Will my son who has Down's Syndrome qualify for a state disability grant, and will I be means tested?

The long answer

Thank you for your email asking if your son with Down’s Syndrome will qualify for a state disability grant, and whether you will be subjected to the means test to establish whether he qualifies or not.

Yes, he will be eligible for the SASSA disability grant, and yes, you will need to undergo the means test.

All the state grants are means-tested.

You will have to submit a medical assessment report not older than three months at the date of your application, confirming disability.

Judging from reports from distressed parents about the response of Sassa officials to disability applications for Down’s Syndrome, there is widespread ignorance about the condition within Sassa. This started to be addressed in February 2019 by a joint workshop between Sassa, Down’s Syndrome SA and Autism SA. After a presentation, Sassa manager Akona Mbombo admitted that Sassa officials didn’t understand what Down’s Syndrome was, nor that it was identified by a blood test. He said that Sassa would take steps to address the problem and educate its officials.

I mention this so that you are forewarned if you encounter ignorance of the condition from Sassa officials, and so that you should not be discouraged from pressing your son’s claim, should you qualify.