The SASSA Grant-in-Aid is designed to assist current social grant recipients who need full-time home care and are unable to care for themselves. This additional grant helps cover the cost of hiring a full-time caregiver. The Grant-in-Aid is available to those receiving disability grants, war veteran grants, or old-age grants, and it is added to the existing grant amount.
You can apply for the grant-in-aid by completing an application form at your nearest South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) office or any regional counter service point. There is no fee required for this application.
Here’s how you can apply for this grant and what you need to know.
Eligibility Criteria for SASSA Grant-in-Aid
To be eligible for the Grant-in-Aid, you must meet specific criteria:
- Means Test: You must pass a means test to qualify.
- Current Grant Recipient: You must already be receiving an Old Age Grant, Disability Grant, or War Veteran’s Grant.
- Inability to Self-Care: You must be unable to take care of yourself due to a severe mental or physical impairment requiring full-time home care.
- Not Receiving Institutional Care: You must not be receiving treatment in an official institution.
- Medical Report: A valid medical report, not older than three months, must be provided to prove the need for full-time care. This report can be from a doctor of your choice.
Amount and Cost of the Grant-in-Aid
As of October 1, 2023, the Grant-in-Aid amount is R510 per month. This amount will remain unchanged throughout 2024. There is no service charge for applying for the Grant-in-Aid.
How to Apply for the Grant-in-Aid
In-Person Application
You can apply for the Grant-in-Aid at your nearest SASSA office or any counter service point of a regional office. The application process is free of charge. Here are the steps to follow:
- Visit a SASSA Office: Obtain the application form at a SASSA branch.
- Fill Out the Form: Complete the form in front of a SASSA official. If you need assistance, the official can help you.
- Submit Required Documents: Provide the necessary documentation, including a valid medical report proving the need for full-time care.
- Interview and Verification: You or your designated person will be interviewed, fingerprinted, and informed about your qualification status.
- Receipt of Application: You will receive a stamped receipt with the application date from the SASSA officer. This receipt serves as proof of your application, even if you do not qualify.
Online Application
You can also apply online using the SASSA Services website. Follow these steps:
- Access the SASSA Services Website: Navigate to the website and locate the application section for Grant-in-Aid.
- Fill Out the Online Form: Complete the form as per the instructions provided.
- Upload Documents: Upload all required documents, including the medical report.
- Submit Application: Submit the completed form and documents online.
If you are too sick, old, or disabled to submit the application yourself, you can ask a family member, friend, or trusted relative to apply on your behalf. They will need a note from your doctor explaining why you cannot visit the SASSA offices.
Required Documents for Grant-in-Aid Application
When applying, you must bring the following original or certified documents:
- Identification: Original 13-digit barcode identification document (identity card).
- Medical Report: Valid medical report not older than three months, confirming the need for full-time home care.
- Marital Status Documentation:
- Marriage Certificate: If married.
- Divorce Decree: If divorced.
- Death Certificate: If your spouse has died.
- Affidavit: If single, an affidavit or sworn statement.
Handling Rejected Applications
If your Grant-in-Aid application is rejected, you can request a reconsideration if you believe a mistake was made. Should the reconsideration request be denied, you can appeal SASSA’s decision. The appeal must be submitted within 90 days of the application date.
Your appeal will be reviewed by the Ministry of Social Development. If the appeal board agrees with your position, they will overturn SASSA’s original decision, and you will start receiving payments. If the appeal is rejected, you will receive written notification.
Conclusion
The SASSA Grant-in-Aid provides vital support to those who need full-time home care but are already receiving other social grants. Understanding the application process, meeting the eligibility criteria, and submitting the required documents can help ensure a smooth application experience. If denied, knowing the steps to request reconsideration or file an appeal can further assist in securing this essential support.