Monthly subsidies from the South African Social Security Agency are reportedly given to 18 million people. However, a large number of applicants for Sassa funds had their requests turned down by the social security administration.
Individuals who are deemed deserving of the grant can choose from a number of permanent social grants offered by the South African Social Security Agency (Sassa). The Older Persons Grant, Disability Grant, Child Support Grant, Foster Care Grant, Grant in Aid, War Veterans Grant, and Care Dependency Grant are among these permanent awards.
If someone needs a Sassa grant, they can apply for one. In order to support their grant application, applicants will need to supply information and supporting paperwork. This includes birth certificates, marriage licenses, letters confirming a disability, and others.
From 1 April to 30 September 2024, Sassa received a total of 981 562 grant applications, of which 887 628 were granted, according to data from the Department of Social Development (DSD).
On the other hand, not every applicant for a social grant is accepted for payment. Sassa will reject a grant application if they believe the applicant is not worthy of one.
Sassa turned down 92 098 grant applications between 1 April and 30 September 2024, throughout the same time frame. This amounts to about 9% of all grant applications received during this time.
It is significant to emphasize that individuals who apply for grants and are denied have the legal right to appeal Sassa’s decision. To the Independent Tribunal for Social Assistance Appeals, they must submit these appeals (ITSAA).
After consulting with a representative of the civil society, the ITSAA’s responsibility is to determine whether the Sassa judgment should be upheld, modified, or reversed. All appeal requests submitted by an applicant, recipient, or someone acting on their behalf may be taken into consideration by the ITSAA.
The Tribunal received a total of 2 591 appeal applications from April to September 30, 2024. However, the majority of appeals were filed in the second quarter after the Amendment Act went into effect.
The number of appeals the tribunal has received has dramatically increased, according to Advocate Antoinette Brink, an appeals officer at the DSD. This is due to the direct access that is now given to people who make challenges.
In the past, the ITSSA received 150 appeals on average each month. The tribunal now hears 750 appeals per month since the Social Assistance Amendment Act came into effect.
According to the regulatory framework, the Tribunal must decide on appeals 90 days after receiving them. This complies with the Promotion of Administration of Justice Act’s standards (PAJA).
A danger of litigation arises from the Tribunal’s failure to decide appeals in a timely manner (within 90 days).
