7.4. What kind of support can I expect from the government?

* The Social Assistance Act is the law that says when and how people can qualify for government assistance. It aims to protect and provide assistance to people who cannot support or look after themselves for different reasons - because of their age, illness or a physical or mental disability. When people become unable to support themselves and their families because of HIV or AIDS, the Social Assistance Act demands that government provide some assistance to them.
* The South African Government accepts that it has a responsibility to care for people who cannot take care of themselves.
* This kind of support is called 'social assistance'.
* Social insurance is when you, as a worker, give money to a fund to help you when you aren't able to work.
* Social assistance and social insurance make up 'social security'.
Social security
* Everyone has the right to social security according to the Bill of Rights in the Constitution.
* When HIV positive people become too sick to look after themselves they can apply to the Department of Social Assistance for help.
* Care-givers of children with AIDS or orphaned by AIDS can also apply for social security for their special needs.
* The Department of Social Development has a programme for community-based care and support for people living with HIV or AIDS or affected by HIV or AIDS.
* There are different kinds of help available. Non-governmental welfare organisations (NGOs) give support like food, clothing or emergency housing. Find out which organisations operate in your area.
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