The Advantages of Social Grants

Overview

South Africa has increased the number of social grants that they offer during the past two centuries. From an estimated 4-million in 1994 to 16.9-million by 30 September 2015. In recent years a growing chorus of voices have warned that the numbers are not sustainable.

Who Qualifies?

The applicant must be a South African citizen, permanent resident or refugee, and must live in South Africa. However, you don’t quality if you are already being cared for in a state institution.

You can apply at your nearest SASSA office. If you are too old or sick to apply in person you may send someone to apply on your behalf, or request a home visit. When applying you submit an identity document and fill in an application form in the presence of a SASSA officer, who will submit it for you.

Different Grants Available

Child Support Grant (11.9-million recipients). R320 per month to the main caregiver of a child 18 or younger. The applicant must earn less than R38,400 (if single) or R76,800 (combined income if married) per year.

Grant-in-Aid (126,600 recipients). R320 per month for people receiving the Grant for Older Persons, Disability or War Veteran’s Grant, and who require full-time care because of physical or mental disability.

Grant for Older Persons (3.1 million recipients as of 30 September 2015). R1,370 per month for people over 60, R1,380 for beneficiaries older than 75. Previously men aged 65 or older and women aged 60 and older qualified for the grant. Now both men and women aged 60 and older quality.

In order to access the grant, a recipient may not earn more than R61,800 a year or have a combined household income of R123,600 a year.

Social grants can make a huge difference in the quality of life for those who cannot afford it on their own, and as long as grants are being used for the right purposes and are properly controlled, it’s a system that can work and support millions of people throughout South Africa.