HOW TO APPLY FOR A GRANT
First off, there are three types of social grants that the Department of Social Development provides:
1. Child support grant for R240
2. Foster care grant for R680
3. Care-dependency grant for R1010
Here’s an explanation of who qualifies for each grant, how the application process works and what to do once your grant application has been accepted or rejected.
Child support grant
The primary care-giver, whether they are biologically related to the children or have legally adopted them, is eligible to a grant for a maximum of six children. The primary care-giver can be a parent, grandparent or a person over sixteen who is mainly responsible for looking after the child. They must be South African citizens or permanent residents, as well living in South Africa at the time. If they are not the parents of the child, they must swear under oath to be responsible for the child, as well as provide proof that the parent or guardian has consented to the grant. The primary care-giver must not be formally or informally employed to look after the child and must not already be receiving a grant for that child. A child support grant will not be given to a child older than 15.
Foster child grant
A foster parent qualifies for this grant if they have been deemed so by the Child Care Act of 1983. The child must also remain under their care. The foster parent must be either a South African citizen, permanent resident or have refugee status. If the foster parent is not a sibling or blood relative of the child, they cannot get a grant for more than six children.
Care dependency grant
Parent’s, primary care-givers and foster parents are eligible for this grant. An assessment has to confirm that the child is care dependent due to a mental or physical disability and that they receive permanent care and support services.
The application process
It is important that certified copies of the Identity document or the birth certificate of each child is provided. If you don’t have these, you will sign a form, accompanied by a sworn affidavit as proof. You also need proof of marital status. 3 moths of salary slips must be given or if unemployed proof from the Unemployment Insurance Fund or a discharge letter from the last employer.
The person applying for the grant or if they are unable, a representative must go to their nearest South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) office. They will then receive the relevant forms and complete them in the presence of a SASSA agent. The applicant will be assisted if they have difficulties in completing the form. The applicant must then sign the document in the presence of a SASSA agent. The applicant will be given a receipt with all the important information on it. This must be kept as proof of the application.
The date on which the application is signed will be the date of application; if successful the grant will be paid out on that date. The applicant will be informed of the success of their application within three months, either by a SASSA agent or mail. In the meantime, an application for Social Relief of Distress can be made for food parcels, vouchers or cash. This will be deducted from the grant money. If refused, the applicant does have the right to appeal the decision.
Getting paid
Payments can be made by electronic transfer into the account of the person receiving the grant. Or, manual payments can be received at a designated place. SASSA has tree months to start paying the grant, after which payments will be backdated to the date of application. The person receiving the grant must bring their ID and make sure they sign and get a receipt of their payment. If unable to collect the grant, the may apply for another person to collect the grant for them; this may not continue for longer then three months. The grant will be up for review in 90 days. The grant recipient in obliged to inform SASSA of any changes in financial circumstance or of any changes in circumstance of the child or primary care-givers, parents or foster parents.
SASSA helpline number: 0800 601 011