The Sassa is an integral component of social security. Every South African citizen should be aware of Sassa’s range of grants. The Sassa Agency Act (Act No. 9 of 2004), which the President ratified, governs the organization founded in 2005.
The (SASSA) offers social assistance services through the SASSA social grant program. The Social Security Agency of South Africa manages and allocates social grants to eligible people and families. Social grants are intended to reduce poverty by providing financial aid to needy people. The South African government offers these grants to help people who struggle to make ends meet.
Types of SASSA Grants in South Africa:
SASSA oversees eight different categories of government grants in South Africa. Becoming a South African citizen, permanent resident or recognized refugee is the primary need for each award.
Please check your eligibility by reading the requirements for each form of application if you would want to apply:
Social Relief of Distress SRD R350 Grant:
The South African government launched a unique financial aid program called the Social Relief of Distress (SRD) R350 Grant. It was designed to assist those needing monetary support, particularly during the COVID-19 epidemic. The inception of this grant was a reaction to the growing demand for assistance from South Africans who were having difficulty meeting their basic needs.
Eligible persons get a monthly payment of R350 from the award. It is a temporary source of income for people who don’t get any other kind of social assistance or unemployment compensation.
The intention is to provide those unemployed or with little resources to sustain themselves and their families with urgent aid. It’s a crucial social safety net that aids persons in need in meeting their most basic requirements when things are hard.
Eligibility:
- Candidates have to be nationals or lawful permanent residents of South Africa.
- Candidates have to be at least eighteen years old.
- It is not appropriate for applicants to be receiving any additional social handouts.
- The handout is meant for people who make little or nothing.
- International applicants with current permissions are also welcome.
Care Dependency Grant:
The Care Dependency Grant is another financial aid program the South African government offers to families with children with serious medical issues or impairments. This award is intended primarily to assist caregivers in meeting the additional expenses of raising a child with special needs.
Eligibility for Care Dependency Grant:
- Age of the child: The youngster must not be older than eighteen.
- Severe sickness or disability: The youngster should suffer from a severe disease or disability that calls for ongoing care.
- Medical evidence: Caregivers must present medical records to verify the child’s condition.
- Financial means test: The financial means test must be satisfied by caregivers.
- Relationship between caregiver and child: The caregiver must be the child’s legal guardian or legally responsible for their upbringing.
Child Support Grant:
The government provides the Child Support Grant funding to assist parents and other caregivers provide for their children. This award is crucial because it allows families with additional funds to purchase necessities for their children, such as food, clothing, and school supplies.
The government provides this monthly money to ensure children have happy and healthy lives. Therefore, you can apply for the Child Support Grant to improve your family’s quality of life, provided you satisfy the requirements.
Eligibility:
However, not everyone is eligible for this award. To qualify, you must be a
- Citizen or permanent resident of South Africa.
- Additionally, it would be best to make a modest income, which entails not making much money.
- The youngster for whom you are applying must also be younger than eighteen (18) years old.
Disability Grant:
The government offers financial assistance to those with impairments through the Disability Grant. This award is significant because it provides financial assistance to those whose impairments may lead them to encounter additional difficulties daily. It assists them in purchasing necessities such as prescription drugs, specialized gear, and other necessities.
Furthermore, the Disability Grant recognizes that certain people may find it challenging to work or make money due to their disability. This award is intended to provide support, guarantee their ability to live with dignity, and enhance their standard of living. It’s one method the government supports and cares for its disabled residents.
Eligibility:
- The candidate needs to be medically verified and disabled.
- The impairment must be severe enough to prevent individuals from working and supporting themselves.
- Candidates have to be nationals or lawful permanent residents of South Africa.
- They need to have a modest income, among other financial requirements.
- One should anticipate that the handicap will be permanent or continue for at least a year.
Foster Child Grant:
Children living with foster parents benefit significantly from the Foster Child Grant, which is similar to a unique assistance program from the government. It further assists the families that welcome these children into their homes and hearts. This funding assists in defraying the expense of giving foster children food, school supplies, and other necessities.
In other words, the government says “thank you” for providing these children with care and a secure growing environment. The primary goal is to ensure these kids have the same opportunities as other kids.
Eligibility:
- Foster parents or other legal caregivers must be in charge of the kid.
- The Department of Social Development must provide approval to the foster parent or caregiver.
- The youngster has to be less than eighteen.
- The award recipient must be a citizen or permanent resident of South Africa.
- It ensures kids who don’t obtain other social grants get the help they require from foster parents or other caretakers.
Older Persons Grant:
The Older Persons Grant is our government’s way of giving our knowledgeable and seasoned elderly persons a birthday present. It’s our expression, “We appreciate all you’ve done in life.” With this award’s help, older adults can live peacefully into their golden years.
It enables them to pay for food, doctor visits, and perhaps even a small pleasure for themselves. It’s the government’s way of thanking them for all the knowledge they have imparted to us.
Eligibility:
- Candidates have to be nationals or lawful permanent residents of South Africa.
- They had to be sixty years old or older.
- Those not eligible for any other social grants may apply for the award.
- A financial means test is in place since it is intended for older adults who don’t have a lot of money or help.
- The gift is the government’s way of thanking elders for their accomplishments and life experiences.
Grant-In-Aid:
The government offers a unique form of aid known as Grant-In-Aid to those struggling financially and not qualified for regular social subsidies. The purpose of this award is to assist during difficult times. It resembles a government helping hand when someone truly needs it.
The purpose of the Grant-In-Aid is to give those with financial difficulties and lack other choices for support some short-term assistance. It is an avenue for the government to assist in hard times.
Eligibility for the Grant-In-Aid:
- Citizenship of South Africa: The individual must be either a permanent resident or a citizen of South Africa.
- Financial Need: Those struggling financially and who cannot afford to meet their necessities are the target audience for this award.
- No Other Social Grants: Since this award is intended to help those who could get lost in the cracks of other support programs, the applicant should not already be receiving any other social grants.
- Individual Assessment: The government evaluates each case independently and bases eligibility on family status, income, and out-of-pocket spending.
War Veterans Grant:
Those who participated in the Korean or Second World Wars are eligible for the War Veterans Grant (WVG). Recipients must be over 60, have a disability, live in a state facility, and not receive any other adult grants at the time of application to be eligible. This fund is intended to identify and aid senior veterans who require extra support and care.
Eligibility for War Veterans Grant:
- Service in Particular Wars: Candidates must have participated in either the Korean War or the Second World War.
- The minimum age requirement for applicants is sixty years of age.
- Disability: People with disabilities are also eligible.
- Status in State Institution: Candidates must be state institution residents.
- No Other Adult Grants: To be eligible for the WVG, beneficiaries must not have received any other adult grants.