Trouble accessing their SASSA disability grants

Two complaints were received from Mossel Bay residents about delays in getting their South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) disability grants.

They complained about unclear communication from the local SASSA office about paperwork they needed to supply, not being contacted by the SASSA office when they had been assured of a phone call and delays in being provided with appointment dates with doctors to be assessed for eligibility for the grant.

Mossel Bay Advertiser forwarded the complaints to a SASSA Western Cape spokesperson, who made inquiries of the local SASSA office as to the progress of the two applications for disability grants and she gave feedback on the two applications.

The two men who had complained said afterwards their applications seemed to be progressing satisfactorily after that.

The SASSA spokesperson, Shivani Wahab, noted: "Disability grants are awarded on a temporary or permanent basis, depending on the nature of the disability."

The 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.

Medical assessment

"Whether the grant is awarded on a temporary or permanent basis also depends on the outcome of the medical assessment.

"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.

"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.

"If on 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."

Wahab noted that SASSA had introduced an online application system for disability grants where an application may be done from the convenience of one's home.

The online application system cuts down the number of visits required to any SASSA contact point and allows the applicant to schedule appointments at their convenience, she noted.

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. Wahab said disability grant applicants must meet the following requirements:

They must be a South African citizen, permanent resident or refugee, resident in South Africa, and 18 to 59 years of age.

They must submit a medical / assessment report confirming permanent, severe disability.

The applicant's medical assessment must not be older than three months at the date of application.

The applicant and spouse must meet the requirements of the means test.

The applicant must not be maintained or cared for in a state institution.

The applicant must not be in receipt of another social grant in respect of him or herself.

The application further requires a medical assessment, conducted by a doctor, approved by SASSA. The doctor will make a recommendation to SASSA, based on the findings of the medical assessment.

SASSA makes the final decision to award the grant or not.

If the applicant meets the legislated requirements and if the medical assessment confirms that the applicant's disability renders him or her unfit to work, the social grant will be awarded either on a permanent or temporary basis.

Applicants may apply at their closest SASSA office (Thusong Centre, Adriaans Avenue in Mossel Bay) or via the SASSA online application system.