SASSA Grant in Aid

SASSA has introduced an additional support program called Grant in Aid. This program is designed for those who are physically or mentally disabled and need a full-time caregiver in order to take care of their matters. The best part of this program is that if you are a beneficiary of another social grant, i.e. Disability grant or Old Age Grant, you can still avail of this grant, which is R530 per month.

What is Grant in Aid?

SASSA Grant in Aid is a specialized additional financial assistance program launched for those citizens of South Africa who can’t look after themselves due to any physical or mental disease or due to any other illness that requires a person to take care of them 24/7. This program enables beneficiaries to reduce financial burden, and it empowers caregivers to work dedicatedly for the well-being of the disabled.

Eligibility Criteria for Grant in Aid

Those who are looking to apply for the SASSA Grant in Aid must know the following eligibility criteria:

  • The applicant must be a permanent citizen of South Africa and currently staying in South Africa.
  • The minimum age requirement to apply for this type of grant is eighteen (18) years and must have an identity card.
  • The applicant has to pass the SASSA Means Test.
  • The beneficiaries of Old Age Grant and Disability Grant can also apply.
  • A certified medical report showing that the applicant is physically or mentally disabled and unable to take care of himself.

Documents Required For Applying Grant in Aid

If you are planning to apply for Grant in Aid then you should make the following documents ready:

  • ID Document.
  • Disability Certificate.
  • An affidavit of you.
  • Marriage Certificate, if you are married.
  • If your spouse is deceased, then the death certificate of your spouse.

How to Apply for Grant in Aid?

Once you are fully sure that you are eligible and have the requisite documents, then you can apply for Grant-in-Aid by following two ways:

  • Online through website.
  • Visiting the nearest SASSA office.

Online Method

  • In order to apply online, you have to visit the official website of SASSA and click on the tab [email protected].
  • Click on register if you are a new user by adding your personal details, which include Name, ID Card Number, Phone Number, address, and lastly, a password.
  • Now, you will get an OTP code on your cell number, which you have to confirm to register successfully, then login to your account.
  • After logging in to your account, you need to click on the apply for grant tab and then on Gran in Aid.
  • Fill out the application form completely and ensure that every box contains correct information.
  • Upload all the requisite documents in PDF format.
  • Submit the application form and wait for the response from SASSA.

Physically in SASSA Office

  • Go to any closest SASSA Office.
  • Request the representative to give you an application form for applying for grant in aid. Now, fill in this form, providing all requisite information in each box. If you need any assistance, you can ask the SASSA representative to help you.
  • If, due to any reason, you are unable to appear in person to submit the application form in the nearest office, then any relative or trusted friend, whom you can give power of attorney, can apply on behalf of you, visiting the nearest office.
  • Attach the ID Card and medical report with the application form and submit it over the concerned counter.
  • The concerned SASSA representative will interview you and then will do your biometric verification.
  • Collect the receipt from the representative.

Application Processing Time

SASSA generally takes around ninety (90) days to complete the application process, but for the Grant in Aid, the processing time is just thirty (30) days. Once the initial scrutiny process is completed, the applicant will be informed about his application’s status, whether it’s approved or rejected. If your application status appears approved, you will also be informed of the date when your grant will be available for collection.

Now, you can check the balance, and then you can collect the grant as per the payment method you mention in the application form, i.e. Bank Account, any cash pick-up point. If, in case, your application is rejected, you will get to know the reason for the rejection. Further, you can request for reconsideration.

Reasons of Suspension of Grant-in-Aid 

SASSA suspends the Grant-in-Aid due to the following reasons:

  • If your financial or medical status is changed.
  • In case you provided fake or false information in the application form. Once SASSA suspects that information, it will immediately suspend your grant.
  • If you are not collaborating with the SASSA review committee.
  • Lastly, if you applied for another grant but SASSA approved Grant in Aid in favor of you, it will be suspended once SASSA identifies it.

How to Avoid or Remove Suspension?

Every SASSA applicant must provide every single portion of information correctly so that they can avail social grants regularly. Further, applicants must provide the relevant documents at the time of application and keep their record updated. In case of any financial or medical status change, the applicants must inform SASSA and need to cooperate in case of review of application. In case anyone’s grant is suspended, he can appeal for the restoration of the grant within the timeframe of three (3) months.

When Grant-in-Aid Will Be Lapsed?

The Grant in Aid will be lapsed in the following cases:. 

  • Where the beneficiary of the grant is deceased or admitted in a hospital or in any government-funded institution. 
  • If the beneficiary has stopped getting 24/7 care from a caregiver.
  • Further, if the beneficiary is not claiming the grant continuously for three months.

Conclusion

Grant in Aid is one of the most important and additional grant of R530 to the caregiver on behalf of the applicants who are medically unfit and can’t take care of themselves and need a full-time caregiver to run their day-to-day matters.

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