The SASSA disability grant provides monthly income to South African adults who are permanently or temporarily unable to work due to a physical or mental disability. Applications are made at any SASSA office and rejections can be appealed within 90 days.
A social grant payable under the Social Assistance Act 13 of 2004 to a South African citizen or permanent resident aged 18–59 who is, owing to a physical or mental disability, unfit to work and is not cared for in a state institution. The disability must be confirmed by a SASSA-approved medical officer. The grant is means-tested — both the applicant's income and assets (and those of a spouse) are assessed. The grant is issued for a fixed period (usually 1–2 years for temporary disability, or indefinitely for permanent disability) and is subject to reassessment. Rejections can be appealed to the Independent Tribunal for Social Assistance Appeals (ITSAA) within 90 days.
A person with a debilitating spinal injury that prevents all employment applies for the disability grant at their nearest SASSA office. They submit a medical report from their doctor. SASSA refers them to a SASSA-approved medical officer who confirms permanent disability, and the grant is approved.
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