People who apply for social grants will be assessed against a threshold close to R8,070 for the month starting 16 December. The new rule will affect the means test that SASSA uses to deduce whether somebody is deserving of certain grants.
The rise is in acknowledgement that the cost of living has soared to levels where citizens, who deserve to be coined “vulnerable,” will be excluded at once from financial support if their income is a bit higher than earlier, obviously than with the earlier means test.
The Meaning of R8,070
An income cut-off reflects the highest amount an individual can earn and yet be recommended for a specific award category specifically meant for adults who have no other major grant sources. That does not mean that any person earning an amount less than this must qualify; SASSA must check other financial benchmarks: personal circumstances, bank transactions and dependency status. The rule just permits a wider base for consideration.
Who Will Be Most Affected
The rule specifically benefits South Africans who are jobless, low-wage workers, and those previously just above the old grant cutoff. Many applicants have complained that they were rejected because they earned slightly more than the earlier limit because of their casual income for mere survival purposes. This new regulation essentially offers one more chance to apply or appeal to those who lost their job recently or people with irregular income.
How the New Assessment Might Work
From December 16, those applying for a grant will have their application evaluated against bank statements, employment details, and other financial indicators. Nonetheless, his or her temporary income or being supported by relatives will not de facto disqualify them unless it remains regular and substantial. Applicants are encouraged to keep their banking details, addresses, and cell phone numbers up-to-date to minimize delays.
What to Expect After Being Granted
The change will not assure larger grant amounts; however, it will allow more applicants to meet eligibility requirements. Many South Africans see it as a good step toward having grant rules aligned with present economic realities. Those applicants rejected before solely on the grounds of their income could think of re-applying when the new rule becomes enforceable on December 16.
