Disability Sassa Grant Increase: How Much SASSA Disability Grant can be increased in 2024? Get the detail about Disability Sassa Grant Increase to know How Much SASSA Disability Grant can be increased in 2024.
The Disability Grant from the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) is offered by the government of South Africa to provide financial aid to people who are unable to work because of physical or mental disabilities. Citizens, permanent residents, and refugees in South Africa are eligible for this grant. The goal of this grant is to offer assistance and enhance the quality of life for individuals dealing with disabilities.
Disability Grant Increase in South Africa
Distributing disability funds in South Africa is the responsibility of the SASSA, which handles social grant distribution on behalf of the Department of Social Development.
This is so because such social assistance is intended to help the disabled persons to satisfy their need for basic things like food, housing, clothes, and the like.
In the most recent address to the country regarding his budget speech for the financial year 2024-2025, Enoch Godongwana, the Minister of Finance, although many other factors considered, projected the increase of social grants in the coming financial year to 5%.
The Minister said that the Disability Grant Increase would be implemented in South Africa in 2024 and that the South African Social Security Agency (Sassa) would be given a definite allocation of R400 million to manage.
How Much SASSA Disability Grant can be increased in 2024?
The government considers living standards, the inflation rate, and the levels of unemployment when determining the amount of social grants for purposes of distribution as well as the annual budget for SASSA. SASSA or Social Grants 2024 is offered by the government of South Africa to support economically disadvantaged members of society in catering specifically for their children and those with disabilities.
These awards were heightened previously from R2080 to R2090. Such will the people’s amount, which is a rise of R10, be absorbed on 1st October 2024. The grants will be dispersed through a number of systems including banking systems, electronic deposits as well as cash.
Furthermore, by March 2026, the government anticipates that the number of recipients covered by permanent social grants will have increased from roughly 18.6 million in March 2024 to 19.6 million.
Eligibility
To get the grant, you need to:
- Live in South Africa as a citizen, permanent resident, or refugee.
- Be between 18 and 59 years old.
- Have a 13-digit, bar-coded identity document.
- Earn less than R86,280 per year if you’re single, or R172,560 if you’re married. Your assets should be worth less than R1,227,600 if you’re single or R2,455,200 if you’re married.
- Not be cared for in a state institution.
- Have a medical check-up by a doctor chosen by the state to see how your disability affects your ability to work.
How to apply for the grant?
- Kindly visit the closest SASSA satellite office.
Complete the application form and if necessary, seek assistance from a SASSA official.
Bring along your identification card and medical evidence of your impairment together with additional papers like attestations of income and residence.
In case you do not have an ID, please complete an affidavit and obtain a written sworn statement from someone acquainted with your identity.
You will receive a slip once you submit your application and supporting papers. Please keep it very well.
What documents do you need?
- 13-digit bar-coded Identity Document (ID): This is a government-issued identification card. It contains your name, date of birth, and a unique 13-digit number. It’s used to confirm your identity in various situations, including when applying for the SASSA Disability Grant.
- Medical Report and Functional Assessment Report: These are documents provided by a healthcare professional that detail your physical or mental disability. The Medical Report includes information about your diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis. The Functional Assessment Report attempts to analyze the impact of your impairment on your day-to-day activities and employment functions.
- Proof of Income: A document that can be a paystub, bank statement, or employment letter to show the income one makes. Self-employed individuals may also be required to submit income tax returns or other employment-related documentation.
- Proof of Residence: Depending on your situation this can be either utility bill, lease, or even a supportive letter from your owner. Importantly, it should include the name and present local address. It is Imperative in order to Confirm your place of residence.
- Affidavit (if no ID):If you do not possess any identification, an affidavit may be submitted as well. An affidavit is defined as a type of a written document, which contains information that the individual identifies does exist and has signed this document in front of an authorized entity, such as a notary or a lawyer. It should contain at least some information with regard to who you are.
- Sworn Statement from a Reputable Individual (if no ID):In the event that you do not possess any identification, you may opt to submit a sworn declaration from an acceptable person. This is a declaration made by an individual well acquainted with you, such as an educator, a physician, or a social figure. Their identity has to be vouched for in the declaration.
Payment Modes
The grant can be paid in three ways:
- Cash at a specific place: You can collect your grant in cash at certain locations.
- Electronic deposit into your bank account: The money can be transferred directly to your bank account. Some banks might charge fees for this.
- Payments can also be made directly to an institution not funded by the state. This is for people who live in care facilities.
Suspension and Lapse Conditions
The grant can be stopped or reduced if:
- Your financial situation or disability changes.
- You don’t cooperate during grant reviews.
- You lie or cheat to get the grant.
- You don’t claim the grant for three months in a row or leave the country.
- You go to live in a state institution.
Important things to remember
- Applying for the grant is free.
- It can take up to three months to process the grant application.
- You have 90 days to appeal the decision if your application is denied.
- If your application is approved, payments are backdated to the date you submitted your application.
