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Social Grants Information
Theresa Smith. Adapted from an article in The Independent on Saturday on 23 Feb 2002. Courtesy of Independent Newspapers (Pty) Ltd
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"Social assistance" is a grant one can receive from the government if one has limited or no sources of income and cannot pay for food and shelter. This money comes from a non-contributory fund that the government supports through taxes and other income sources. South Africa does not have a universal social security system, but applies a "means test" to make sure that only those in genuine need qualify for assistance.
Only South African citizens qualify to receive a social grant. One will not receive a grant if one is in a State institution receiving food and shelter, such as a State old-age home, a prison, a psychiatric hospital or care-and-treatment centre. When one applies for a social grant, a welfare officer will consider whether the applicant has any other sources of income. If you own the property you live in, its value will not be considered as an asset. Income refers to one?’s salary, pension, any rent received or any interest earned from assets owned by the applicant. The grant is given on a sliding scale: that is, the more money one earns, the lower the grant will be. Applications may be refused a grant if one?’s income and assets are too high ?– i.e. one fails the means test.
WHERE AND HOW TO APPLY FOR A GRANT:
Apply at the nearest welfare office. If there is no office close to where you live, go to the nearest Magistrate's Office. A family member or friend can apply for you if they take with them written permission from you, and a doctor's certificate stating that you are unable to apply for yourself.
If you are unable to fill in an application form yourself, it will be filled in for you by an officer in your presence. The officer will check with you that all the information on the form is correct before you sign it. The officer will also check that you have brought copies of the necessary documents that prove you qualify for the grant.
You will be given a copy of the completed application form or a receipt with a date stamp and the signature showing the name of the officer who helped you. Keep this receipt as proof of your application. It does not cost you anything to apply for a grant. If your application is unsuccessful, you should receive a written explanation.
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE BEFORE YOU START RECEIVING MONEY?
This varies from province to province, but you should receive the first payment within three months. When you apply, you will be told when you will be paid. You can keep track of the application by phoning the welfare department's toll-free number: 0800 220 250...
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