SASSA Grant-In-Aid 2024 – Complete Application Guide

When financial issues and dependency come together, life becomes difficult for a person. If such helpless individuals are not supported, they may spend their entire lives in despair.

For such South African individuals, SASSA has arranged a Grant-In-Aid. This grant includes people who are already receiving some grants from SASSA, like the Disability Grant, Older Person’s Grant, or War Veteran’s Grant and are now eligible for an extra amount of R510 under the Grant-In-Aid. 

The reason for this grant is complete dependence on others due to their physical or mental disabilities, which prevent them from performing daily activities independently.

If you are wondering who is eligible for the SASSA Grant In Aid, how to apply, and what documents are required, read this article until the end.

Eligibility Criteria For The SASSA Grant-In-Aid

To qualify for the SASSA Grant In Aid, people must satisfy certain conditions. These rules are set to ensure the grant goes to the people requiring it the most. Here are the key eligibility criteria:

For a quick overview, below is a table outlining the eligibility criteria for the SASSA Grant-In-Aid:

Eligibility Criteria	Description
Citizenship	South African national, permanent resident, or refugee status.
Existing SASSA Grant	Must already receive a Disability Grant, Older Person’s Grant, or War Veteran’s Grant.
Need for Constant Help	Physical or mental condition necessitating full-time care.
Financial Means Test	Income and assets below certain thresholds as defined by SASSA.

Now, let’s take a closer look at the detailed requirements for eligibility:

1. Citizenship: The person applying must be a South African national, have the right to live in the country forever, or be someone who fled their home country for safety. This means foreign nationals who are not permanent residents or refugees are not eligible for the grant.
2. Existing SASSA Grant: The applicant must already receive another grant from SASSA, such as a Disability Grant, Older Person’s Grant, or War Veteran’s Grant. The Grant-In-Aid is extra money given in addition to the grants people already receive.
3. Must Need Constant Help: The person applying must need someone to take care of them all the time because of a physical or mental condition that makes it hard to do things independently. This means that they cannot perform daily activities independently and need constant assistance from a caregiver.
4. Financial Means Test: According to the limits set by SASSA, the person applying must not earn or own too much money or things. This income check ensures that the grant money goes to people who need financial help.

It’s important to remember that even if someone meets all these requirements, it doesn’t always mean they will get the grant. SASSA will assess each application case-by-case basis, considering the applicant’s unique circumstances.

Documentation Checklist for SASSA Grant-In-Aid Application

When applying for the grant, you will need to provide the following documents:

1. A completed SASSA Grant In Aid application form.
2. The applicant’s South African ID document or valid passport.
3. Proof of the applicant’s current SASSA grant.
4. A medical report from a registered medical practitioner confirming the applicant’s need for full-time care for the previous 3 months.
5. Proof of the applicant’s income, assets, and marital proof, such as bank statements and tax returns, marriage certificate, death certificate, divorce decree, and legal paper if you are single.

Sometimes, SASSA might ask for more papers or details to help them understand your situation better. Make sure to give SASSA all the papers they ask for as soon as possible so your application doesn’t take longer than it should.

Step-by-Step Guide to Applying for Grant in Aid Sassa

Applying for the SASSA Grant In Aid may seem daunting, but the process is relatively straightforward if you follow these steps:

1. Obtain an Application Form: Visit your nearest SASSA office to collect an application form in person. You can also get the form from the real SASSA website on the internet.
2. Fill in the Application Form: Write all the needed information on the form correctly and carefully. Ensure to answer all the questions and check for mistakes before giving the form to SASSA.
3. Prepare the papers: Find all the important papers SASSA asks for in the list. Ensure you have real copies of your ID and other big papers that someone in charge has signed and stamped.
4. Manege your alternative person: if you are unable to visit the Sassa office to submit a SASSA grant in aid, you can send a person on your behalf. Remember to give him a letter from you and a doctor’s report about your disability to visit the Sassa office.
5. Valid Medical Report: For a successful application process, you need a medical report showing that you completely depend on others for your basic care. The report should not be too old. Three 3-month-old reports are acceptable.
6. Submit Your Application: Bring your filled-out form and all the papers to the SASSA office close to your home. You must submit these in person, as there is currently no online application process for the Grant-In-Aid.
7. Interview by Officer: After submitting the form, the sassa officer will interview you or the person on your behalf. After asking some questions, he will take your fingerprint or your appointed person.
8. Wait for Processing: After submitting your application, SASSA will give you a stamped receipt with the current date and will start reviewing your application. You may request additional information or documentation if needed. 

It usually takes SASSA up to 3 months to look at your application, but it can take more or less time based on how many people applied and if you gave them all the necessary information.

9. Receive Notification of Outcome: After SASSA finishes reviewing your application, they will send you a message to let you know if you will get the grant. If SASSA says yes to your application, they will tell you what to do next to get your grant money.

If you require assistance during the application process, contact SASSA’s toll-free helpline or visit your nearest SASSA office for guidance.

Understanding the SASSA Grant-In-Aid Financial Aid Amount

The Grant In Aid provides beneficiaries an additional monthly payment for their existing SASSA grant. SASSA determines the exact amount of this financial aid and is subject to change yearly based on budgetary allocations and other factors.

As of 2024, the Grant-In-Aid amount is set at R510 monthly. If your application is approved, you will receive an additional R510 monthly, over and above your existing grant payment.

It is important to note that the Grant-In-Aid amount is not a standalone payment but a supplement to your existing grant. This additional financial aid is to help cover the costs associated with full-time care, such as hiring a caregiver or purchasing necessary medical supplies.

Timeline for SASSA Grant-In-Aid Application Processing

After submitting your application, you may be eager to know how long it will take for SASSA to process your request. Most of the time, SASSA takes about three months from the day you give them your application to let you know if you got the grant.

However, it is important to keep in mind that this timeline is not set in stone and may vary depending on several factors:

1. Volume of Applications
2. Completeness of Application
3. Verification Process

If you have not received a response from SASSA within 90 days of submitting your application, you can contact their toll-free helpline at 0800 60 10 11 or visit your nearest SASSA office to inquire about the status of your application.

Important Note : The Grant In Aid doesn't require any money to apply. You don't have to pay any fees.

SASSA Grant-In-Aid Status Check

To check the status of your Grant-In-Aid application, you can:

1. Quickly Check the status of your Grant-In-Aid by visiting onlinesassastatuscheck.co.za.
2. Check the status of your application by going online to the Officila SASSA website. Just use your application reference number.
3. You can ring the SASSA free phone line at 0800 601 011.
4. Send SMS To SASSA Number 082-046-8553
5. Use SASSA WhatsApp 082-046-8553
6. Choose the Moya App ( using the free method)

Next Steps After a SASSA Grant-In-Aid Rejection

SASSA will give you a written explanation if your application is turned down. You can challenge the decision by appealing to the Ministry of Social Development at the National Department of Social Development within 90 days after getting the rejection letter. To appeal, follow these steps:

1. Complete the appeal form provided by SASSA. More details on this process can be found at SASSA Appeal.
2. Collect any extra papers that could help make your case stronger.
3. Submit your appeal form and supporting documents to your local SASSA office.

Understanding the SASSA Grant-In-Aid Payment Process

After your application for the Grant In Aid is accepted, you will begin to get your grant money. The payments are made monthly and are typically paid out on the same day you applied for each month.

For more detailed information on SASSA payment dates, please checkout to sassa grants payout dates.

SASSA offers several payment methods for grant beneficiaries, including:

1. Bank account or Postbank account: If you have a personal bank account or Postbank account, SASSA can deposit your grant payments directly into your account each month.
2. Retail outlet: you have the option to collect the Sassa grant in aid amount from retail outlets like Boxer, Shoprite, Pick n Pay, Spar, Checkers, and Usave.
3. Cash pay points: SASSA creates places called cash pay points in different areas. Here, people who get grants can pick up their money in cash. These pay points are typically in disability centers, old age homes, nonprofit organizations, etc.

When you apply for the Grant-In-Aid, you will be asked to choose your preferred payment method. You can switch how you get paid whenever you want by going to the closest SASSA office and filling out a form to change your payment method.

SASSA Grant-In-Aid Balance Check

To check your Grant-In-Aid balance, you can:

1. Use SASSA’s Official WhatsApp number, 082 046 8553
2. See how much money you have using your SASSA card at any ATM.
3. Phone the SASSA free helpline at 0800 601 011.
4. Dial USSD code 1203210# or 12069277# using your mobile

Common Reasons for SASSA Grant Suspension

Your grant might stop if:

1. You don’t get your grant for three months.
2. SASSA finds out that you no longer qualify for the grant.
3. You provide false information or documents during the application or review process.

Reinstating Your Suspended SASSA Grant

If your Grant-In-Aid has been suspended, you can have it reinstated by:

1. Visiting your local SASSA office to explain the reason for not collecting your grant.
2. Providing updated information and documents to prove your continued eligibility for the grant.
3. Challenge it by sending an appeal to the Ministry of Social Development at the National Department of Social Development within 90 days.

For more detailed guidance, please refer to the article on SASSA reinstatement.

Reasons for Lapsing of Grant-In-Aid

Your Grant-In-Aid may lapse if:

1. You have died.
2. You are taken to a state institution where they always care for you.
3. You don’t qualify for the grant anymore.
4. You leave the country for over 90 days without informing anyone.
5. Not getting the grant for three months in a row.

Grant In Aid South Africa All We Know

The SASSA Grant-In-Aid is a crucial support mechanism for individuals with disabilities who require full-time care in South Africa. The grant aims to alleviate the financial burden on these individuals and their caregivers, ensuring they can access the care they need to maintain their quality of life. How it works

Grant-In-Aid Rules

To ensure the fair and efficient distribution of Grant-In-Aid, SASSA has established rules and regulations that applicants and recipients must adhere to. These rules include:

1. You must meet all the requirements and give correct information.
2. Grant recipients must inform SASSA if anything changes in their situation.
3. The grant must be used for its intended purpose, which is to cover the costs associated with full-time care for the recipient.
4. Recipients must collect their grant monthly and not allow it to lapse for more than three consecutive months.

Conclusion

The SASSA Grant In Aid is a vital source of support for individuals with disabilities who require full-time care in South Africa. By understanding the eligibility criteria, application process, and rules governing the grant, potential applicants can ensure they have the best chance of receiving this crucial financial assistance.

If you or someone you know needs financial assistance, we encourage you to explore the various grants and support options available through SASSA. Thus, by knowing if you qualify and how to apply for these grants, you can make sure you have the best opportunity to get the help you require.

Frequently Asked Questions