife died
  • If you are employed, a wage certificate
  • If you are unemployed, any UIF record of registration, discharge certificate from your previous employer and affidavit made at a police station to state you are unemployed
  • If you have a private pension, proof of the pension
  • If you have a bank account, bring a bank statement of three consecutive months
  • Proof of any other income and assets
  • If your partner died within the last 5 years, a copy of the will and the first and final liquidation and distribution accounts

*Information obtained courtesy – Black Sash

Child Support Grant

Child Support Grant

The Child Support Grant (CSG) is intended to provide for the basic needs of South African children whose parents or primary care-givers are not able to provide sufficient support due to unemployment or poverty.

Parents and primary caregivers qualify for the child support grant if their child is under the age of 18. They may apply for the CSG if they qualify as per the means test.

The amount of the grant is R445.00 per month for every child who qualifies.

For up-to-date information on grant amounts check the following websites: www.sassa.gov.za or www.blacksash.org.za.

It does not matter whether you are the parent of the child or not, or whether the parents of the child are living together, whether they are married or not married, if one of the parents is in prison, or if the mother or father receives another state grant.

Who can apply for a CSG?

A primary care-giver can apply for the Child Support Grant on behalf of a child or children in his or her care. A primary care-giver can be a parent, grandparent, or anyone who is mainly responsible for looking after and providing for the basic needs of the child. A primary care-giver must be older than 16 years old and does not need to be family of the child.

The grant will be paid for all qualifying biological or legally adopted children. In the case of non-biological children and who are not legally adopted, the grant will be paid for a maximum of six children.

The grant is paid to the primary care-giver. In all cases the grant follows the child. This means that if someone else becomes the primary care-giver, then the grant goes to that person.

The primary care-giver is responsible for ensuring that the child is fed, clothed, immunized, given access to health-care and for using the money to benefit the child. *SASSA must be allowed to have access to the child at all reasonable times.

The child’s ability to get the grant will depend on the financial situation of the primary care-giver and their spouse. If the primary care-giver is a single parent, they should first try to get money from the child’s other parent through applying for a maintenance order.

The person who applies must be:

  • The primary care-giver of the child
  • Over the age of 16 years
  • Living with the child in South Africa at the time of the application for the grant
  • South African citizen or a permanent resident
  • Pass the means test

A primary care-giver cannot apply for a grant if:

  • They are being paid to look after a child
  • Someone else is already getting a grant for the child
  • They represent an institution which takes care of the child
  • They do not qualify in terms of the means test

What is the means test to qualify for a Child Support Grant?

In order to qualify for a Child Support Grant, the primary care-giver must pass a means test to see if the child is eligible for the grant. The asset threshold test is the same for all other grants but the income threshold differs.

Income threshold

  • A single person should not earn more than R52 800.00 per year or R4 400.00 per month.
  • A married person’s joint income with his/her spouse should not be more than R105 600.00 per year or R8 800.00 per month.

Please
note: It makes no difference if the applicant is married in community of
property or out of community of property.

How can a primary care-giver apply for a Child Support Grant?

The process for applying for the Child Support Grant is the same as for all other grants.

The following documents are required for the application:

  • Primary care-giver’s South African identity document
  • Child’s identity document or birth certificate
  • Proof that the child has been immunized
  • Proof of any maintenance received from a parent of the child, or proof of efforts made to obtain maintenance from a parent
  • Proof of your and your spouse’s earnings; if you are working, the employer must fill in a special form for an employer’s report
  • If married, a marriage certificate
  • If divorced, the court order giving details of custody of the child
  • If the primary care-giver is not the parent of the child, a letter or affidavit from the parent of the child giving the person permission to take care of the child
  • A death certificate if one or both parents is dead. If the father or mother is missing, proof of this, like a missing person’s report from the police and sworn statements from you and another family member
  • A school report is not a requirement for application for a CSG or for ongoing receipt of a grant

All copies of documents must be certified. This means they must be signed and stamped by a police officer or any other commissioner of oaths.

The applicant will be given a copy of the application or a dated receipt signed by the SASSA officer. This provides proof of the application.

If the application is not approved, a letter will be sent to give reasons for the rejection. You have the right to appeal l against this decision.

Payment of a Child Support Grant

There is supposed to be a waiting period of only up to 3 months before the primary care-giver receives payment. The first payment of the grant should include all the money from the date of application.

Payment can be made in the way that suits you:

  • Cash payment on specific days at a pay point
  • Electronic payment into a bank account

Suspension of Child Grants

Is it legal to suspend a Child Grant and what should I do?

Yes, SASSA can review your child’s grant to ensure that only those who qualify receive it BUT SASSA must follow a process.

You will be told three (3) months in advance if the grant is going to be reviewed.

Why is a grant suspended?

A child grant may be suspended for one or more of the following reasons:

  • The child is no longer in your care
  • There is a dispute over who the true primary caregiver of the child is (an investigation will take place)
  • If you fail to cooperate when the child’s grant is reviewed
  • If you have committed fraud or misrepresented information

 There may also be other reasons:

  • The child has died
  • The child has been admitted to a state institution
  • The caregiver does not collect the grant for three months in a row
  • The child is absent from the country
  • The child turns 18 (this will only happen at the end of the month in which their birthday falls)

Why does this happen?

  • SASSA might need proof of identity of the child
  • They want to make sure that the child is still in school
  • That you are the primary caregiver has not changed

 After the investigation, if passed the review, the child support grant will be reinstated.

What can you do if your Grant is suspended?

If your application is suspended or is not approved, you must be informed in writing.

If you disagree, you can go to the Appeals Tribunal within 90 days of being notified.

After 90 days, appeals can only happen in exceptional circumstances.

If you have any queries related to your social grant, you can contact the:

  • Black Sash Helpline on 072 663 3739
  • Legal Aid Advice Line on 0800 110 110 
 

*Information obtained courtesy – Black Sash

Care Dependency Grant (CDG)

Care Dependency Grant (CDG)

The Care Dependency Grant is a social grant intended to provide support to parents, primary care-givers or foster parents of any child with severe mental and/or physical disabilities up to 18 years, requiring full-time home care. Even though the child may make use of professional support services, the child should not be cared for in an institution but at home in order to qualify. The child’s disability must be assessed by a medical doctor appointed by SASSA.

The amount of the grant is R1 860.00 per month. For up-to-date information on grant amounts which change on an annual basis, see the following websites:

www.sassa.gov.za and www.blacksash.org.za

The person receiving the grant is responsible for ensuring that the child is fed, clothed, receives care and stimulation as well as access to health services.

Who can apply for a Care Dependency Grant?

In order to apply for a Care Dependency Grant, the parents, primary care giver, or foster parents and the child must be:

  • South African citizens, permanent residents or refugees
  • Resident in South Africa at time of application
  • In possession of a medical/assessment report confirming disability
  • Qualify in terms of the means test for a Care Dependency Grant

A child with severe disabilities cannot get a Care Dependency Grant if:

  • They are being cared for on a 24 hour basis for more than 6 months in an institution that is wholly funded by government, for example a psychiatric hospital or special care centre.
  • They are a refugee who is not fostering.

What is the means test to qualify for a Care Dependency Grant?

Only the income threshold of the caregivers of the child who is care dependent is assessed. There is no asset threshold test.

The applicant, spouse and child must meet the means test (except for foster parents where a different means test applies)

Single person R223 200.00 or R18 600.00 per month.

Married Person R446 400.00 or R37 200.00 per month.

Therefore, receiving the Care Dependency Grant depends on the income of the entire family.

How to apply for a Care Dependency Grant

The process of applying for a Care Dependency Grant is the same as for all other grants.

The following documents are required for the application:

  • Parent/s, primary care giver, or foster parent/s bar coded identity document
  • Child/ren’s birth certificate
  • A medical report for the child, which must say what the child is able to do – this is known as a functional assessment
  • If you are the foster parent of the child, the court order making you the foster parent
  • Proof of your marital status, such as a marriage certificate, divorce papers, or a death certificate of your spouse, or a sworn statement (affidavit) if you have never married
  • Proof of the income and if you receive the care dependency grant, the primary caregiver must ensure that the child:
  • Be tested at the age of 6 years to see whether he or she needs special schooling
  • Receives appropriate education according to level of disability
  • Remain in their care
  • Be living in adequate housing
  • Be fed and given clothes to wear
  • Receive necessary medical and dental care
  • Not be in a wholly funded state-run institution

When does the Care Dependency Grant stop or lapse?

The Care Dependency Grant will be stopped in any of the following situations:

  • If the parents, caregivers or foster parents die
  • If the child dies
  • If the child is admitted into a wholly funded state institution – when the child turns 18 years (after this the child can apply for a disability grant).

The grant will be reviewed from time to time to check changes in the child’s circumstances.

*Information obtained courtesy – Black Sash

Applying for a social grant

Applying for a social grant

Where can you apply?

You can apply at the nearest SASSA local or counter service point of a district office in your area.

When can you apply?

You can apply from Monday to Friday but some service points are only open on certain days of the week or month.

*Check with your local counter service point for opening times.

What can you use for proof of identity?

Proof of identity, South African citizenship and age:

Adults

  • A  South African 13-digit bar-coded identity book (ID),

OR

  • A temporary South African identity document from the Department of Home Affairs.
  • As a refugee, you should have a refugee identity document OR a refugee status permit together with proof of having applied for an identity document from the Department of Home Affairs.
  • Where adults act on behalf of others in applying for or receiving a grant (i.e. are ‘procurators’) they need identity documents of any country, or a passport, or a driver’s licence.

Children

  • As a South African citizen, they should have a birth certificate with a 13-digit identity number which was issued free of charge immediately after the registration of their birth at any Home Affairs service point.
  • As a South African citizen over 16 years old, they should have a South African 13 digit bar-coded identity document.
  • As a permanent resident, they should have a birth certificate OR a South African 13-digit bar-coded identity document if they are over 16.
  • As a ‘documented’ or ‘undocumented’ foreign national child, they should have a birth certificate, identity document or passport from their country of origin. If you do not have these, their biological or foster parent or primary caregiver should make an affidavit and apply for a birth certificate at the Department of Home Affairs.

Make sure you obtain a receipt of the application.

Alternative identification documents

Section 11(1) of the 2008 Regulations of the Social Assistance Act of 2004 says that SASSA may accept alternative proof of identification where the person currently has no valid proof (an identity document or a birth certificate).

Alternative proof could include

  • A sworn statement (an affidavit) on a form provided by SASSA, and, where available
  • Proof of having applied for formal identity documentation from the Department of Home Affairs.

These could also be supported by

  • A sworn statement by a reputable person (like a councillor, traditional leader, social worker, priest, school principal) who verifies that he/she knows the person, and/or
  • Other documents like baptismal certificates, school reports, clinic cards, etc.

Ideally alternative identification should only be used as a temporary measure.

While it has not been regulated, SASSA requires that grant beneficiaries apply to the Department of Home Affairs within three months for their proper documents.

Once the person provides proof of having applied for their documents, the grant will continue to be paid until the beneficiary receives their identity documents and returns to the SASSA office to update their records.

However, if they do not apply for these documents and do not return to SASSA to confirm that this has been done within the three month period, payment of their grant may be suspended.

How do you apply for a grant?

There are three stages in the process of applying for a grant:

  1. Application process: Filling in the application forms, taking fingerprints, interview with SASSA officer (2 hours).
  2. Notification process: Letter of approval or rejection (less than 3 months).
  3. Appeals process: Appeals of the decision (within 90 days of receiving a letter of rejection).

Stage 1: Application process

The application for the social assistance grants is free and should not take longer than 2 hours. This has to be done at a SASSA office.

You must take all your proof to the nearest SASSA District office or counter service point. Some of the forms that you are required to complete will be given to you and you will need to have these correctly filled in.

You will first have to fill in an application form in the presence of a SASSA officer.

After this there will be an interview, fingerprints will be taken, and then you must present information to prove your means (income and assets) to see if you qualify under the means test.

The documents will be verified by another SASSA officer. All information that you provide during the application process will need to be signed by you as being true and correct. When the application is made, you should say how you would like the money to be paid.

In addition, if you are applying for a Disability Grant, the following steps will be taken:

  • The SASSA officer will send you to a state medical doctor or a doctor contracted by SASSA for a medical examination to assess your disability. You should show all medical records, even old records from another doctor or hospital to the doctor.
  • You must take the doctor’s certificate or assessment panel’s report back to the SASSA officer.Please check the correct procedure with your SASSA office. In some cases when the application process is completed, you will get a receipt and a copy of the completed application form. This receipt is the only proof of application that you have and should therefore be kept safe. Check that the following is on the receipt: date of application, official stamp, name of applicant, and name of SASSA officer. However, in other places SASSA will collect the form and it will not be given to you.
  • Please note that the medical assessment is free of charge for the applicant.

Stage 2: Notification process

It will take about 30 working days for your application to be processed and checked and either approved or refused.

If your application is approved it must be dated and in the language that you prefer.

If the application is approved, you should start getting payments within 3 months. Payments will be backdated to the day you applied for the grant. 

If the application is rejected, the rejection must be made in writing in the language that you prefer and it must advise you on your right to appeal and the process to follow.

Stage 3: Appeals process

If the application is rejected, a letter of appeal can be written to the Minister of Social Development explaining why you do not agree with the decision. This appeal must be sent (lodged) within 90 days of receiving the letter of rejection.

The Minister reviews the appeal and may decide to overturn the decision of rejection or may agree with the first assessment.

The Minister may also appoint an independent tribunal which has to deal with the matter within 30 days. If the matter has been referred to a tribunal, you must be given a chance to address the tribunal. The Minister must inform you, within 30 days of the finalisation of the tribunal process, of the tribunal’s conclusion.

Can another person make the application on behalf of an applicant?

If the applicant cannot be made by the caregiver or beneficiary because they are too old or sick, a friend or family member can bring a letter from them and a doctor’s note saying why the primary caregiver cannot visit the office themselves.

A home visit may then be arranged. The Agency can also appoint a Procurator for this person.

Remember you can also apply for a Grant-in-Aid at the same time as you apply for an Older Person’s Grant, Disability Grant or War Veteran’s Grant if you cannot look after yourself and need full-time care.

A husband and wife can claim separate grants. If one of the spouses already receives an adult grant, then that grant must not be counted as income when you apply for a grant. If either of the spouses already gets a grant, then that grant must not be counted as income when the other spouse applies for a grant.

*Information obtained courtesy – Black Sash

Social grants – Coronavirus COVID-19

Social Relief of Distress grants

Applications for the R350 SASSA Social Relief of Distress grants:

Applicant’s Criteria: 

  • Above the age of 18; 
  • Unemployed; 
  • Not receiving any income; 
  • Not receiving any social grant; 
  • Not receiving any unemployment insurance benefit and does not qualify to receive unemployment insurance benefits; 
  • Not receiving a stipend from the National Student Financial Aid Scheme; and 
  • Not a resident in a government funded or subsidised institution.

Documents Required

Prospective applicants will need to provide the following compulsory information for processing of their applications:

  • Identity Number;
  • Name and Surname as captured in the ID (and initials);
  • Gender and Disability;
  • Banking details – Bank Name and Account Number;
  • Contact details – Cellphone number; and
  • Proof of Residential Address.

Application Process

An application for social relief of distress or a social grant may be lodged electronically over and above any other available means of lodging such applications.

The measures applicable include:

  • Sending a WhatsApp message to 0600 123 456 and selecting SASSA, or
  • Sending an email to SRD@sassa.gov.za 

Grant Breakdown

  • Child support grant beneficiaries will receive an extra R300 in May, and from June to October they will receive an additional R500 each month.
  • All other grant beneficiaries will receive an extra R250 per month for the next six months.
  • In addition, a special COVID-19 Social Relief of Distress grant of R350 a month for the next 6 months will be paid to individuals who are currently unemployed and do not receive any other form of social grant or UIF payment *.

Social grant payments at cash pay points procedure

  • SASSA will deploy at least one manager to each pay point to assist with queue management and to attend to enquiries – staff will have protective gear (masks and gloves) and carry hand sanitiser.
  • SAPO has committed to having hand sanitiser available for all clients – they will be sanitised just prior to joining a short queue for payment.
  • Access to pay points will be limited to control social distancing.
  • SAPO staff to be equipped with masks and gloves.
  • Security staff will be equipped with masks and gloves.
  • Postbank call centre (available 24/7) on 0800 53 54 55 to deal with concerns and complaints related to SASSA/SAPO cards – card replacement, PIN resets and non-payment.

SASSA Call Centre

  • The SASSA Call Centre (0800 60 10 11) will be available, although there may be reduced capacity.
  • The Call Centre is available during working hours only.

Grant amounts have increased as from 1 April 2020.

  • Grants for older persons and disability grants increase to R1 860.
  • Grants for war veterans and older persons older than 75 years increase to R1 880.
  • Foster child grants increase to R1 040 per child.
  • Care dependency grants increase to R1 860.
  • Child support grants increase to R440 per child.

Information from Copyright 2020 Government of South Africa.

* The Department of Social Development will issue the requirements needed to access and apply for this funding