Question NW2017 to the Minister of Social Development
08 June 2022 - NW2017
Arries, Ms LH to ask the Minister of Social Development
What total number of (a) temporary disability grant applicants have had their grants freezed because they are still waiting for doctor assessments, (b) the specified applicants have been waiting for a period of more than six months and (c) temporary disability grants have lapsed in the 2021-22 financial year and have not been reassessed?
Reply:
(a) Temporary disability grants, as the name itself denotes, is awarded for a specific period, which is determined by the outcome of a medical assessment undertaken. At the end of the specified period, the grant lapses and the applicant can re-apply if still unable to work as a result of the medical condition. No temporary disability grant is placed in a “frozen” status, pending assessment.
(b) As of 23 May 2022, a total of 25 952 clients are awaiting assessments by medical doctors. There are no clients waiting for an assessment in excess of 30 days or more. See below for provincial assessment bookings:
|
CLIENTS WAITING FOR ASSESSMENTS |
||
|
Region |
Awaiting Assessments |
Awaiting ≥ 30 days |
|
NORTH WEST |
1608 |
0 |
|
MPUMALANGA |
1660 |
0 |
|
NORTHERN CAPE |
802 |
0 |
|
FREE STATE |
514 |
0 |
|
GAUTENG |
5021 |
0 |
|
WESTERN CAPE |
9240 |
0 |
|
EASTERN CAPE |
885 |
0 |
|
KWAZULU NATAL |
4571 |
0 |
|
LIMPOPO |
1651 |
0 |
|
TOTAL |
25 952 |
0 |
(c) In 2021/22, 243 823 temporary disability grants lapsed. Unfortunately, SASSA is not able to determine immediately how many clients have re-applied, but can confirm that no client whether new or a re-application has a medical assessment outstanding for more than 30 days.