Can You Work While On A Permanent Disability Grant In South Africa?

Financial support recipients in South Africa often ask if they are able to get a job while receiving a disability grant. Having a disability does not mean that a person is incapable of working in any capacity. Some people are able to do part time jobs, remote jobs, or even run a small business on the side.

Because of this, a common concern that recipients have is, Will I lose my disability grant if I get a job?

This is a complex issue and depends on various factors such as the amount of income made and if the person still meets the criteria of the grant. It is crucial to understand these polices in order to avoid negative impacts on payment.

What is a Permanent Disability Grant?

SASSA ( South African Social Security Agency) gives people with disabilities that cannot financially support themselves a disability grant.

This financial support program is meant for adults that have a medical condition that makes it impossible, or only a little possible, to get an income.Disability grants can be divided into two categories:

1. Temporary disability grants: These grants are awarded when the disability is anticipated to last between six months to one year.
2. Permanent disability grants: These grants are awarded when a doctor assesses the disability as likely to last longer than twelve months.

Although it may seem like a contradiction to be awarded a “permanent” disability grant, it is still possible for recipients to be reviewed to see if they continue to qualify.

Can You Have a Job and Still Receive the Disability Grant?

Yes. In specific circumstances, individuals awarded a permanent disability grant may still hold employment.

However, the most critical component that impacts the grant’s continuation is the means test. SASSA uses the means test to determine if a person’s means, whether income or assets, fall under or above the threshold to remain eligible for the grant.

A person can still receive the disability grant if their income is below a certain level. However, if their income is above the threshold, they will lose the grant.

Means Testing Explained

The means test looks at a person’s financial circumstances. It attempts to ensure social grants go to individuals who need financial support.

In conducting means testing, SASSA takes into account:

• Monthly income
• Any savings or investments
• Property ownership
• Spouse’s income if married
• Means testing also takes into account the individual’s marital status. The limits differ for individuals, and for couples who are married.

If SASSA determines beneficiaries’ income to have surpassed the predetermined limits, SASSA determines a person qualifies for financial support.

This means people of higher earning status (i.e. salary individuals) are likely to lose their disability grant.

What If a Grant Recipient Gains Employment?

The situation of a person receiving a disability grant and who starts working differs. Depending on the case, there are several possibilities.

Disability Grant Continuation

The disability grant may continue if the income is still low, or if the person is only working part-time and thus only earning a little.

For instance, a person may still have a disability that causes restrictions on their working ability, and thus may still have a home business or a job for a few hours.

If the earnings stay below the threshold, the grant may continue to be paid.

Legally, You Must Inform SASSA When You Start Working

A Grant Could Be Decreased

SASSA may decrease how much money a beneficiary receives if the beneficiary starts a job that gives them additional income.

This means that people who make additional money still receive assistance, but not more than is needed.

It aims for social assistance and personal income to be equal.

A Grant Could Be Stopped

If someone starts making a lot of income, then SASSA may stop the grant.

It is common for payments to stop during this time. The SASSA has to evaluate the person’s financial state, after which they may recommence payment.

A Grant Could Be Stopped

If SASSA determines that a person does not meet criteria, then a person s disability grant may be discontinued.

Some common reasons that this may happen are:

• The income is more than the means test limit
• A person has recovered from the disability
• There is dishonesty during the application process
• A person does not attend reviews that are required to be reviewed

Payments will stop and the grant will be discontinued.

Do You Need to Inform SASSA If You Start Working?

It is important to inform SASSA if your financial situation changes.Examples of changes to notify grant recipients about include the following:

• Starting a job
• Getting paid salary or business income
• Getting married
• Getting additional financial support

There are consequences for not reporting these changes.

SASSA takes the following actions against people for failing to report income:

• Grant suspension
• Grant cancellation
• Recovery of incorrectly paid grant money

In extreme situations, SASSA can pursue action against you.

Medical Reviews for Permanent Disability Grants

There are permanent disability grant recipients who are still required to do medical reviews.

Medical reviews are also done to check the status of a person’s disability.

If a medical reviewer determines that the person’s disability allows them to work, the disability grant ends.

Disability grants may also be continued to be paid to people who have the disability but are still unable to work.

The grant system medical reviews promote fairness.

What Working Means to Some Disabled People

Working is a benefit that a lot of people who have a disability grant want to do.

Working is not done just to earn a salary.

Working means independence.

Less reliance on government support means more control over one’s life.Confidence Boost

People who have long been out of work may particularly benefit from the rise in confidence and self-esteem that comes with gaining employment.

More Money

Money from a job can go towards important costs including food, transport and even medical needs.

This is why some beneficiaries decide to take part-time or flexible job options.

Obstacles Persons with Disabilities Experience when Seeking Employment

Despite the desire to work, persons with disabilities still encounter numerous obstacles.

Few Job Options

Most employers have biased perceptions of people with disabilities, believing that they will not be able to work efficiently or that they will need a lot of extra support to do their jobs.

Workspaces that are Physically Inclusive

Some jobs can only be completed in certain workspaces, and if they are not planned to be inclusive of physical disabilities, it can be impossible for a person with a physical impairment to do these jobs.

Medical Restrictions

Some disabilities result in a person having symptoms that are difficult to predict. These symptoms can limit attendance to work or even a person’s ability to complete their work duties.

This constellation of obstacles often leads to disabled people being unable to keep a job.

What Happens if a Job is Lost when the Grant is Stopped?

A person with disabilities who had to cancel their disability grant due to job acquisition can reapply if their situation changes.

People may reapply if any of the following occurs: \r\n- Their sneezing fit ever happens again.\r\n- They’re fired. \r\n- Their income drops below the required limit.\r\n\nIn the case above, they must repeat the whole application procedure including presenting new medical records.\r\n\nGiven the dynamic nature of eligibility, new approvals may occur provided they meet the requirements.\r\n\n\nTips for Disability Grant Beneficiaries Who Want to Work \r\n\n\n\nIf you are a disability grant recipient and are thinking of working, you must be especially careful.\r\nHere are some tips:\r\n \r\n\n1. Income limitations \r\n\nUnderstand the means test so you can stay below the limit.\r\n \r\n\n2. Report employment to SASSA \r\n\nYou must inform SASSA of any new employment and income.\r\n \r\n\n3. Record keeping \r\n\nYou must be careful and keep the records of your income and your employment.\r\n \r\n\n4. Medical reviews \r\n\nYou must ensure that you attend any medical assessments requested by SASSA. \r\n \r\n\n5. Get advice if you are uncertain If you are SASSA are uncertain about the rules, visit SASSA to get some.

These steps can help you to avoid losing your grant unexpectedly. The Importance of Social Grants in South Africa Social grants are very important in alleviating poverty and supporting the vulnerable.

Social assistance programs run by the South African Social Security Agency provide support to many South African citizens who are unable to provide for themselves due to age, disability, or unemployment.

For the disabled, these Grants are used to cover essential daily expenses such as food, housing, and transport.

Without support most of these individuals will find it very difficult to survive.

Final Thoughts

Not all people who receive a permanent disability grant are completely unable to work. In a lot of instances, grant beneficiaries are able to do some work, albeit very limited, or get some money through some form of work.

What remains important to consider is if the person still meets the means test and if the person’s disability still hinders the person from earning a living.

If an individual’s income exceeds what is permitted, or if a person’s medical condition improves, the person’s disability grant may be withdrawn, adjusted or stopped altogether.

This is why is it important for recipients to be compliant and report any changes in employment or income so as to not breach any conditions of SASSA.

For many people living with a disability, the grant is a source of support and helps sustain their dignity as they go through difficult life challenges.