Sassa Grant/ Social Grants (South African Social Security Agency) : A Complete and Comprehensive Guide

Social grants are available for following areas: Older persons, Disability Grant, Child Support Grant, Unemployment R350 Grant, Care Dependency Grant, Foster Child Grant. You can also apply for or temporary assistance. Follow these steps in order to successfully apply: First Go to your local office to make your application. Bring your 13 digit bar-coded identity document (ID). If you don’t have an ID, you will need to provide a sworn statement signed by a reputable person (e.g., a councilor, religious minister, school principle) who can verify your name and age.

You also need to provide the following: Proof of residence, Evidence of marital status (if applicable), Proof of income/savings, Proof of assets and pension (if any), Bank statements for the last three months, If you were employed, your Unemployment Insurance Fund book or discharge certificate from your last employer, Take Note: If your spouse died within the last five years, a copy of the will and accounts where usable. The process may take up to three months to process, but you will be paid retrospectively from the request submission date if it is successful. If yours is not accepted, They will inform you in writing why yours was unsuccessful.

If you disagree with the decision, you can appeal to the Minister of Social Development at the national office of the Department of Social Development. You must appeal within 90 days of being notified that your application was unsuccessful. Online request Process for all aid : To start yours follow these instructions: Online submissions can be lodged on the official website which is a secure website. After reviewing the system other grants will also be added to the portal.

To access this service, you need to have an email address to sign up and to be able to login for further services. Feedback to applicants will be sent through sms notification to you with no email addresses and an email response will be sent to applicants choosing to be contacted by email. A receipt will be generated when the it is completed. How to start the process offline: You may decide to submit your request at the office nearest to where you live. If you are too old or too sick to apply for the grant at the office you may have a friend or family member apply on your behalf. The forms must be completed in the presence of an officer. When you hand in your form you will be given a receipt as proof of your request and acceptance into the program. The process is absolutely free. You will receive written notification if yours is denied. You have the right to ask for review and you can also lodge an appeal of the decision within ninety days period as per the given guidelines.

You must provide proof of identity. If you do not have a 13-digit bar coded Identity Book or birth certificate for children, you may provide alternative documentation as proof of identity. Contact your nearest office to find out which alternative documents are accepted. Other documents required for application: If married, provide ID of your spouse and proof of spousal relationship (marriage certificate, divorce order, a sworn statement, or spouse’s death certificate). Sworn statement or affidavit stating the income and assets of yourself and your spouse. Supporting documents to prove your income and assets. You must also provide proof of the income of dependent children.

The process takes up to 90 days and your first payment will include back-pay for the time you wait to receive the grant. This is calculated from the first day of submission.

Read the articles below for more information of sassa grants

Note: When affidavits are required, They will provide the affidavits to be completed. www.sassa.gov.za– South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) website with information on SASSA grants, SASSA offices, SASSA payments and SASSA contacts etc. You can also find SASSA contacts and SASSA offices at the main website.