Who We Are
Serving Communities Nationwide
The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) is a government agency responsible for administering social grants on behalf of the Department of Social Development. Established in April 2005 under the South African Social Security Agency Act (Act 9 of 2004), SASSA's primary mandate is to ensure the efficient and effective management of social assistance in South Africa.
SASSA serves as a critical pillar of South Africa's social protection system, providing financial support to over 18 million beneficiaries each month. Our work touches the lives of millions of children, elderly persons, persons with disabilities, and vulnerable individuals across all nine provinces of South Africa.
🏛️ Our Core Services
- Grant Administration: Managing 8 different types of social grants
- Monthly Payments: Processing payments to 18+ million beneficiaries
- Application Processing: Handling new applications and renewals
- Appeals Management: Reviewing and processing declined applications
- Fraud Prevention: Ensuring grants reach legitimate beneficiaries
- Support Services: 800+ offices and toll-free helpline nationwide
By The Numbers
Our Mandate
SASSA's core mandate includes:
- ✓ Administering Social Grants: Processing applications and disbursing monthly payments for various social grants including Old Age, Disability, Child Support, Foster Child, Care Dependency, Grant-in-Aid, and Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grants.
- ✓ Ensuring Accessibility: Making social security services accessible to all eligible South Africans through physical offices, mobile units, and digital platforms.
- ✓ Maintaining Integrity: Implementing robust fraud prevention measures and verification systems to protect public resources and ensure grants reach legitimate beneficiaries.
- ✓ Policy Implementation: Executing social security policies developed by the Department of Social Development.
- ✓ Continuous Improvement: Upgrading systems, processes, and service delivery mechanisms to better serve beneficiaries.
Our History
2004 - SASSA Act Passed
The South African Social Security Agency Act (Act 9 of 2004) was passed by Parliament, establishing SASSA as the agency responsible for social grant administration.
2005 - SASSA Established
SASSA officially commenced operations on April 1, 2005, taking over grant administration from provincial welfare departments to create a unified, national system.
2006-2010 - Consolidation Phase
SASSA consolidated operations across all provinces, standardized processes, and established a network of local and regional offices throughout South Africa.
2012 - Payment Contract Transition
SASSA transitioned to a new payment system, implementing the SASSA card for secure and convenient grant collection by beneficiaries.
2020 - COVID-19 Response
During the COVID-19 pandemic, SASSA implemented the Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant, providing R350 monthly support to unemployed individuals, reaching millions of new beneficiaries.
2022-2025 - Digital Transformation
SASSA launched comprehensive online application portals, mobile apps, and digital verification systems, making services more accessible and efficient.
2026-2027 - Enhanced Service Delivery
Implementation of AI-powered fraud detection, biometric verification systems, and expanded rural outreach programs. Grant increases across all categories to address inflation and cost of living concerns.
Grant Types We Administer
Making a Difference Together
Old Age Grant
For South African citizens aged 60 and above who meet income and asset requirements.
R2,180/month
Child Support Grant
Financial assistance for primary caregivers of children under 18 years old.
R520/month per child
Disability Grant
Support for individuals with physical or mental disabilities that prevent them from working.
R2,180/month
Foster Child Grant
For foster parents caring for children placed in their care by court order.
R1,180/month per child
Care Dependency Grant
For parents or caregivers of children with severe disabilities requiring permanent care.
R2,180/month
SRD Grant (R350)
Social Relief of Distress grant for unemployed South Africans with no other income.
R400/month
Our Commitment to Service Excellence
At SASSA, we are committed to:
- Treating all beneficiaries with dignity and respect
- Processing applications efficiently to minimize waiting times
- Ensuring transparency and accountability in all our operations
- Protecting beneficiary information and maintaining strict confidentiality
- Fighting fraud and corruption to safeguard public resources
- Continuously improving our services through technology and innovation
- Making our services accessible to all South Africans, regardless of location
- Providing multiple channels for communication and support
Contact Us
For more information about SASSA services, grant applications, or general inquiries:
Call Center
0800 60 10 11
Toll-free (Mon-Fri, 8am-4pm)