WHAT ARE DISABILITY GRANTS AND HOW DO I OBTAIN ONE?
OBJECTIVE OF GRANTS
In South Africa grants are meant for people who are South African citizens, who are most in need and who meet the respective requirements. Grants are paid to alleviate poverty and to the principle of solidarity. |
Disability grants are awarded by the Department of Social Services to people affected HIV/Aids.
These are available for everyone, but are only given under specific circumstances.
DISABILITY GRANT FOR HIV/AIDS SUFFERERS
R740 PER MONTH
The Department of Social Services has taken it upon themselves to process an application in five working days of and HIV/AIDS sufferer already in Stage 4. If the applicant is bed-ridden the Department of Social Services will send a representative to come out to the patients house, although the onus lies on the patient to have all the necessary documentation.
The Disability Grant for HIV/Aids is for any adult from 18 years who is, owing to his/her physical and/or mental disability, unfit to obtain by virtue of any service/employment/profession the means needed to enable him/her to provide in his livelyhood.
Documents required when applying for a disability grant
- an official 13-digit bar-coded identity document issued in South Africa
- proof of marital status Married couples are jointly assessed
- proof of assets and income of the applicant and his/her spouse
- a medical report from a medical officer . You will also need a disability certificate from medical officer from government hospital, clinic or district surgeon - not a private doctor
- any other relevant document including a statement or statements made by the applicant under oath
- the latest 3 month concurrent bank statement if the applicant has a banking account.
A temporary disability grant is if the duration of the illness is not less than 6 months and maximum 12 months. A permanent disability grant is subject to review every 5 years.
A Grant in Aid is offered in addition to the Disability Grant if the applicant is in a very advanced stage. This is an additional R110 per month.
HOW TO GET A GRANT
- You apply at the District Office of the Department nearest to where you live. Some of these office also got service and counter services points where application can be taken down. In extreme cases If you are too old or sick to travel to the office to apply for a grant, then a family member can apply on your behalf if they have your permission in writing and a doctor’s certificate stating that you are unable to apply for yourself.
- Your application form will be completed in the presence of an officer. The officer will check the correctness of the form in your presence. He/she will also check that you have submitted the required documents before you are requested to sign it.
- If all the information is in order, then you will be given a receipt, with a stamp showing the date of application and the name of the officer who accepted your application. Keep this receipt – it is your only proof of application!
- You do not have to pay any money to apply. Everyone who feels that they qualify under the information in this booklet can apply; no-one should be turned away.
- If your application is not approved by the Department of Social Services and Poverty Alleviation you will be informed in writing as to why your application was unsuccessful.
- In terms of section 33 of the new Constitution’s Bill of Rights, you have the right to administrative justice. This means you have a right to be given written reasons for why you did not receive the grant. You have the right to appeal to the Minister for Social Services in your Province in writing, explaining why you disagree with the decision. This appeal must be lodged within 90 days.
**** In the database please SEARCH the category DISABILITY GRANTS and the AREA you live in. There are Department of Social Service main offices as well as a number of counter services which operate on certain days at certain times of the week.
