What is Grant In Aid SASSA?

All those people who are unable to take care of themself and already living on a Social Grant can get Sassa Grant In Aid. Grant In Aid Sassa is an additional grant for those who take care of these people full-time. South African Government provides resources to people who can’t take care of themselves to hire someone to provide caregiving services. That’s the main reason for giving Grant In Aid allowance. 

Grant In Aid Application Process

Below is the complete guide for Grant In Aid Application Online for free. Follow it and apply for the Aid right now:

 Grant In Aid Funding Eligibility Criteria

Following is the Eligibility Criteria for Grant In Aid.

  1. Applicant must be fulfilling the Eligibility Criteria for the main grant Including Means Test
  2. Applicant must be getting an Old Age Grant, Disability Grant, or War veteran Grant
  3. You must not be able to care for yourself because any physical or mental issue
  4. You must have a valid Medical report proving your disability or any mental issue
  5. Must not be cared for in an institution that receives a subsidy from the State for the care/housing of such beneficiary.

 Grant In Aid Required Documents

If your eligibility criteria are fulfilled, then you need the below documents to apply for Sassa Grant In Aid.

  1. Original 13-digit Bar-Coded ID
  2. A valid Medical Assessment report that proves your disability and it must not be older than 3 months
  3. Proof of your marital status and spouse identity (if needed)
    1. Marriage Certificate (If you are married)
    2. Divorce Certificate (If you are divorced)
    3. Death Certificate (If your spouse is dead)
    4. Sworn Statment (If you are single)
  4. Affidavit for Grant In Aid

 Procedure to Apply for Grant In Aid

You can visit a South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) office nearby or Apply online through the official SASSA website.

Application Form Availability

  • Obtain the application form from the SASSA office.
  • Complete the form in the presence of a SASSA officer.

Proxy Application

  • If unable to visit the office due to illness or disability, a family member or friend can apply on behalf with a power of attorney.

Time to Process the Grant In Aid

The processing time for a Grant-In-Aid application typically spans up to three months. Upon approval of the grant, payments will commence from the day the application was submitted.

Applicants will receive written notification regarding the outcome of their application. In the event of a refusal, reasons for the decision will be provided, and applicants retain the option to appeal to the Minister of Social Development within 90 days of receiving the notification.

What if the SASSA Grant In Aid Application is Not Approved?

Rejection Notification

If the SASSA Grant-In-Aid application is not approved, SASSA will notify the applicant in writing. The notification will include explanations for the rejection reasons.

Appeal Option

  • The applicant has the option to appeal the decision to the Minister of Social Development.
  • The appeal must be lodged within 90 days of receiving the notification of the unsuccessful application.

Appeal Process

  • The appeal process enables applicants to contest the decision.
  • Applicants can present any additional information or evidence to support their case during the appeal.

Grant In-Aid Payment Methods

Following are the receiving payment methods for Grant In Aid if you’re eligible for it:

  1. You can receive your grant in cash at a designated pay point on a specific day.
  2. Alternatively, the grant can be deposited electronically into your bank or Postbank account. Note that the bank may charge a fee for this service.
  3. In some cases, the grant may be administered by an institution such as a welfare organization.
  4. The grant payment will be issued along with your regular social grant.

Note: If you’re unable to collect the grant yourself, you can appoint a procurator at the SASSA office or give someone power of attorney to collect it on your behalf.

How to Check the Grant In Aid Balance?

1. USSD Service on cell phone

  • Utilize your cellphone’s USSD service to check your Grant-In-Aid balance.
  • Follow specific steps provided by SASSA to access this service.
  • Ensure you have the necessary information handy, such as your application ID and cell phone number used during the grant application process.

2. Checking Online via WhatsApp

  • Access your Grant-In-Aid balance online through WhatsApp.
  • Follow the outlined procedures to check your balance effectively.
  • Keep your application ID and cell phone number used for the grant application ready.

3. Checking at ATMs

  • If you have a SASSA card, you can check your Grant-In-Aid balance at ATMs.
  • Follow the instructions displayed on the ATM screen to access your balance.
  • Have your SASSA card and PIN ready for verification.

4. Visiting the SASSA Office or Post Office

  • Another option is to visit your nearest SASSA office or Post Office to inquire about your Grant-In-Aid balance.
  • Provide relevant details such as your application ID and personal information for verification purposes.

5. Importance of Regular Balance Checks

  • Checking your Grant-In-Aid balance regularly is crucial for effective financial management.
  • Regular monitoring helps identify any payment discrepancies or issues promptly, allowing for timely resolution.

Regularly monitoring your Grant-In-Aid balance ensures effective financial management and allows for prompt resolution of any payment issues.

SASSA Grant In Aid Reviews

SASSA conducts regular reviews of Grant-In-Aid beneficiaries to make sure they still qualify for the grant and that their circumstances haven’t changed. These reviews are important and can happen several times a year, depending on the type of grant you receive.

What Happens During the Review Process?

  • Notification: Beneficiaries receive a letter notifying them of the review and are instructed to visit a post office.
  • Verification: During the review, beneficiaries need to bring their latest payslip to the post office for verification.
  • Attendance: It’s crucial to attend the review. If you miss it, your grant might be suspended until the review is complete.
  • Keeping Contact Details Updated: Beneficiaries are encouraged to keep their contact details current. This helps SASSA communicate with them regarding reviews.

Consequences of Ineligibility: If a beneficiary no longer qualifies for the grant, it may be adjusted or canceled accordingly.

Objective of the Review Process: The review process aims to ensure that beneficiaries still meet the eligibility criteria and to prevent fraudulent claims.

Restoration of the Grant

Restoring a Grant-In-Aid involves reinstating eligibility for individuals whose grants may have been suspended or canceled for various reasons. The process for restoration can differ depending on the circumstances surrounding the suspension or cancellation.

How Restoration Works?

  • Varied Procedures: The restoration process varies based on why the grant was suspended or canceled.
  • Reapplication: In some cases, beneficiaries may need to reapply for the grant if it is canceled.
  • Review of Circumstances: Alternatively, restoration may involve a review of the beneficiary’s updated circumstances to assess continued eligibility.
  • Following SASSA Procedures: It’s crucial for individuals seeking restoration to follow the specific procedures outlined by SASSA.
  • Providing Documentation: Beneficiaries must provide any necessary documentation or information required for the reinstatement of their grant.

Importance of Following Procedures

  • Following SASSA’s outlined procedures ensures that the restoration process is carried out effectively and efficiently.
  • Providing the required documentation helps expedite the reinstatement of the Grant-In-Aid.

Reasons for Lapsing of Grant-In-Aid

The lapsing of a Grant-In-Aid can occur for various reasons, including:

  1. Death of the Beneficiary: If the beneficiary passes away, the grant stops at the end of the month in which they die. However, the person responsible for funeral expenses can claim the pension up to the month of death to assist with funeral costs.
  2. Change in Circumstances: The grant may lapse if there is a change in the beneficiary’s circumstances that no longer align with the eligibility criteria, such as turning 60 years old for a Disability Grant, which then converts to an Older Person’s Grant.
  3. Review by SASSA Officer: An SASSA officer can review the grant, and if it is found that the beneficiary no longer meets the criteria, the grant may be withdrawn.
  4. Other Legal Reasons: The grant can also stop for reasons similar to the Older Person’s Grant, such as not meeting the eligibility requirements or if the main grant is withdrawn for any reason.

Responsibilities of the Beneficiaries

Understanding Their Role

  • Beneficiaries must comprehend their role throughout the grant-making process, including involvement in the design, implementation, and evaluation of grant activities.

Participation

  • Actively engaging in various stages of the grant cycle to enhance the relevance, quality, and sustainability of interventions.
  • Promoting accountability, transparency, and fostering trust among stakeholders.

Communication

  • Effective communication with grant-makers, providing feedback, and participating in dialogue sessions to ensure beneficiary perspectives are considered.

Training and Support

  • Depending on required participation levels, beneficiaries may need training on project planning, monitoring and evaluation, budgeting, or reporting.

Monitoring and Evaluation

  • Participating in monitoring and evaluating the effectiveness of their involvement in the grant process.
  • Identifying strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats for improvement.

Compliance

  • Adhering to guidelines and requirements set by the grant program to ensure successful implementation of grant activities.

Beneficiaries’ active participation, effective communication, and adherence to responsibilities are crucial for ensuring the success and impact of Grant-In-Aid programs as outlined by the grant-making organization.

SASSA Contact Details

  • Toll-Free Call Centre: 0800 60 10 11
  • Contact the SASSA Head Office: 012 400 2322
  • Email of the SASSA Head Office: [email protected]
  • Explore a list of SASSA offices across the country: SASSA offices near you

Summary

Grant In Aid is a very big relief for the Citizens of South Africa who can’t take care of themselves. The South African Government is providing this grant to all the people who are mentally disturbed or physically disabled. If you want to apply for Sassa Grant-in-Aid, we have given the complete details above to help you in applying and checking the status of the Aid. So, follow the above procedure and share it with your friends and family members because sharing is caring.