NEWCASTLE KZN: SASSA urges elderly, disabled and veterans to apply for ‘grant-in-aid’
Grant-in-aid is an additional R450 per month which can offset caregivers' expenses including medical bills and food.
The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) is concerned that most old age, disability and war veteran grant recipients have not applied for ‘grants-in-aid’.
Those living on a social grant and who are unable to look after themselves qualify for an additional grant (known as grant-in-aid)*, to pay the person who gives them full-time care. This can help offset the caregiver’s expenses including medical bills and food.
*Grant recipients who are being cared for at an institution which is subsidised by government are excluded from grant-in-aid.
Grant-in-aid is an additional R450 per month [correct at the time of publication] which is paid by SASSA at pay points, through electronic deposit or to a grant administrator like a welfare organisation.
In a recent press statement, SASSA explains that applicants who do not have an identity document, smart ID or birth certificate for children involved in the application can still apply for grant-in-aid, but must check with their nearest SASSA office which alternative documents they will need.
“If the application has been approved, beneficiaries start getting payments within 3 months. The payments will be backdated to the day the application for the grant was completed. Grant-in-aid will be cancelled if the beneficiary is no longer in the care of another person, if they pass on, or if they get admitted to a state institution, and if the income or assets improve so much they no longer qualify in terms of the means test.”
For more details on grant-in-aid, contact the SASSA Customer Care Unit on 013 754 9363/9439/9428 or call the toll free number on 080 060 1011.
How to apply for grant-in-aid
- Visit your nearest SASSA office
- Bring your 13-digit barcoded ID, a medical report or assessment which shows you need full-time care (not older than 3 months), and proof of marital status and spouse’s ID (if applicable)
- Complete an application form in the presence of a SASSA official
- You will be given a receipt, which must be kept safe as proof of application.
SASSA adds that should you be too old or sick to travel to a SASSA branch, a family member or friend can apply on your behalf. They require a letter from you and/or a doctor’s note explaining why you cannot visit the office.
If your application is not approved, you will receive the reasons in writing. Should you disagree with the decision, it can be appealed with the Minister of Social Development within 90 days of being notified of an unsuccessful application.
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