SASSA on process for restoring lapsed temporary disability grants
11 January 2021
Temporary Disability Grants that were supposed to lapse from February 2020 were extended to 31 December 2020 in order to cushion affected beneficiaries against the pressures brought about by the State of National Disaster and the subsequent lockdown. The cost of continuing to pay these grants totalled in excess of R1,5 billion.
To have continued payment of the grants until end March 2021 would have cost an additional R1,2 billion, which funds are not available.
A disability grant may be awarded as either a permanent grant, which may or may not be subject to a medical review after a certain period of time. Permanent disability grants are awarded for conditions which impact on the applicant’s ability to work for a period longer than 12 months. Where the disability or medical condition is likely to improve with treatment or other interventions, the grant may be awarded for a temporary period of between 6 and 12 months.
After this time, the grant lapses, in accordance with the conditions set in the Social Assistance Act, 2004. If on lapsing of the grant, the citizen is still unable to be employed as a result of the disability or medical condition, he/she needs to re-apply for the grant. This re-application requires a new medical assessment, which will confirm whether the condition does warrant a grant.