Residents applying for disability grants through the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) are encouraged to visit local clinics and Community Health Centres (CHCs) for the completion of medical verification forms instead of going to hospitals.
The call was made by Gauteng MEC for Health and Wellness, Faith Mazibuko, who said the move is aimed at making the application process more accessible and affordable for residents.
Gauteng Department of Health and Wellness stated that some disability grant applicants continue to visit hospitals to have SASSA medical verification forms, also referred to as referral forms or functional referral forms, completed by healthcare practitioners.
The department explained that under the Uniform Patient Fee Schedule (UPFS), applicants may be charged a prescribed fee when these administrative services are provided at hospital level. However, the same service is available free of charge at clinics and CHCs.
Mazibuko said: “We want to make it easier for disability grant applicants to access the assistance they need. Clinics and CHCs are closer to communities and are better placed to assist with SASSA-related forms without placing an additional financial burden on applicants. We appeal to residents to only use hospitals for services that require specialised care.”
The department further urged applicants to ensure they bring all the necessary documents when visiting clinics or CHCs. These include relevant SASSA documents, a valid identity document and any available medical records that may assist healthcare practitioners in accurately completing the forms.
