The South African Social Security Agency (Sassa) distributes 18 million permanent grants to vulnerable people living in South Africa monthly.
Sassa offers several different grants based on the needs of beneficiaries. These permanent grants include the Older Persons pension grant, Disability grant, War Veterans grant, Care Dependency grant, Foster Child grant, Child Support grant, Child Support grant Top-Up and Grant-in-aid.
Applying for a Permanent Grant
You can apply for a permanent grant in person at the Sassa office nearest to your residence. If you're unable to travel due to age or illness, a family member or friend can apply on your behalf with a letter of authorization.
Alternatively, applications for specific grants, like older person grants, child support grants, and foster child grants, can be made online using the Sassa services website.
After completing a Sassa grant application, you'll receive a receipt or reference number. Keep this safe as it serves as the only proof that a grant application was received by Sassa. It's important to note that there is no application fee required when applying for a Sassa grant.
Sassa Status Check
Individuals who applied for Sassa grants can monitor their application status through various channels. If you applied online, you can check the application status through the Sassa website using your reference number.
The application date is considered the date you submit all required documents and meet Sassa’s requirements.
What To Do If Your Grant Application Was Rejected
Sassa informs applicants in writing of any application rejections, including reasons and appeal rights. If an application is unsuccessful, the Social Security office provides specific explanations. Applicants can appeal the decision to the Minister of Social Development within 90 days of receiving the rejection notice.
Payment and Grant Suspension
Grant recipients can choose between direct bank deposits and payments through Sassa-appointed service providers. Beneficiaries must notify Sassa of any changes in circumstances, such as address, marital status, financial situation, or child custody.
Failure to do so may lead to grant suspension. Other reasons for suspension include changes in financial or medical circumstances, non-compliance with grant reviews, fraud, errors in grant approval, and missing documentation.
To reinstate a suspended grant due to non-collection or failed review, applicants must reapply within 30 days of the suspension date.
Important Considerations
Grant beneficiaries are responsible for keeping Sassa informed of changes and responding to all agency correspondence. Safeguarding the social grant card and PIN is essential to prevent misuse.
