What if you are receiving any grants from the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA)? Can you work and still have your grant? Well, in the recent past, some changes were made in these rules, probably in clear terms for earner-but still benefiter to this financial support that is offered by SASSA. Here is what you should know.
What is the SASSA Grant?
The SASSA grant is a scheme that is meant to provide financial assistance to people in need by the South African government. The scheme helps the elderly, children, disabled persons, and any others who cannot work due to various reasons. The grant makes it possible for these individuals to be able to have their basic personal needs met in terms of food, shelter, or any other elementary items.
Can You Work While Receiving a SASSA Grant?
You may actually work and still access a SASSA grant. There are some rules, though, that must be followed to make sure that you benefit from the grant while earning.
Income Limits for Grant Recipients
An income threshold is among the most important changes. If you have a job while you are getting one of those grants, your earnings cannot exceed a threshold. The threshold will differ depending on the specific kind of grant being received. For example, different threshold figures might exist between a caregiver receiving the Child Support Grant and an elderly person receiving an Old Age Pension.
Therefore, when your income exceeds the limit outlined, eligibility for the grant may be lost or the amount of grant may be reduced. It is essential to check the specific income limits applicable in your situation with SASSA to ensure you remain compliant.
Reporting Your Income While Receiving SASSA Grants
Notifying about the income earned while on grant is obligatory. Probable implications of such a failure are cancellation of the grant. SASSA may ask you to provide proof of income. Therefore, it is better to have maintained all records of income from payslips, contracts or invoices, for instance, in case you are self-employed.
Permitted Types of Employment
The new regulations now clarify the possible forms of employment acceptable for persons receiving grants. Both forms of work are allowed but the total income should be within the threshold. For instance, if you have any job ranging from being a domestic worker to a freelancer to someone under part-time employments, your grant isn’t affected as long as the income is less than the threshold.
Self Employment and Informal Job
Mostly, SASSA limits the same amount of income whichever way you are self-employed or informal. However, it becomes more complicated for self-employed persons regarding the proof of income. It is very important for you to keep good financial records of what you earned and of what you spent on so that your earnings are correctly calculated.
Consequences of Exceeding Income
Failure to comply with the limit set by SASSA may affect the grant. With this, you can either lose the grant or have your grant reduced. In this case, you may need to reapply or wait until your income goes lower to be able to qualify again.
What Happens If Your Earnings Change?
The change can be time-related, and within this time, there are instances in which your income goes down and you can be qualified for the grant. There will be a change of employment or reduction of income number, which should be reported to SASSA, so that you continue to get the right amount of assistance.
