Grant-In-Aid SASSA

The SASSA Grant-In-Aid holds significant importance in the context of South Africa’s social welfare system and broader societal objectives. It is one of the best initiatives taken by the South African government to help people in need. Grant-In-Aid SASSA plays a crucial role in the lives of people of low socioeconomic status by helping them to alleviate poverty, maintain health, promote social equity, and above all, maintain their dignity and respect.

Grant-In-Aid SASSA
Grant-In-Aid SASSA

SASSA Grant-In-Aid was initiated by SASSA as an additional help for people already receiving a social grant but are unable to take of themselves and need full-time care at home. Such individuals may include older persons, disabled persons, or a child who needs full-time care. This grant provides these people with resources to hire other persons responsible for helping them. 

In fact Grant-In-Aid is an additional grant which is targeted towards people who take care of the needy people already receiving a SASSA grant. So in this guide, we will learn everything about how to apply for Grant-In-Aid SASSA, check the status of SASSA Grant-In-Aid, and check the balance of SASSA Grant-In-Aid.   

Eligibility Criteria For Grant-in-Aid SASSA

Before applying for the SASSA Grant-In-Aid, applicants must understand all the rules and regulations for applying. To make sure your application is accepted, you should fulfill the eligibility criteria. The eligibility criteria for SASSA Grant-In-Aid is given below:

  • The applicant must be receiving other SASSA grants i.e. Disability Grant, Grant for Older persons, War Veteran Grant
  • The applicant must undergo a medical or functional assessment confirming disability and proving he is not able to take care of himself due to his physical or mental disability and thus requires full-time care by someone else. 
  • The applicant must not be residing and receiving help and care in an instituition receiving a subsidy from the Government of South Africa.
  • The applicant must have a valid medical assessment report from a state doctor or a private doctor confirming his disability and need for full-time care if his application was previously rejected on medical grounds.

How to apply for Grant-In-Aid SASSA

The process of applying for SASSA Grant-In-Aid is simple and free. It is given below:

  • Visit your nearest SASSA office and get the application form for the SASSA Grant-In-Aid.
  • Fill out the form in the presence of a SASSA officer.
  • Attach the required documents and submit the form to the SASSA officer.
  • SASSA officer will then interview you, take your fingerprints, and then inform you if you qualify for the grant or not.
  • After this, you will be given a stamped receipt. You must keep it safe as it may be used in the future.
  • If you are unable to visit the SASSA office due to your disability or any other condition, you can send your friend or a family member to visit and apply on your behalf. The person applying on your behalf must provide a letter from you or a medical note from a doctor stating the reason for your absence.  

Required Documents For SASSA Grant-In-Aid

Required Documents For SASSA Grant-In-Aid
Required Documents For SASSA Grant-In-Aid

Attaching the required documents with your application is necessary to ensure your chances of getting your grant approved are increased. The  required documents for your SASSA Grant-In-Aid are given below:

  • 13-digit bar-coded ID (identity document).
  • Completed and signed SASSA Grant-In-Aid Affidavit.
  • Medical assessment report less than three months old proving you need full-time care at home.
  • Documented proof of marital status:
  • Sworn statement or affidavit if single.
  • Marriage certificate if married.
  • Divorce decree if separated.
  • Death certificate if the spouse has died

Processing Time for the Application 

The average processing time for application of SASSA Grant-In-Aid is about 3 months. This also depends on the number of applications received by SASSA. Due to the high volume of applications, your application processing time might take longer than this. But rest assured, because once your application is approved, you will receive grant payments starting from the month you applied. You must check your SASSA status regularly to keep yourself updated.

SASSA Grant-In-Aid Status check

After you submit your application and the processing time is over, the next step is to check your SASSA status on a regular basis to check the outcome of your grant application. You can check your SASSA status for SASSA Grant-In-Aid through the following means:

  • Through the SASSA official website.
  • Through Moya App.
  • Through WhatsApp.
  • Through Gov Chat.
  • Through SMS.
  • Through phone call.
  • Through the SASSA office.

Grant application outcomes

After SASSA processes your application it will either approve or reject it. If your application is approved, you will start receiving your grant payments. If your grant application is rejected you will receive a written explanation from SASSA with the reason for rejection of your application. After that, you can apply to SASSA for reconsideration within 90 days of the rejection notice. If your application for reconsideration is also rejected, you can then appeal to SASSA.

Grant payment methods

Once your application for the SASSA Grant-In-Aid is approved, you will receive your grant payment from the date you applied. Grant-In-Aid does not have any specific payment date and payment dates are released each month and can be found through your SASSA status. You can receive your grant payment through one of  the following means:

Direct deposit: SASSA will transfer the grant directly to your bank account that you provided in your application. But before choosing direct bank deposit as your desired mode of payment, make sure you change your banking details

Retail outlets: you can also withdraw your grant payments through SASSA-registered retail outlets such as Pick n Pay, Shoprite, Boxer, Checkers, Usave, and Spar.

Specific Institutions: you can also receive your grant payments through specific institutions such as old age homes, disability centers, and other non-profit organizations.

Amount of SASSA Grant-In-Aid

The Grant-In-Aid SASSA is an additional aid that is provided to eligible individuals to enable them to hire someone who provides them with full-time care. The total amount of this SASSA is R530 per month. Applicants can receive this amount through their desired mode of payment.

Review of Grant-In-Aid SASSA

SASSA conducts the review to ensure that the applicants still meet the eligibility criteria of the grant. The review includes a means test, confirming that the applicant’s circumstances have not changed, and verifying that the applicant is alive. SASSA sends a written notice to the applicants before the review or a written notice requiring them to submit their life certificates. The written notice also tells the date and time of the review.

Review of Grant-In-Aid SASSA
Review of Grant-In-Aid SASSA

To ensure your review does not result in suspension of your gran, always keep your personal information updated whenever your circumstances change. Applicants receiving their grant through a bank, institution, or an agent should submit their life certificate once a year. If you are unable to travel due to your condition, SASSA employees will visit your home and conduct the review. The review process of refugee applicants is initiated when their refugee status expires. After the review, you will get a receipt with your application reference number.

How to check the balance of Grant-In-Aid

Checking the balance of your grant is crucial as it helps you to keep informed of your remaining balance and to plan for your finances until the next grant payment. You can check your balance for Grant-In-Aid by following methods:

  • Through the USSD code *120*3210# or *120*69277#.
  • Through an ATM (normal bank charges may be applied).
  • Via WhatsApp through SASSA’s official WhatsApp number 082 046 8553.
  • Through the SASSA toll-free number 0800 601 011.

Reasons for Grant Suspension

The following reasons may result in the suspension of a SASSA grant:

  • Change. in financial or medical circumstances. 
  • Suspension after the grant review was done.
  • Failure to cooperate when a grant was reviewed.
  • Committing a fraudulent activity or providing false information.
  • If the grant was approved in error.
  • Failure of the applicant to submit the required missing documents

Reasons for Grant-In-Aid Lapsing

The following reasons result in the lapsing of the SASSA Grant-In-Aid:

  • If the applicant passes away.
  • If the applicant fails to provide a life certificate at the time of a review.
  • If the applicant does not collect his grant payments 3 months in a row.
  • If the applicant is admitted to any government-funded institution such as a jail or hospital.
  • If the applicant is out of the country for more than 90 days without prior notice.
  • If the applicant does not require full-time care anymore. 

Restoration of the suspended grant

Suppose your grant was suspended due to any reasons stated above or by a mistake. In that case, you have to lodge an appeal to the Ministry of Social Development at the National Department of Social Development within 90 days from the date of suspension. 

Responsibilities of the SASSA Grant Beneficiaries

The beneficiaries must:

  • Keep SASSA updated about any changes in personal and financial circumstances.
  • Inform SASSA about modifications in their address or personal phone number.
  • Always provide the correct information.
  • Respond to the SASSA notices as soon as possible.

Keeping SASSA updated about your personal information helps individuals receive letters and notices from SASSA and respond to them. Failure to respond to SASSA notices and letters results in suspension of the grant.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the SASSA Grant-In-Aid stands as a cornerstone of South Africa’s social welfare system, embodying the nation’s commitment to compassion, equity, and social justice. Through its provision of financial assistance to individuals facing disabilities or vulnerabilities, the grant plays a pivotal role in alleviating poverty, promoting social inclusion, and upholding human dignity. Addressing immediate needs and fostering long-term empowerment, not only improves the lives of recipients but also contributes to building a more resilient society.

FAQs ( Frequently Asked Questions )

No, only South African citizens or permanent residents can apply for Grant-In-Aid.

The average processing time for the SASSA Grant-In-Aid application is 90 days.

There is no specific age limit as the eligibility is based on the disability or medical condition.

Yes, but there are income limits that you must reside in.

You should renew your application once a year.

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