The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) in the Gauteng Region wishes to clarify the qualifying criteria and assessment process applicable to disability grant applications, particularly the role of the means test in determining eligibility.

Recent reports regarding the disability grant application process have highlighted the need to clarify how SASSA assesses applications and determines eligibility.

SASSA considers it important that beneficiaries and members of the public have accurate information regarding the qualifying requirements and assessment process for disability grants.

The agency explained that a disability grant is a social assistance benefit provided to qualifying South African citizens, permanent residents and recognised refugees who are unable to work due to a disability.

The grant is intended to provide financial support to eligible persons whose disability has been confirmed through the prescribed assessment process and who meet the qualifying criteria. The current disability grant amount is R2 400 per month.

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It is important to understand that, in SASSA, a disability is not simply any illness or medical condition. It is assessed in terms of the extent to which a physical or mental disability affects a person’s ability to work and support themselves.

SASSA said that a person may be regarded as disabled if they have a physical or mental disability that renders them unable to work or obtain the means to support themselves, and this is confirmed through the prescribed medical assessment process conducted by a SASSA-appointed medical practitioner.

According to SASSA, a disability grant is, therefore, not approved solely based on a medical condition.

The assessment process involves both a medical assessment and a financial assessment (means test), and applicants must meet all the prescribed qualifying criteria in terms of the Social Assistance Act and the applicable regulations.

To qualify for a disability grant, an applicant must, among other requirements:

• Be between the ages of 18 and 59 years;
• Be a South African citizen, permanent resident or recognised refugee residing in South Africa;
• Not be maintained or cared for in a state-funded institution;
• Not receive another social grant for themselves;
• Undergo a medical or functional assessment confirming the disability; and
• Satisfy the prescribed means test.

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The means test is a financial assessment used to determine whether an applicant qualifies for the grant. It considers the applicant’s income and assets, and where the applicant is married, the combined income and assets of both spouses are taken into account.

For the disability grant, the current means test thresholds are:

• Single applicant: annual income must not exceed R107 880, and assets must not exceed R1 524 600; and
• Married applicant: combined annual income must not exceed R215 760, and combined assets must not exceed R3 049 200.

SASSA indicated that the means test is, therefore, a central part of the disability grant assessment process and is specifically intended to ensure that social assistance reaches those who meet the qualifying financial criteria. Financial circumstances are an important component of the assessment process and are considered together with the medical assessment.

“Applicants are also required to submit the prescribed supporting documentation, which may include a valid identity document or alternative identification as prescribed by SASSA, proof of marital status where applicable, bank account confirmation, income and asset information, and the required medical referral documentation. Additional information may be requested during the screening process,” said SASSA.

SASSA in Gauteng also wishes to clarify that all disability grant applications are assessed on their individual merits and in accordance with the applicable legislative framework, medical assessment procedures, and prescribed qualifying criteria.

The date of application is recorded once all required documentation has been submitted and verified by a SASSA official.

SASSA emphasised that where an application is unsuccessful, the applicant is provided with a written notification explaining the reasons for the decision and is informed of the right to appeal with the Independent Appeals Tribunal within 90 days from the date of receiving the outcome.

SASSA in Gauteng remains committed to administering social grants fairly, transparently and consistently, while ensuring that all applicants receive accurate information and are afforded the appropriate administrative and appeal processes provided for in law.