SASSA Social Grants Overview
Supporting South African Families
SASSA administers various social grants to support vulnerable South Africans. Each grant has specific eligibility criteria, application processes, and benefit amounts. This comprehensive guide covers all grant types available in 2025. Need help? Visit our FAQs page for answers to common questions.
📋 Key Points About SASSA Grants
- Free to Apply: All SASSA applications are completely free - never pay anyone
- One Grant Per Person: You can only receive one social grant at a time
- Processing Time: Most grants take 30-90 days to process
- Required Documents: Always bring original documents and copies
- Status Tracking: Check your application progress online or at SASSA offices
- Appeal Rights: You can appeal if your application is declined
1. Social Relief of Distress (SRD) - R350 Grant
Amount: R350 per month
Purpose: Temporary assistance for unemployed South Africans who have no income or financial support.
Eligibility:
- South African citizen, permanent resident, or refugee
- 18 years or older
- Unemployed
- Not receiving any other SASSA grant
- Not receiving UIF or any other income
- Not registered as a student at a tertiary institution
Application: Apply online at srd.sassa.gov.za
→ Learn how to apply | Check your status | View payment dates
2. Old Age Grant (Pension)
Amount: Variable based on age (60-74 or 75+)
Purpose: Financial support for elderly South Africans who need assistance.
Eligibility:
- 60 years or older (South African citizens/permanent residents)
- South African citizen, permanent resident, or refugee
- Meet income and asset thresholds
- Single person: Income below R86,280 per year
- Married couple: Combined income below R172,560 per year
- Asset value below specified limits
Required Documents:
- 13-digit bar-coded ID document
- Proof of income (if any)
- Proof of marital status
- Proof of banking details
- 3 months latest bank statements
Application: In person at your nearest SASSA office
3. Disability Grant
Amount: Fixed monthly amount (check SASSA website for current rate)
Purpose: Support for individuals unable to work due to physical or mental disability.
Eligibility:
- South African citizen, permanent resident, or refugee
- 18-59 years old
- Medical assessment confirms disability lasting 6+ months
- Unable to support yourself due to disability
- Not in institutional care
- Meet income thresholds
Types of Disability Grants:
- Temporary Disability: Granted for 6-12 months, renewable
- Permanent Disability: Granted until age 60 (when old age grant applies)
Required Documents:
- 13-digit bar-coded ID
- Medical/assessment reports (forms completed by doctor)
- Proof of income (if any)
- Banking details
- 3 months bank statements
Application: In person at SASSA office with medical assessment
4. Child Support Grant
Amount: Fixed amount per child per month
Purpose: Financial assistance to primary caregivers of children.
Eligibility:
- Child must be under 18 years
- Primary caregiver must be South African citizen, permanent resident, or refugee
- Child must live with caregiver
- Meet income thresholds (caregiver earning below specified amount)
- Child not in state care
- Child not cared for in state institution
Required Documents:
- Child's birth certificate
- Caregiver's ID document
- Proof of income
- Proof of residence
- Banking details
- If not biological parent: proof of care relationship
Important: Can apply for multiple children in same household.
Application: In person at SASSA office
Caring for Children in Need
5. Foster Care Grant
Amount: Higher than child support grant
Purpose: Support foster parents caring for children placed in their care by court order.
Eligibility:
- Child placed in your care by court order
- Valid foster care court order in place
- Child under 18 years
- Foster parent is South African citizen, permanent resident, or refugee
- No income threshold (available regardless of income)
Required Documents:
- Court order placing child in foster care
- Foster parent's ID
- Child's birth certificate
- Banking details
- Social worker's report
Note: Foster care orders must be renewed every 2 years. Grant expires if order not renewed.
Application: In person at SASSA office after receiving court order
6. Care Dependency Grant
Amount: Same as Foster Care Grant
Purpose: Support primary caregivers of children with severe disabilities requiring permanent home care.
Eligibility:
- Child under 18 years with severe disability
- Child requires permanent home care
- Caregiver is South African citizen, permanent resident, or refugee
- Medical assessment confirms care dependency
- Meet income thresholds
Required Documents:
- Child's birth certificate
- Caregiver's ID
- Medical/assessment reports
- Proof of income
- Banking details
- Specialist medical reports confirming disability
Application: In person at SASSA office with medical documentation
7. War Veterans Grant
Amount: Higher than old age grant
Purpose: Support for veterans who served in specific wars and are 60+ years old.
Eligibility:
- 60 years or older
- Served in World War II or Korean War
- South African citizen or permanent resident
- Meet income requirements
- Unable to support yourself
Required Documents:
- ID document
- Military service records
- Discharge papers
- Proof of income
- Banking details
Application: In person at SASSA office
Grant-in-Aid
If you receive an Old Age, Disability, or War Veterans Grant and require full-time care from another person due to your physical or mental disability, you may qualify for an additional Grant-in-Aid.
Amount: Additional monthly supplement to existing grant
Eligibility: Must already receive Old Age, Disability, or War Veterans Grant and require full-time attendance by another person.
Choosing the Right Grant
To determine which grant(s) you may be eligible for:
- Review the eligibility criteria for each grant type
- Visit your nearest SASSA office for personalized guidance
- Prepare required documents before applying (see our application guide)
- Some people may qualify for multiple grants (e.g., old age grant + grant-in-aid)
- You cannot receive multiple core grants simultaneously
Application Tips
Important Reminders:
- All SASSA grant applications are FREE
- Never pay anyone to help you apply
- Apply for the grant that best matches your situation
- Have all required documents ready before visiting SASSA
- Processing times vary by grant type (typically 3 months)
- Keep copies of all submitted documents
Next Steps
Ready to apply?