SASSA Disability Grant-Application Method, Eligibility Criteria

If you are here, probably you are searching for disability financial assistance. To support disabled persons Sassa has a program called the SASSA Disability Grant. You can apply if the disability lasts for more than six months.

We will go through the complete details like the application process online & offline also grant amount, “who qualifies for the Sassa disability grant” and how you can get successfully approved for disability grant in 2024.

Types Of Sassa Disability Grant

There are two types of grants provided to disabled persons by SASSA both of which depend on the physical assessment test, which dictates whether the person is eligible or not.

And whether is eligible for a permanent disability grant or a temporary disability grant. This assessment is taken by the Sassa medical officer.

Permanent Disability Grant

Permanent grant does not mean that it will be awarded forever. It depends on the person’s disability since it lasts. Permanent Disability grant is provided to those whose disability lasts for more than a year and the patient is not recovering from it for the period of one year.

Temporary Disability Grant

Temporary grant needs renewal if your disability lasts longer. This grant is provided to persons who are disabled for more than six months but not more than twelve months. 

Sassa Disability Grant Eligibility Criteria

It is better to understand the eligibility criteria before applying for the grant as it ensures your grant.

  • The person should be disabled for more than six months in both cases of the disability grant (Permanent and Temporary)
  • A person should be residing in the state of South Africa (If he/she is a refugee then must be recognized by the state)
  • The age should be between 18 to 59 years 
  • Individuals must not be enjoying any other grant 
  • To ensure the fair distribution of grant disability assessment tests must be conducted by the medical officer appointed by the state.
  • A person should provide all present and previous medical reports during the application process.
  • Must have identification proof (ID)
  • A person must be on that level of disability in which it is not possible to do any kind of physical work/job. 
  • A person should clear Sassa means tests for this grant, and their income/assets should not be more than the specified threshold. 
  • If a person is married then both spouses should undergo the SASSA disability grant means test. 
  • The medical assessment test must be conducted by the medical officer who is appointed by SASSA/State. Reports by any local medical practitioner are not acceptable. 

When A Person Becomes Ineligible for Sassa Disability Grant?

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  • When a person refuses to conduct a medical assessment test.
  • When a person is in prison.
  • When the applicant resides at an institution fully funded by the state.
  • When a person is at a State treatment center.
  • When the applicant is benefiting from any other grant by state.
  • When the applicant lives in an old-age home.

Income/Assets Threshold [SASSA Means Test]

The Sassa Means Test is conducted differently for other Sassa grants and disability grants. This Disability means test identifies the qualification of persons for the award of grants by SASSA. It encompasses income as well as assets owned by the disabled person and by the spouse in the case of a married person.

Assets Threshold

Assets thresholds are different for married persons and those who are not married.

For Single Persons: Assets should not be over and above R1 372 800

For Married Persons: Joint assets of both spouses should not be more than R2 745 600.

Income Threshold

Income thresholds are set differently for married persons and those who are not married.

For Single Persons: Their yearly income should not be over and above R96 840.

For Married Persons: The yearly Joint income of both spouses should not be more than R193 680 

Grant Amount For Sassa Disability Grant

Up to now the amount set for disability grants is R2,090 per month, but mostly the grant amount for this grant depends upon a person’s private income, it works on a sliding scale. Additionally, SASSA keeps on reviewing beneficiaries’ financial status.

Will Disability Grant Amount Increase In 2024?

As of our research, an increment can be expected in the total amount of grants from April 2024. Check the latest updates about SASSA grant amount increase.

Application Fee

It is nothing to be concerned about, It costs nothing while applying for a SASSA disability grant as there is no Application fee. 

How To Apply For SASSA Disability Grant In 2024?

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Step 1 

In the first place you should do the medical assessment by the Sassa-appointed medical practitioner. The sassa-appointed medical practitioner will give the report about your impairment upon which the nature of the grant depends, whether you are eligible for a permanent or temporary grant.

Remember, the authority to announce the final decision is with sassa not with the medical officer, nor does it depend on the report whether you will qualify or not. Because there are other factors too, to be considered for the award of a grant

Step 2

When you are done with the medical assessment then you can apply for the grant by visiting your nearest SASSA office. You may check SASSA office near me or you can also apply online by visiting SASSA Services Website and following the instructions there.

Visit your nearest SASSA office and ask for a SASSA disability grant application form or you can Download SASSA Disability Grant Application Form. You are required to fill out the application form in the presence of an SASSA Officer.

Let’s say if you find it hard to fill the form by yourself you can ask a SASSA officer to help you. They will fill a form for you. Follow their instructions and provide the information they require from you. Attach all required documents with the application form.

If you can’t go, don’t worry you can send anyone on your behalf.

But don’t forget to give him(your representative) a letter with your signature, which declares that this person is appointed by you, and a note by a doctor which will be the proof that the person is unable to walk to the Sassa office by him/herself

Step 3

Once you or your representative are done with the application form, the Sassa officer will conduct an interview and after that, they will give you a receipt you are recommended toi keep that receipt safe with you.

How Much Time Does It Take to Complete the Verification Procedure?

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Customarily, the verification time duration is 3 months but still, it depends on circumstances and a number of applications submitted. After 3 months either your grant will be approved or disapproved. In case of approval, the grant will be awarded to you from the date of approval but in case of the rejection, they must have provided you the reasons for rejection.

Additionally, you should check the schedule called SASSA Payment Dates every month released by SASSA to know the date of award of your Grant.

Important Documents

  • Your South African ID document, in case it is not available then:
  • Ask the Sassa Officer to provide you an Affidavit form or you can download Sassa Affidavit Form from our website & fill that form on the SASSA standard affidavit template, make sure that the Oath commissioner is present at that time. The Oath Commissioner must not be affiliated with SASSA
  • You are required to present a statement of declaration that declares your truth, this should be attested by an authoritative person. 
  • You are required to give your fingerprint while your application is under a verification process. The Department of Home Affairs will issue your ID on your request if you fail to do so later on your application may be suspended by Sassa.
  • Proof of your marriage in case you are married
  • Your assets proof
  • The previous 3 months’ bank statements of your account
  • If your spouse dies within the last five years you are required to present a death certificate
  • Your medical assessment report is conducted by the medical practitioner of Sassa.
  • Your past medical reports.
  • All supporting documents
  • Private pension documents
  • Certificate of discharge if you had a job before your disability.

Check Your Sassa Disability Grant Status

After submitting an application you are recommended to check sassa status of your grant with the help of these methods. This will keep you updated regarding your application’s current status.

  • Sassa Status check online
  • Check status through Moya App
  • Check status through WhatsApp at 082-046-8553
  • By Sending a message to 082-046-8553
  • Check by calling on toll-free number 0800-601011

Lodge An Appeal If Application Not Approved

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When your application is rejected or not approved they must have given you the reason for that. If you feel like there is something wrong with the decision and it seems unfair or an error to you, then you have the right of reconsideration of your application.

If again it is not approved then go for appeal. This matter will be examined by higher authorities. If they think you are fit for a disability grant you will be given your grant payments from then onwards.

Remember the time limitation on appeal is 90 days you must have to file an appeal within the first 90 days of your rejection. Say for instance you did not apply within 90 days or rejection but the reason for not applying is valid, you still have the option to file an appeal. For that, you will Download SASSA Late Appeal form print it fill it mention a valid reason for late apply & submit it in the SASSA Office.

Payment Method For SASSA Disability Grant

First of all, it is important to understand that Sassa does not fix any specific day for the award of grant payment, Every month the payment schedule is released by Sassa mentioning the sassa payment dates for different types of Sassa grants.

Following are the three methods through which Sassa pays you the grant.

  • Through Old age homes, Disability centers & Non-profit organizations 
  • You can get direct payments in your bank account. If you opt for payments via bank account then it is necessary to fill and submit a Consent Form for Bank Payment of SASSA Grant, also attach all relevant documents like your ID, Bank statement of previous three months & Your Bank account details.
  • Your Sassa payment can be withdrawn from Pick n Pay, Shoprite, Boxer, Checkers, Usave, and Spar

What If You Cannot Collect Grant Payment By Yourself?

If you find it hard to collect your payment by yourself then It’s nothing to be worried about. You can appoint a representative who will collect your payments on your authority. 

Methods To Check Disability Grant Balance

Checking your remaining balance will keep you informed & on how you should manage your funds to stabilize your financial situation. You can use the following methods to check Disability Grant Balance.

  • By calling on Toll-free number 0800 601 011
  • Through ATM 
  • SASSA WhatsApp number 082 046 8553
  • Dial USSD code *120*3210# or *120*69277# on your phone

Reviews/Inspection By SASSA Officials

Sassa keeps check and balance by reviewing the current status of grant applicants. This review by SASSA ensures that the applicant still fulfills the eligibility criteria or not; it is usually checked by your income and assets and your life status (alive or not). 

To avoid any kind of trouble while enjoying your grant it is your responsibility to update your application from time to time as your circumstances change, Or tell Sassa about your current financial status. These circumstantial changes can be in the form of financial stability or your physical well-being, maybe your banking details are changed (you should Change SASSA Banking Details) or assets are increased, whatever the situation is keep the department updated about your changes. 

What Is The Review Process?

For sassa disability grant review, you were notified approximately three months ago, of conducting a review by SASSA. This notice by Sassa will inform you how, when, and where you will be reviewed. The Sassa Disability grant beneficiaries are also required to send their life proof certificate to SASSA before the due date or yearly specifically if, you are receiving a grant via a bank account. 

If you are incapacitated to visit the Sassa office no worries, they will visit you for review. When the review process is completed don’t forget to take receipt of compliance from the reviewing officers. 

What Is The Review Process For Refugees?

As far as the review process of a refugee is concerned then it depends on his/her expiring status. The day a refugee reaches its expiry status the applicant will be reviewed by sassa. 

What Causes Disability Grant Suspension?

  • Unethical or fraudulent conduct by the beneficiary
  • Any major mistake in your application
  • When the beneficiary does not cooperate with SASSA while reviewing.
  • When your financial circumstances are changed to stability
  • You are restored to health, or now you become physically fit and normal. 
  • You are at that level of health where you can earn by yourself.

How To Recover From A Suspended Grant?

If you feel the suspension reasons are not fair or maybe any error occurred, you have the right of appeal. You can appeal to the higher authorities using the above-mentioned method

When Sassa Disability Grants Lapses?

  • When your financial situation improves.
  • When the beneficiary dies.
  • Beneficiary is failed to provide his/her life certificate to SASSA
  • You are residing in a state-funded institution like an old age home or rehabilitation center. It may happen that your grant is reduced to 25% of the maximum amount of the grant when you are admitted to a state-funded institution where the state pays for your care. 
  • Beneficiary is out of state for more than 3 months and there is no notice by the beneficiary.
  • When a beneficiary does not collect payments for 3 months and if time lapses after 3 months then there is a need to apply for a fresh grant.
  • The period of temporary disability expired.
  • If the beneficiary is a refugee in that case if he/she ceases to be a refugee. 
sassa-disability-grant

Tips For Beneficiaries

  • Update sassa about your residential address and contact detail
  • Don’t be part of any unlawful or fraudulent activity 
  • Update sassa about your health if it is getting better
  • Update sassa about circumstantial changes 
  • Provide complete and clear information where required.

Conclusion

The sassa disability grant is awarded to cope with severe financial issues or for the betterment of the lifestyle of persons who are unable to earn on their own due to their physical disability. All these details are provided keeping in view that the applicant must avail grant. Now you are well aware of the Grant, and we hope this article helped you regarding your queries.

FAQs

The person fulfilling the eligibility criteria & SASSA means test can be qualified easily for SASSA Disability Grant.

The person age between 18-60, disabled for more then six months in both cases of the disability grant (Permanent and Temporary) and not receiving any other social grant is eligible for the grant

For now the Disability grant payments is R2,090 but mostly this amount is set on sliding scale as situations of every disable person can be different. Its been expected to increase in amount from April 2024 onwards.

SASSA permanent disability grant refers to the grant which is awarded in case of disability longer then one year period.

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