The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) provides financial assistance in the form of social grants to people who are vulnerable to poverty and are in need of state support, such as the elderly, people with disabilities and people with young children. This is done in efforts to improve the standards of living in the country.
SASSA offices are notorious for its long queues in which people have to wait for hours sometimes to receive assistance. To mitigate these long lines and overcrowding especially in these times where Covid-19 protocols of social distancing needs to be adhered to, SASSA has launched an online booking system for disability grants.
The online booking system is currently only piloted and working in the Western Cape but SASSA has stated that those in other provinces should expect the online system to run in them soon.
"More provinces will be covered in due course."
The online system allows disability grant applicants to book their medical assessments without having to visit SASSA offices.
“I don’t want to see 197,000 people standing in queues, hence the reason why we launched this online application because it means people can be able to apply from home,” Minister of Social Development Lindiwe Zulu said.
How to use the online booking system:
- Go to GovChat
- Enter your cellphone number to receive a one time pin (OTP)
- You will go through a screening process to assess your condition
- You will be told exactly what documents you will need (please make sure to bring the correct documents)
- Choose a date that is convenient for you
The online system can be used by new applicants and existing grant holders. Existing grant holders will have the option to insert their grant reference number.
If you are to have nay difficulties with the online system you are welcome to join the queue and someone at the SASSA office will assist you by taking you out of the queue.
On the day of your assessment you will receive a message to remind you of your booked assessment.
Sassa launched the online booking system for assessment of Disability Grants. This system is currently only piloted and working in the Western Cape. More provinces will be covered in due course. #SASSACARES pic.twitter.com/jXXiPru4X4
— SASSA (@OfficialSASSA) June 4, 2021
