In South Africa, the SASSA (South African Social Security Agency) provides a disability grant to help individuals who cannot work full-time due to a medical condition. For many recipients, this grant is a critical source of income, covering essential expenses like food, housing, and healthcare.

However, some people who receive the SASSA Disability Grant may choose to work part-time to earn extra money, giving them more financial independence or staying engaged in the workforce. The question is whether working part-time will affect their eligibility for the disability grant.

Recipients can still receive the disability grant while working part-time, but there are conditions. The amount they earn from their part-time job must stay within the specified limits set by SASSA, which are based on a means test that assesses both their income and assets. Exceeding these limits could result in a reduction or suspension of their grant. Additionally, it is crucial to report any change in income to SASSA to ensure compliance with the program’s regulations.

What is the SASSA Disability Grant?

The SASSA Disability Grant is a financial support program for people with long-term disabilities that prevent them from working full-time. It offers a monthly income to help those who can’t earn a steady income due to their health condition. This grant helps individuals and their families cover essential costs like food, rent, and healthcare, making a big difference in their ability to manage daily living expenses. In 2024, the amount for the disability grant is R2,080 per month, although this amount may vary slightly based on government adjustments.

To be eligible for the grant, an individual must:

• Be a South African citizen, permanent resident, or refugee.
• Be between the ages of 18 and 59 years old.
• Be medically certified as permanently disabled or temporarily disabled (for a period of 6 to 12 months).
• Pass the means test, which evaluates your income and assets.
• Not be cared for in a state institution.

Can You Work Part-Time While Receiving the Disability Grant?

Yes, individuals can engage in part-time work and still qualify for the SASSA Disability Grant, as long as their income does not exceed certain limits set by SASSA. The grant recognizes that many people with disabilities can manage limited work hours, which can help them maintain a sense of independence while still needing the financial security provided by the grant.

Income Limits

• If a person is single, their total monthly income must be R7,020 or less.
• If they are married, the combined monthly income of both spouses must not exceed R14,040.

Assets threshold

• For single individuals, their total assets should not be more than R1,313,400.
• For married couples, the combined assets of both partners should not exceed R2,626,800.

What Happens If You Exceed the Income Limit?

A recipient’s income from a part-time job will count towards the means test for the SASSA Disability Grant. If the total income, including the part-time job and other sources, goes above the threshold, their grant will either be reduced proportionally or stopped entirely. However, if their income remains below the limit, they will continue to receive the grant, either at the full amount or a reduced amount based on their earnings.

It is important to ensure that part-time work is manageable both financially and health-wise. Balancing the income from work and the grant can help avoid financial challenges, but the impact on the individual’s health, especially if their disability worsens, should also be considered.

Reporting Your Income to SASSA

One critical aspect of working while receiving the Disability Grant is the obligation to report all income to SASSA. This is an important requirement to ensure that your income remains within the acceptable limits and that you continue to receive the grant legally.

Here are the key steps and requirements for reporting:

• Report all Earnings: Whether it’s from part-time work, freelance projects, or temporary jobs, you must inform SASSA of any income you receive.
• Regular Reviews: SASSA periodically reviews beneficiaries’ financial situations to ensure compliance with the income thresholds. This may include requesting financial documents such as bank statements or pay slips.
• Medical Reviews: In addition to financial assessments, SASSA may also require periodic medical re-evaluations to confirm that the beneficiary still qualifies based on their disability status.

How Regular Reviews Impact Eligibility?

SASSA conducts regular reviews to ensure that recipients of the Disability Grant remain eligible for financial support. These reviews may require individuals to submit documents, such as bank statements or pay slips, to show that their income is still below the allowable limit. Additionally, they might need to undergo medical check-ups to confirm that their disability continues to affect their ability to work. Both income verification and medical assessments are part of these reviews to determine if the recipient still qualifies for the grant.

Benefits of Part-Time Work

Although part-time work can affect Disability Grant eligibility if income exceeds the threshold, there are still several benefits to working while receiving the grant. These include:

• Financial Independence: Earning a part-time income provides more freedom to manage expenses that the grant may not cover.
• Skill Development: It helps develop work experience and skills that could be useful if health improves in the future.
• Social Engagement: A job, even part-time, offers opportunities for social interaction, improving mental well-being