types of sassa grants 2023-2024
types of sassa grants 2023-2024
This article explains the South African social grant program and how to apply for social assistance.
South Africa has a sophisticated system of social assistance, and social grants account for a large chunk of social spending. More than 18 million social handouts are distributed each month.
Social Grants are in place to improve living conditions and transfer money for a more equitable society. Citizens’ socioeconomic rights, including the right to social security, are recognized in Sections 24 through 29 of the South African Constitution’s Bill of Rights.
The state is required to take reasonable legislative and other steps, within its available resources, to achieve the progressive realization of the right, which means that the state must do so.
The management of social grants is under the control of the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA). “Ensuring the provision of comprehensive social security services against vulnerability and poverty within the constitutional legal framework” is the mandate of the South African Social Security Agency Act of 2004.
The Social Assistance Act of 2004 and the rules it was implemented under provide the framework legally necessary for the administration of seven social grants. Grants are designed for groups of people that need government support and are at danger of poverty. These people include those who are young, old, or crippled. Additionally, the Social Relief of Distress award gives those who require temporary financial aid immediately three months’ worth of vouchers, food packages, or cash.
Applicants for social grants must be South African citizens, permanent residents, or refugees who are currently residing in the country.
Except for the Foster Child Grant and the Grant in Aid, social grants in South Africa are currently “means tested.” The means test is the process of determining how much your assets and income are worth. You can only be eligible for a grant if your income and assets are below a particular limit. The barrier, which differs for each award, is based on whether you’re married or not. You might not always receive the full amount available because your Old Age Grant and Disability Grant amounts are also determined by the SASSA means test.
Even if you work or have another source of income but still need need social help, you can still apply for a grant. Your entire financial situation must be made known to SASSA. If you receive a disability grant, an old-age grant, or a grant for war veterans depending on your income, your monthly payment will be decreased.
In the event that you are admitted to a state institution for a prolonged period of time beginning in the fourth month following your admission and continuing until your discharge, the value of your Old Age Grant, Disability Grant, or War Veteran’s Grant will be reduced to 25% of its original amount.
SASSA Hotline 0800 601 011
The grants are:
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Older person’s grant (old age pension)
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Child support grant
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Care dependency grant
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Grant in aid (if you live on a social grant but need someone to take care of you)
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War veteran’s grant
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Foster child grant
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Disability grant
Which of these four social grants are they?
The State Old Age Pension, the Disability Grant, the Child Support Grant, the Foster Child Grant, and the Care Dependency Grant are the five main social security benefits in South Africa.
SOCIAL GRANTS
RELATED LINKS
For more info on Sassa Online Application click here