When a loved one falls seriously ill and requires constant care, it can place a heavy emotional and financial burden on the entire family. For many South African families, especially those living with limited resources, accessing government assistance becomes a critical lifeline. One such form of help is the Grant-in-Aid, a special social grant designed to support those who need extra care due to illness or disability.
In this article, we’ll explore whether you can apply for Grant-in-Aid for a sick family member, what the grant entails, who qualifies, how to apply, and what other support options exist. This guide is aimed at helping families in South Africa understand their rights and access the social support available to them.
Who is Eligible for Grant-in-Aid?
To qualify for the Grant-in-Aid, the primary recipient must already be receiving one of the following social grants:
Older Person’s Grant (Old Age Pension)
Disability Grant
War Veterans Grant
Care Dependency Grant
Foster Child Grant
In addition to receiving one of these grants, the person must also be medically assessed as needing continuous daily care from another person because of their health condition.
Can You Apply for Grant-in-Aid on Behalf of a Sick Family Member?
Yes, you can apply for the Grant-in-Aid on behalf of a sick family member, but there are important conditions:
The sick family member must already be receiving a qualifying social grant.
They must have a medical condition requiring daily care, such as severe disability, chronic illness, or mental incapacity.
The application should ideally be submitted by the sick person’s caregiver or a close family member who manages their affairs.
SASSA requires a medical assessment to confirm the need for constant care. This assessment is usually done by a doctor or healthcare professional appointed by SASSA.
How Does the Grant-in-Aid Work?
The Grant-in-Aid provides an additional monthly allowance to the primary grant recipient to help pay for the care they need. The purpose of the allowance is to compensate the person who is providing daily care, which often includes:
Helping with personal hygiene (bathing, dressing)
Preparing meals
Administering medication
Assisting with mobility
Providing emotional support and supervision
This grant helps families cover some of the costs and time involved in caring for a sick loved one.
How to Apply for Grant-in-Aid for a Sick Family Member
Here’s a step-by-step guide to applying for Grant-in-Aid:
Confirm the Primary Grant
Make sure the sick family member already receives one of the qualifying social grants listed above.Get a Medical Report
Obtain a medical report or assessment from a registered medical practitioner that clearly states the need for continuous daily care.Visit Your Nearest SASSA Office
The caregiver or family member can go to the nearest SASSA office to request a Grant-in-Aid application form.Submit the Application
Complete the application form with all required documents:Copy of the sick person’s ID
Proof of primary social grant
Medical assessment report
Caregiver’s ID and contact details
SASSA Medical Assessment
SASSA may arrange an additional medical assessment to verify the level of care needed.Wait for Approval
Once approved, the Grant-in-Aid will be paid monthly alongside the primary grant.
Learn more: SASSA Grant-in-Aid Essential Documents Required to Apply
Important Things to Know
The Grant-in-Aid is only available if the primary grant recipient needs full-time daily care.
This grant does not increase the amount of the primary grant but is an additional allowance.
The caregiver receiving the Grant-in-Aid does not have to be a professional nurse but must provide ongoing personal care.
Grant-in-Aid applications can sometimes take time to process, so it’s important to apply early.
If the primary grant is stopped, the Grant-in-Aid will also stop.
Other Support Options for Families with Sick Members
If your sick family member does not qualify for Grant-in-Aid, there are other forms of help:
Disability Grant: For persons with disabilities that affect their ability to work.
Care Dependency Grant: For caregivers of children with severe disabilities.
Community Health Services: Many local clinics offer home-based care and support.
Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs): Some NGOs provide free caregiving support, counselling, and resources.
Caring for a sick family member is demanding, both physically and financially. The Grant-in-Aid offers vital support to families who already receive a social grant and face the challenge of providing continuous care. While you can apply for this grant on behalf of your loved one, it’s important that the primary grant is in place and a medical need for daily care is confirmed.
If you believe your family member qualifies, don’t hesitate to contact your local SASSA office to start the application process. Remember, you are not alone—there are government programs and community resources designed to help you manage the care your family member needs.
