The government provides four different kinds of social grants that can
be helpful to adults and children who are affected or infected by HIV
and AIDS. A grant is money that is given by the government to help
people who are struggling to support themselves and their families.
Foster Care Grants are, however, given to help people who care for
orphans and vulnerable children, regardless of their financial
circumstances. The different grants include:
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1) Child Support Grant
(for the care of children under the age of 14)
2) Care Dependency Grant
(for children under 18 years with severe mental or physical disabilities who need special care).
3) Foster Care Grant
(for children up to 21 years who are placed in the care of foster parents in terms of the Child Care Act 74 of 1983).
4) Disability Grant
(for
people over 18 years who will be disabled for six months or longer, and
are unable to support themselves because of their mental or physical
disability).
Sometimes families cannot wait for the grant money to come through as
they are in a crisis situation. These families can apply to the
Department of Social Development for a temporary Social Relief Grant.
Assistance, in the form of money or food, will then be given for up to
six months while the family waits for the grant money to come through.
Frequently asked Questions (FAQs)
This section answers the common questions that people have about the
grant-application procedure including: what happens at the Welfare
Office; how long does it take for the grant money to come through; how
is the money paid; what happens if the grant is refused; can a grant be
stopped.
There are a number of Non-Profit Organisations that
help people apply for government grants – you can find these
organisations in the AIDSbuzz Directory by searching the Social Grant
category. You can also phone the Department’s free hotline 0800 601 011
or the Circles of Support number 0860 222 777 for advice.
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