The South African Social Security Agency (Sassa) has assured all disability grant applicants that contracted medical practitioners undergo specialised training before conducting disability-related assessments. This is important because, without a Medical Assessment Referral Form completed by a healthcare professional, a disability grant applicant won’t be approved for a grant payment.
Sassa says this training covers crucial aspects such as medical assessment guidelines, disability management processes, and the legislative framework governing social assistance.
To qualify for a disability grant, applicants must be 18 years or older and either a South African citizen, permanent resident, or refugee residing in South Africa.
In addition to this, to be eligible for a disability grant requires a confirmed disability through an assessment that indicates whether the disability is permanent or temporary.
A permanent disability must persist for over 12 months, while a temporary disability is defined as lasting less than six months.
Applicants with temporary disabilities, such as a broken leg, are also considered if they are unable to participate in the open labour market or support themselves due to their condition. In addition, applicants must not unreasonably refuse employment that they are capable of performing and that could provide full or partial financial support.
Sassa has encouraged applicants to book their assessments online via the client portal. Those who cannot access the online system can visit local Sassa offices.
Upon successful booking through the portal, applicants receive a booking confirmation, including the assessment date and venue, along with an SMS confirmation.
