Agency clarifies eligibility for 2024 SASSA Disability Grants

Key to understanding 2024 SASSA Disability Grants is the differentiation between ‘temporary’ and ‘permanent’ disability. Of the millions of residents receiving South African Social Security Agency support from the government currently – from SRD and Child Support to Older Persons – few probably consider disability as an avenue open to them should they need it.

Specifically, the agency explains that 2024 SASSA Disability Grants apply to any physical or mental disability. Likewise, they’re applicable to any injury and/or issue that has stopped you from working for six months or longer. Any person with a temporary or permanent disability, over the age of 18, who permanently resides in South African can apply. And note that mental or physical disability in children younger than 18 is called the Care Dependency grant, which pays out the same amount.

2024 SASSA DISABILITY GRANTS

Nevertheless, the agency under new leadership of Minister Sisisi Tolashe has felt the need to clarify the rules for 2024 SASSA Disability Grants. According to The Citizen, the agency is defending the doctors used to assess cases for 2024 SASSA Disability Grants. Specifically, the quality of assessors that’s being called into question following an alleged increase in refusals.

As a result, SASSA is saying its state-appointed medical practitioners are well trained. “Training is offered by the agency. This focuses on medical assessments, disability management and social assistance. Those who apply for 2024 SASSA Disability Grants are encouraged to book a medical assessment online using the SASSA Grants portal. After that, you’re welcome to visit a local SASSA office with your assessment,” confirmed the agency.

WHAT TO DO NEXT?

• By booking through the SASSA portal, details of the assessment date and venue are sent to the client via SMS confirmation.
• This assessment will determine if the applicant is indeed mentally or physically disabled. And whether their condition is permanent or temporary.
• Permanent 2024 SASSA Disability Grants apply if the condition will exist for longer than 12 months.
• Temporary disability is attached to a condition that will exist for six months or less.
• You must supply previous medical records/reports to help with an accurate assessment.

WHAT DOES THAT MEAN EXACTLY?

It’s about government understanding the severity of your disability. If you suffered a broken leg and lost your job, that counts as a temporary physical disability. And you will recover in time. However, a permanent mental impairment that keeps you from earning an income is deemed more serious. The agency is obliged to support everyone in their time of need. However, it clarifies that anyone on 2024 SASSA Disability Grants must also not unreasonably refuse/accept employment which is within their capability.  

It’s understood from the most recent stats that there are roughly 1.1 million benefitting from 2024 SASSA Disability Grants. The payment is R2 180, although this is set to increase come October. A reminder that you must be disabled but not cared for in a state institution. Likewise, there is a means and asset portion to the grant. You may not earn more than R86 280 annually if single or R172 560 if married. And your net assets cannot exceed R1 227 600 if single or R2 455 200 if married.

• The next payment date for 2024 SASSA Disability Grants is Wednesday 4 September 2024.

Applications can take three months to be processed. However, if approved, you will be back-paid from the day you applied.

DO YOU NEED ASSISTANCE WITH A DISABILITY QUERY?

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