A unique scheme has been created by the (SASSA) to assist people with impairments. Eligible people can get financial aid through this program called the SASSA Disability Grant. An extensive explanation of grants, their types, eligibility requirements, the application procedure, and other topics is provided in this article.
SASSA Disability Grant:
One of the programs in South Africa created especially for those unable to work due to disabilities and unable to meet their basic needs—such as clothing, food, and shelter—is this grant. You can apply for this award if you have a physical disability and have not been able to work for the last six months. Guardians or caregivers of mentally challenged individuals may apply to provide them with a higher standard of life. Grants come in two varieties for those with disabilities. Your medical records may determine whether your handicap is temporary or permanent. Let us talk about them first:
- Permanent Disability Grant: “Permanent” does not imply “forever” in this context. Those disabled for more than a year are eligible for this payment. If their handicap persists, they will receive payments from the Sassa permanent disability award spread out over a year.
- Grant for Temporary Disability: This award is for those who have been disabled for more than six months. They may apply for a temporary disability allowance. Their award will be renewed if their handicap persists for an extended period.
Eligibility Criteria:
You must fulfill the following requirements to be qualified for the SASSA Disability Grant:
- You must be a refugee, a permanent resident, or a citizen of South Africa.
- You have to be between the ages of 18 and 59.
- You have to be out of a long-term care facility that receives funding from the government.
- You have to be disabled, whether temporarily or permanently.
- The Sassa means the exam must be passed.
- A state-appointed physician is required to do a medical examination.
- You can not be getting another Sassa social grant, please.
- You can not be getting medical attention at a state-run facility.
SASSA Means Test for Disability Grant:
The SASSA means test assesses the earnings information specified in the qualifying requirements. Following their listening to “SASSA MEANS TEST,” some people become perplexed. It computes the monthly income and requires the verification of bank accounts, assets, and property data. To do this, testing is required. To ensure that applicants are not only seeking more money for fun but rather are genuinely experiencing financial and medical difficulties, SASSA validates all the documentation and examines their property-related past. Considering their most recent updates:
Income Portfolio: A few terminology have been settled upon for both married and single individuals:
- Single: An individual’s yearly income cannot exceed R96,840.
- If you are married, your combined income must not exceed R193,680 yearly.
Assets Portal: The following should be among South African residents’ assets:
- Single: The assets of a single individual shall not exceed R1 372 800.
- When married, their combined assets must not exceed R2 745 600.
The means test requirements for each grant type vary to assess financial eligibility.
SASSA Disability Grant: https://srd.sassa.gov.za/
Required Documents for the Sassa Disability Award:
1. Valid South African ID (13-digit bar-coded)
This serves as the basis for your application. A legitimate South African ID with the well-known 13-digit barcode is required. Do not worry if you do not have one! There are other ways to authenticate yourself.
You can:
- Fill out an affidavit: To complete a sworn declaration on a form approved by SASSA, go to a Commissioner of Oaths, who is not an official of SASSA. This affidavit confirms your identification.
- Obtain a trustworthy individual to attest to you: A sworn declaration confirming your identity and age can be signed by a reliable person, such as a school principal, social worker, council member, or minister of religion.
2. A functional evaluation and medical report confirms your impairment
Here, you will demonstrate how your impairment impacts your capacity to work.
You must obtain two reports:
- Medical report: After evaluating your handicap, a licensed healthcare provider will write a report detailing the extent and kind of your impairment.
- Report on the functional assessment: This report delves more profound than the diagnosis. It describes how your impairment affects your day-to-day activities and employment capacity.
3. Proof of residence:
SASSA can verify that you live in South Africa with proof of residency.
Acceptable records consist of:
- Utility costs (water, electricity) Tenancy agreement
- a signed statement from your property owner
4. Proof of income or dividends:
Although it is not required, submitting documentation of your earnings or dividends might aid in calculating the grant amount.
This could include:
- Paystubs (should you continue to work)
- Bank records
- Statements of investment income
5. Proof of marital status:
Are you wed or separated? If so, proof of your married status can be found in a marriage certificate or divorce judgment.
6. Proof of assets:
When calculating the amount of your grant, SASSA takes your entire financial status into account. Therefore, you may be required to present documentation of any assets you possess, such as:
- If you own a property, this indicates the value your local municipality places on it. This information is often available at your municipality office.
- Automobiles and other valuable assets: You may be required to show proof of ownership if you possess a vehicle, motorcycle, or other valuable asset.
7. Proof of private Pension:
Do you belong to a private pension scheme? If so, to understand your sources of income, SASSA may need to see your pension documentation. This may be an announcement from the company that manages your retirement.
8. Three months’ worth of bank statements:
Giving SASSA the last three months’ bank statements helps them better understand your financial status. This aids in their assessment of how vital the disability grant is to your overall financial security.
9. Permit and identification for refugees:
You must present your 13-digit refugee ID and your refugee status permit if you are a refugee residing in South Africa. These records confirm your eligibility to be in the nation.
10. Past Employment and Unemployment Status:
Have you lost your job recently? Your Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) paperwork, sometimes known as the “blue book,” may be helpful if you receive benefits from the UIF. A discharge document from your prior employer also shows your current employment history if you were hired recently.
11. Will and final liquidation accounts:
If your spouse passed away within the last five years, SASSA may seek a copy of the will and the first and previous liquidation and distribution accounts. These records provide information on your inheritance and post-death financial status.
Ways to Apply for an SASSA Disability Grant:
The next step is to apply for an SASSA disability award after finishing your paperwork. The grant application process is free of charge. They will charge you a service fee. Is it possible to apply online for the Sassa Disability Grant? No, you must visit the Sassa Office before applying. The detailed process for applying for this award is as follows:
- Medical Examination: The first step in applying for a disability award is to undergo a medical examination. SASSA will accept the practitioner’s diagnosis of your ailment. They will verify the individual’s eligibility for a temporary or permanent disability award following the assessment.
- Visit the SASSA Office: To apply, you must go to the office closest to you after the medical examination. First, request the Sassa disability award application form from the SASSA officer present.
- Complete the Form: After receiving the application form in front of SASSA officers, you must complete it. They will assist you in filling out the form if there is anything you cannot understand.
- Submission of papers: Please ensure you have sent all necessary documents for your application after completing the form.
- Obtaining Receipt: After submitting your application, do not forget to acquire the receipt from the SASSA official with a stamped date.
Timeline:
The average processing time for a disabled person’s grant application is three months or ninety days. Grants will begin to be paid out upon acceptance of the application. Once your application has been approved, SASSA will call you, and you will start receiving funds the day you submit your application. If your application is denied, SASSA will send you a letter explaining why the grant for your application was not accepted.
Amount Paid by SASSA Disability Grant:
According to the most recent data, as of October 1, 2023, each individual receives a monthly payout of R2,090 from the SASSA Disability award. Because this award aims to assist disabled persons with low incomes, the payment amount is determined on a sliding scale, where those with lower incomes receive more significant grant amounts. The payout amount will decrease as the number of applicants with disabilities rises. On April 1, 2024, the grant amount is anticipated to rise to R10 per person per month.
Ways to find out the status of a SASSA disability grant:
It is critical to keep your application current to obtain the award successfully. You may also track your application to accomplish this. Once your application has been submitted, you should check its status frequently. Checking the status of a SASSA disability award is simple and may be done using the status check tool or the official website. Some methods to verify the status of your application are listed below:
- Using the SASSA website directly, which is located at https://srd.sassa.gov.za/sc19/status
- via the use of the Moya App. The data-free technique is this.
- by SMS @ 082-046-8553 to SASSA
- Using SASSA WhatsApp 082-046-8553
- Call 0800-601011, SASSA’s Toll-Free number.
How is the Balance of the SASSA Disability Grant Checked?
When your grant application is accepted, and you begin receiving it, handling the money carefully is critical. You must know the balance of your disability award to handle the money. You can use any of the following methods to check it:
- On your phone, enter the USSD code 1203210# or 12069277#.
- Use SASSA WhatsApp Number 082 046 8553 to visit the closest ATM.
- Contact the SASSA at 0800 601 011 toll-free via the official website.
How to receive SASSA Disability Grant Payment?
The disability grant payout is contingent on your application’s approval. There are no set dates for payments. At the end of every month, SASSA discloses the payment dates. Your payment method should be specified when you submit your application. Payment for your award cannot be made in the following ways:
- Direct Bank Transfer: Receive a computerized transfer into your Postbank or bank account. You could be assessed a service fee by the bank.)
- Cash Payment: Retail locations collaborating with SASSA, such as Pick n Pay, Shoprite, Boxers, Checkers, Usave, and Spar, can provide cash payments.
- Any organization not supported by the state. For example, senior living facilities and centers for those with disabilities.
If you are already receiving the grant money, you can alter the payment method at any moment; fill out the form at the SASSA office. This will only be changed after a month. Therefore, starting next month, you will get the money using the revised procedure. If you get the award in cash but cannot collect it because of illness, you may designate an agent to collect the grant on your behalf.