The Constitution grants this right to “everyone”, however, this is not an absolute right and is governed by legislation, such as the Social Assistance Act 13 of 2004.
This means that the legislation will have clear guidelines as to when a person will qualify for social assistance. As a general rule, those who are in need are more likely to claim and benefit from the social security protection provided in the Constitution.
It should also be taken into account that the Constitution only provides access to social security and not a right to automatically receive social security.
