Vital facts to know when applying for disability grant
From time to time Mossel Bay Advertiser receives queries from the public about SASSA disability grants.
The most recent one was from a member of the public who was under the impression that SASSA had migrated to a system whereby only the medical history of the applicant was assessed for the annual renewal of the disability grant and that the applicant was no longer sent to a doctor for a medical assessment to see if a disability grant should be given.
The person said he was refused a renewal of his disability grant outright at the Mossel Bay SASSA office on the basis of his medical history which could be seen on computer and that he was not sent for a medical assessment.
However, SASSA spokesperson Shivani Wahab said this was not correct and she explained the process with disability grants.
Temporary or permanent
She said they were awarded on a temporary or permanent basis, depending on the nature of the disability.
"The social grant will be awarded if the applicant meets the legislated requirements and where the medical assessment confirms the applicant is unable to work based on the nature of the disability."
Applicants for renewal of SASSA disability grants are indeed still sent to a doctor for a medical assessment - if deemed necessary.
Wahab said that whether the grant is awarded on a temporary or permanent basis also depends on the outcome of the medical assessment.
She said: "A disability grant may be awarded as either a permanent grant, which may or may not be subject to a medical review after a certain period of time.
"Permanent disability grants are awarded for conditions which impact the applicant’s ability to work for a period longer than 12 months.
Likely to improve
"Where the disability or medical condition is likely to improve with treatment or other interventions, the grant may be awarded for a temporary period of between six and 12 months.
“After this time, the grant lapses, in accordance with the conditions set in the Social Assistance Act, 2004."
Wahab continued: "If, on the lapsing of the grant, the citizen is still unable to be employed as a result of the disability or medical condition, he/she needs to re-apply for the grant. This re-application requires a new medical assessment, which will confirm whether the condition does warrant a social grant."
Unable to work
She said that in terms of the Social Assistance Act, a disability grant was given to citizens unable to work as a result of their disability or medical condition.
"A disability grant is not an unemployment grant. It cannot be awarded on social grounds, for citizens who are unable to find employment," she stressed
Wahab noted that SASSA had introduced an online application system for disability grants.
She said the online application system reduced the number of visits required to any SASSA contact point and allowed applicants to schedule appointments at their convenience.
"The online system is not meant to replace face-to-face services offered at SASSA offices. Those who do not have access to devices to make online bookings still have the option to report to their SASSA local office for assistance with applications."
She stressed that the medical assessment formed a "vital step in the disability grant application process".
Wahab added: "Without the medical assessment, SASSA cannot come to any conclusion in respect of the client's health. SASSA cannot comment on clients' interactions and outcomes with any other doctor the client has consulted outside of the disability grant application process."