FAKE MESSAGES CIRCULATING ON SOCIAL MEDIA ABOUT GIA

The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) is raising awareness about fake messages circulating on social media concerning medical referral forms for Grant-In-Aid (GIA). These misleading messages are causing unnecessary confusion among beneficiaries. SASSA urges the public not to share such information and to rely only on official communications from the agency.

Key Points on Grant-In-Aid Eligibility and Application Process:

• Eligibility Requirements: Applicants must already receive a Disability Grant or Older Persons Grant. If a new application is submitted for an older person, and it is evident that the applicant will require full-time care, an assessment for GIA should be conducted as soon as possible. Additionally, the applicant must not be able to care for themselves due to a physical or mental disability and must not reside in an institution that receives a government subsidy.
• Benefits and Payment Methods: If an application is approved, the beneficiary will receive an additional R530 per month on top of their existing social grant. The payment can be made directly to a bank or Postbank account or through an institution acting as an administrator of the grant, such as a welfare organisation.
• Appeals and Legitimate Information: If an application is denied, SASSA will provide a written explanation. Applicants can appeal to the Minister of Social Development within 90 days of receiving the denial notice. SASSA advises beneficiaries to rely on official SASSA platforms for updates and reminders that SASSA services are free of charge.

Details on Grant-In-Aid Eligibility and Application Process

The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) is cautioning the public against the spread of false messages circulating on social media regarding the Grant-In-Aid (GIA) medical referral form. These text messages and voice notes are fake and misleading, causing unnecessary confusion among social grant recipients. SASSA is urging the public to refrain from sharing such information and to only trust official communication channels.

To qualify for the Grant-In-Aid, applicants must meet specific criteria:

• Current Social Grant Recipient: The applicant must already be receiving a Disability Grant or an Older Persons Grant. If a new application for an older person is made and it is clear that the applicant requires full-time care, an assessment for GIA should be conducted promptly.
• Full-Time Care Requirement: The applicant must be unable to look after themselves due to a physical or mental disability and therefore require full-time care from another person.
• Exclusion from Subsidised Institutions: The applicant must not be in an institution that receives a government subsidy.

If the application for GIA is successful, the beneficiary will receive an additional R530 per month on top of their existing social grant. This amount will be paid together with their social grant through one of the following methods:

• An electronic deposit into the beneficiary’s bank or Postbank account.
• An institution acting as the administrator of the grant, such as a welfare organisation.

If the application is not approved, SASSA will inform the client in writing, explaining why the application was unsuccessful. Should the applicant disagree with the decision, they can appeal to the Minister of Social Development within 90 days of being notified.

SASSA reminds beneficiaries to check only official SASSA platforms for any updates or changes related to social grants. Furthermore, beneficiaries are reminded that all SASSA services are provided free of charge.