SASSA Grant-In-Aid 2024: Eligibility Criteria & Application Process

The Grant-in-Aid is a financial assistance program of SASSA for South African citizens who are currently holding social grants and require full-time care at home. SASSA has made sure that this grant reaches those individuals who are unable to take care of themselves independently and need financial support in their lives. This support allows people in need to be covered financially and live a sound life. Documents

In this guide, I will explain everything there is to know about the SASSA Grant-in-Aid and how to apply for it in 2024. Make sure to read this article in its entirety to get a good idea of SASSA’s grant-in-aid. Let’s get started.

Eligibility Criteria For The SASSA Grant-In-Aid

There is a specific eligibility criteria set for the Grant-in-Aid so that only those who truly need the benefits of this grant can apply. Before you apply, you must ensure that you fit this eligibility criteria so there are no future issues. Here are the eligibility criteria:

• Main Grant Eligibility. To get the Grant-in-Aid, you must first be eligible for your primary grant. This includes passing a means test to ensure you meet the financial criteria.
• Specific grant holders. Grant-in-Aid is to be had for people who already receive a disability grant, an old age grant, or a war veteran grant. If you have one of these, you are eligible for this.
• Need for full-time care. You qualify if you’re unable to take care of yourself because of a severe mental or physical disability. This means you require full-time care at home to manage your daily activities.
• No state institution cares. Grant-in-Aid is for those who are not receiving care in a state institution. If a facility is already looking after you, you may not be eligible.
• Recent medical assessment. You should provide a valid medical assessment record to show your need for full-time care. This report should be at most 3 months old and should sincerely outline why you need constant care.

Required Documents to Apply for Grant-In-Aid

Once you have ensured that you fit the eligibility criteria, the next step is to gather all the required documents for the application. These documents are needed to verify your ID and status and ensure that you are a South African citizen and fit this grant’s eligibility. You need to have the following documents in hand before applying:

1. Original 13-digit bar-coded ID. An original ID card document is needed to verify your identification. It needs to be the original version with the bar code, not a copy.
2. Valid medical assessment report. This report from a health practitioner suggests why you need full-time care. It needs to be the latest, at most 3 months. This report is essential in proving that you truly require help because of a health reason.
3. Documentation Confirming Marital Status. You will need to provide the relevant file, depending on your marital status. This could be a marriage certificate if you’re married, a divorce decree if you’re divorced, or a death certificate if your partner has passed away. If you’re single, a sworn statement will do.
4. Completed and signed affidavit for SASSA Grant-in-Aid. This is a written declaration where you claim, under oath, that the information you provide for the Grant-in-Aid application is true.

How do I apply for a Grant-in-Aid?

Once you have ensured that you fit the eligibility criteria and have assembled all the required documents that you need for the application, you can now move on to the application process. Follow this step-by-step guide carefully to apply for the Grant-in-Aid without any trouble along the way:

1. Head to the nearest SASSA office. You can find the location of these offices on the SASSA website or ask them through their toll-free helpline (0800 601 011).
2. Once at the SASSA office, get the Grant-in-Aid application form. These forms are available at their offices. If needed, ask a SASSA officer for help getting the form.
3. Fill out the application form accurately. If you find it hard, do not hesitate to ask a SASSA officer for help. It’s essential to provide correct and accurate information to ensure the smooth processing of your application.
4. After completing the form, submit it along with the required documents.
5. A SASSA officer will then interview you. They will then take your fingerprints.
6. Once the application process is done, you’ll receive a dated stamp receipt from the SASSA officer who guided you. Keep this receipt as evidence of your application, even if your application isn’t a success.

If you’re not able to visit the SASSA office yourself, a trusted family member or friend can submit the application on your behalf with a letter from you and a doctor’s notice explaining your incapacity to go in person.

The processing time for grant-in-aid applications is up to 3 months. Payments will start from the date of approval. If your application is rejected, SASSA will send a letter explaining the reasons for the non-approval.

How much is the SASSA Grant-in-Aid Amount?

As of the latest update in October 2023, the SASSA Grant-In-Aid amount is R510 per month for every eligible person. It’s important to remember that this grant is designed to assist current social grant holders, such as disability grants, old age grants, and war veteran grant recipients, who require full-time care and are unable to care for themselves independently.

It should also be noted that this grant amount is subject to exchange. According to the information available, there is an expected rise of R10 per person per month starting on April 1, 2024. Therefore, check for the most recent updates on the grant amount, mainly if you are referring to this information at a later date.

Processing Time for the Application of SASSA Grant-In-Aid

Steps	Details
Application Process	Individuals can apply at the nearest SASSA office.
Required Documents	ID of applicant, medical report confirming disability, proof of income and assets, etc.
Processing Time	Typically, the processing time can range from a few weeks to three months.
Approval Notification	Applicants are notified by mail or SMS about the status of their application.
Payment Method	Payments are made through various methods, including direct bank deposits, cash pay points, or SASSA cards.
Renewal	The grant may require periodic medical assessments to confirm ongoing eligibility.
Appeal Process	If an application is denied, there’s an appeal process available, which must be initiated within 90 days of notification.

The processing time for the SASSA Grant-in-Aid application is up to 3 months. After submitting all required documents, applicants will undergo a thorough review by the SASSA officers. Payments, if approved, will start from the application date. Regularly check the status through SASSA’s provided channels for updates. If rejected, SASSA will provide reasons in a notification letter. Be patient during the processing period, and keep the dated stamp receipt received upon application as evidence.

See Also: SASSA Pending Status Check

How much does the Grant-in-Aid cost?

Applying for the SASSA Grant-in-Aid is free of charge. There are no charges or service fees associated with the application process. The grant is designed to provide financial assistance to individuals who require full-time care due to severe mental or physical disabilities.

SASSA Grant-In-Aid Status Check

Once you have applied for the Grant-in-Aid, you need to keep a check on the status of your application. This allows you to be aware of how far along your application has been processed or whether or not it has been approved or not. There are different methods of checking the status of your application:

• You can check the status and navigate to the section that says “Check your application status.”
• Moya is an app that can be used to check your application status.
• Send an SMS to the SASSA number, 082-046-8553, and ask about the status of your Grant-In-Aid application.
• Connect with SASSA through WhatsApp by sending a message to 082-046-8553. WhatsApp is increasingly being used for communication with SASSA.
• Contact SASSA via the toll-free number 0800-601011. Customer service representatives will offer insights on the current status of your Grant-In-Aid application.

What should I do next if the SASSA Grant-in-Aid Application is not accepted?

If your SASSA Grant-in-Aid application is rejected and you believe it was unfair, request reconsideration by providing more information and reasoning.

If the reconsideration is denied, you can use your right to appeal by filing an appeal with the Ministry of Social Development within 90 days. The Ministry will evaluate your appeal, and if it is successful, they will reverse SASSA’s decision.

Act within the set timeframes to increase the chance of a positive outcome for your grant-in-aid application.

Understanding the SASSA Grant-In-Aid Payment Process

Once your SASSA Grant-in-Aid is approved, you’ll start getting your payments. The dates when you will be able to receive the payment can change every month, so it is really important to keep an eye out for changing dates and updated payment schedules. You can choose how you want to get your payment:

• Direct Deposit. Your grant money can go immediately into your bank account, but from time to time, the bank may also charge a small fee.
• Cash Withdrawal. If you select having cash, you can withdraw your money at different shops like Pick n Pay, Shoprite, Boxer, Checkers, Usave, and Spar.
• Institutional Payments. Some institutions, such as nursing homes or disability centers, facilitate grant payments.

To get your payment via direct deposit, fill out the relevant form at the SASSA office. You’ll need to share details like your ID, bank account information, and a bank statement.

If you can’t get your grant money for some reason, you can ask someone you trust to do it for you. You can also check how much grant money you have left using your cellphone, an ATM, a SASSA WhatsApp number, or by calling the free SASSA number.

See Also: SASSA Change Phone Number

Grant-In-Aid Balance Check

Most of the time, the beneficiary needs to see how much money is available in their SASSA account. Checking your SASSA Grant-In-Aid balance is easy, and it helps you keep track of your grant money. Here are some simple ways to do a SASSA balance check:

• USSD Code. Dial 1203210# or 12069277# from your cellphone. This will show you your remaining balance.
• ATM. You can use any ATM to check your balance. Just insert your card, follow the instructions, and you’ll see how much grant money you have left. Be aware that standard bank charges may apply.
• SASSA WhatsApp. Send a message through WhatsApp to 082 046 8553 to check your balance. They’ll guide you on what to do.
• SASSA Call Center. Dial the free SASSA number, 0800 601 011, and ask for your balance. They are there to help with any questions you might have.

Grant Suspension Reasons

Suspension of your SASSA Grant-in-Aid is a serious matter, and you need to understand the reasons behind it. The grant aims to support those who genuinely need it. However, certain situations may lead to the suspension of your grant:

• If things in your life change, like your financial situation or health, SASSA may suspend your grant. They want to make sure the grant is going to individuals who need it the most.
• Being honest is essential. If SASSA finds out you gave fake information or committed fraud while applying, they might suspend your grant.
• When SASSA checks if you qualify for the grant, it is critical to cooperate. Refusing to assist during the assessment will result in the suspension of your funding.
• If the review process suggests you no longer meet the requirements, your grant might be suspended.
• Sometimes, because of errors, a grant might be accepted incorrectly. If this is found, your grant might be suspended.

Restoration of the Grant

You must act quickly if your grant is suspended due to an error. Appeal to the Ministry of Social Development within 90 days for reconsideration. The appeal process involves a thorough review of your case, providing an opportunity to correct any misunderstandings or errors that led to the suspension.

Reasons for Lapsing of Grant-In-Aid

Your grant may lapse due to various reasons. Lapsing could cause a suspension of payments, and it could happen for several reasons. If you believe that this lapse in payments is unjust, you could complain to SASSA about it and inquire about the reason. Moreover,here are the possible reasons for the lapse of grant-in-aid:

• In the unfortunate event of the beneficiary’s death, the grant will automatically cease.
• Regular reviews require proof of continued existence. Provide this proof within the set time to avoid the grant lapsing.
• If you do not collect grant payments for three months, your grant may lapse. A reapplication may be necessary to restart payments.
• Admission to a fully government-funded institution, such as a hospital or jail, can lead to the suspension of the grant.
• If a beneficiary is out of the country for more than 90 days without notice, the grant may lapse.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

In 2024, the SASSA Grant-in-Aid will provide helpful support for people who need full-time care due to disabilities. If you already received the disability, old age, or war veteran grant, you are eligible. The application process is straightforward, requiring essential files like your ID and a recent medical report.

However, the grant, currently at R510 per month, can be crucial for caregivers and recipients. Stay updated on your application status and grant balance using the provided techniques. Remember, if you find yourself in demanding situations, you can always ask them to reconsider and appeal.