Sassa’s older person’s grant, previously called the old age pension, is a benefit paid to people aged 60 and over. As of 1 October 2024, this grant was R2,190 per month for those between 60 and 75, and R2,210 for those over 75.
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Every few months, social media lights up with posts claiming the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) is offering new grants for chronically ill citizens. Having covered social development issues for nearly a decade, I’ve watched these rumors resurface repeatedly, causing confusion and raising false hopes among vulnerable South Africans. The latest round of misinformation has been particularly persistent, spreading across Facebook, WhatsApp groups, and even making its way into community discussions.
“My aunt called me last week, excited about applying for this new chronic illness grant she’d heard about on Facebook,” explained Nomsa Dlamini, a social worker I spoke with in Soweto. “She has diabetes and struggles to make ends meet. I had to gently explain that no such grant exists. The disappointment in her voice was heartbreaking.”
This pattern of misinformation isn’t just annoying—it has real consequences for people already navigating difficult circumstances. Let’s set the record straight about what grants SASSA actually offers, who qualifies for them, and why these false claims keep circulating.
The Truth About SASSA Grants for Health Conditions
The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) does not offer a specific grant for chronic illnesses. This fact has been confirmed repeatedly by SASSA officials and can be verified through the agency’s official website and documentation. According to SASSA spokesperson Paseka Letsatsi, whom I contacted for this article, “We regularly have to address these rumors. SASSA does not have a grant category specifically for chronic illnesses.”
What SASSA does offer is a disability grant, which has specific qualifying criteria beyond simply having a chronic condition. This distinction is crucial for South Africans to understand.
Understanding the Disability Grant
The disability grant is available to South African citizens, permanent residents, or refugees between 18 and 59 years old who are unable to work due to disability. The key factor here is functional impairment—not just having a medical diagnosis.
“Many people confuse having a chronic illness with qualifying for a disability grant,” explained Dr. Thabo Mkhize, a physician who frequently helps patients navigate SASSA applications. “Having conditions like hypertension, diabetes, or asthma doesn’t automatically qualify someone. The condition must prevent you from working for at least a year.”
To qualify for a disability grant, applicants must:
- Be between 18 and 59 years old
- Submit a medical assessment report completed by a doctor
- Pass a means test (having limited income and assets)
- Not be maintained in a state institution
- Not be receiving another social grant
The assessment focuses on how the condition affects daily functioning and ability to work, not simply on having a diagnosis. This functional approach means many chronically ill people who can still work won’t qualify.
Current SASSA Grants and Their Values
Understanding the complete picture of available grants can help clarify what support is actually available. Below is a comprehensive table of current SASSA grants as of October 2024:
| Grant Type | Amount (Monthly) | Primary Eligibility Criteria |
|---|---|---|
| Older Person’s Grant (60-75) | R2,190 | South African citizens/permanent residents/refugees aged 60-75 who pass the means test |
| Older Person’s Grant (75+) | R2,210 | As above, but for those 75 and older |
| Disability Grant | R2,190 | Citizens/residents/refugees aged 18-59 with disability preventing work for 12+ months |
| War Veteran’s Grant | R2,210 | Veterans of certain wars who are 60+ or disabled |
| Foster Child Grant | R1,150 | Court-appointed foster parents |
| Care Dependency Grant | R2,190 | Parents/caregivers of children with severe disabilities requiring permanent care |
| Child Support Grant | R510 | Primary caregivers of children under 18 who pass the means test |
| Grant-in-Aid | R520 | Recipients of Older Person’s, Disability or War Veteran’s grants who require full-time care |
| Social Relief of Distress | Varies | Temporary assistance for those in dire need |
This table highlights an important point: while there’s no specific “chronic illness grant,” people with chronic conditions might qualify for existing grants depending on their circumstances—particularly the disability grant if their condition prevents them from working.
Why the Confusion Persists
Despite regular clarifications from SASSA, rumors about a chronic illness grant continue to circulate. Having tracked several of these false claims to their source, I’ve identified several factors contributing to their persistence:
- Misinterpretation of existing grants: Some people misunderstand the qualifying criteria for the disability grant, assuming it covers all chronic conditions.
- Confusion with the COVID-19 Social Relief of Distress Grant: During the pandemic, SASSA implemented temporary relief measures that some people mistakenly believed were related to health conditions.
- Deliberate misinformation: Some websites and social media accounts deliberately spread false information about grants to generate clicks and traffic.
- Word-of-mouth distortion: Information gets distorted as it passes from person to person, especially in communities where access to official information is limited.
“People want to believe good news, especially when they’re struggling,” noted community activist Thandi Mazibuko during our conversation at a community center in Alexandra township. “When someone hears there might be financial help available, they spread the word with good intentions, not realizing the information is false.”
The Impact of Misinformation
The consequences of these false claims extend beyond mere confusion. During my visits to SASSA offices in Johannesburg and Pretoria, I witnessed firsthand the impact on both applicants and staff:
“We get waves of people coming in asking about a chronic illness grant whenever these rumors spike,” explained Mandla Sithole, a SASSA official who requested his real name not be used. “It creates unnecessary queues, wastes people’s time and money traveling here, and takes our attention away from processing valid applications.”
For someone like Miriam Khumalo, a 52-year-old woman living with hypertension and diabetes whom I met outside the SASSA office in Mamelodi, the disappointment is tangible. “I took a taxi here, spending money I can’t afford, because my neighbor said I could get a grant for my conditions,” she told me. “Now I learn it doesn’t exist. That taxi fare could have bought my vegetables for the week.”
How to Verify SASSA Information
To avoid falling victim to misinformation about SASSA grants, South Africans should:
- Check official sources: Visit the official SASSA website (www.sassa.gov.za) or call their toll-free number (0800 60 10 11) for accurate information.
- Verify through multiple channels: Cross-check information with official government communications, reputable news sources, or by visiting a SASSA office.
- Be skeptical of social media claims: Especially those asking you to share widely or that don’t link to official sources.
- Look for recent dates: Ensure the information you’re reading is current, as grant amounts and criteria can change.
“We continuously update our communication channels with accurate information,” said SASSA’s Letsatsi. “We encourage beneficiaries and potential applicants to use these official channels rather than relying on unverified social media posts.”
What to Do If You Have a Chronic Illness
For South Africans living with chronic conditions who are struggling financially, there are legitimate avenues for potential support:
- Apply for a disability grant if your condition prevents you from working: Visit a SASSA office with your ID, medical reports, and proof of your socioeconomic situation.
- Explore the Care Dependency Grant: If you’re caring for a child with a severe disability requiring permanent care.
- Look into the Older Person’s Grant: Available to those 60 and older who meet the means test requirements.
- Contact the Department of Health: Many public hospitals have social workers who can advise on available support programs for specific conditions.
- Reach out to condition-specific NGOs: Organizations focused on specific conditions (like diabetes or cancer) often offer support programs or can direct you to appropriate resources.
“The system isn’t perfect, but there are legitimate ways to get help,” emphasized social worker Dlamini. “The key is knowing what you’re actually eligible for and applying through proper channels.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a special SASSA grant for people with chronic illnesses?
No, SASSA does not offer a specific grant for chronic illnesses. People with chronic conditions may qualify for the disability grant if their condition prevents them from working for a year or more.
Can I get a SASSA grant if I have diabetes or hypertension?
Simply having these conditions doesn’t qualify you for a grant. However, if these conditions are severe enough to prevent you from working, you may qualify for a disability grant after proper medical assessment.
How do I apply for a disability grant?
Visit your nearest SASSA office with your ID, medical assessment form completed by a doctor, proof of residence, and bank details. You’ll undergo means testing and possibly additional medical assessment.
If I’m over 60 with chronic illnesses, which grant should I apply for?
You should apply for the Older Person’s Grant rather than the disability grant, as it’s specifically designed for people in your age category.
Where can I verify information about SASSA grants?
Always check the official SASSA website (www.sassa.gov.za), call their toll-free number (0800 60 10 11), or visit a SASSA office in person for accurate information.
While misinformation about SASSA grants will likely continue to circulate, staying informed through official channels remains the best defense against false hope and wasted resources. For those genuinely in need, understanding the actual criteria for existing grants is the first step toward accessing whatever support might legitimately be available.
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