8 Types of SASSA Social Grants in South Africa

People facing financial difficulties can receive monthly social grants from SASSA (South African Social Security Agency). Nearly 18 million South Africans rely on these SASSA social grants. SASSA offers a variety of grants, and each grant has a means test and eligibility criteria that vary.

You can find information on government grants in South Africa in this article. This article will help you understand the types of grants SASSA offers, the difference between the grants, and how to apply for them. SASSA provides various types of government grants, and I will explain which types of grants have eligibility requirements and what the monthly payments for each type of grant are.

What is a Social Grant?

Social grants refer to the monthly payments paid by SASSA to permanent residents of South Africa, including citizens, asylum seekers, and special permit holders.

Only those who meet the eligibility criteria can apply for these grants. SASSA also conducts a means test before approving a grant to verify the applicant’s income source and assets. This is to ensure that the grant is allocated to those who are in need and eligible for assistance

8 Types of SASSA Grants in South Africa

SASSA administers eight types of government grants in South Africa. South African citizens, permanent residents, or refugees are the primary eligibility criteria for each type of grant.

If you are interested in applying, please read the criteria for each type to see if you qualify:

1. SASSA SRD R350 Grant

SRDs are also known as Temporary Assistance. This program was initially released during COVID-19 to assist people facing financial difficulties in meeting their family’s needs. As a result, the validity of the program has been extended to April 2025 by the government.

To qualify for a SRD grant, the applicant must meet the following criteria:

The applicant is waiting for the payment of their approved social grant.
If the breadwinner of the family is disabled for less than six months.
The household’s breadwinner has died. Within 12 months of the death, the family must submit an application.
A minimum of one month has passed since the breadwinner was admitted to a public or private institution.
The breadwinner is not receiving maintenance from someone who is legally obligated to pay it.
A disaster, as defined in the Disaster Management Act or the Fund Raising Act of 1978.
It can be very difficult for a person to provide for his family if he is going through a really tough time

SRD grants are paid monthly in the amount of R350. SASSA offices are the best place to apply.

2. SASSA Older Persons Grant

You can apply for a SASSA old age grant if you are over 60 years old and do not have any source of income to support yourself.

To qualify for an old age grant, you must meet the following criteria:

Age must be at least 60.
You should be able to pass your spouse’s means test.
State-funded institutions are not appropriate for you.
Other social grants should not be paid to you.
Please provide your 13-digit barcoded ID documents for you and your spouse. For identity verification if neither the ID card nor birth certificate is available, follow the SASSA-recommended method.

Each older person receives R2,090 per month as a grant. SASSA offices can help you apply.

3. SASSA Disability Grant

Those who are mentally or physically disabled and cannot work for more than six months are eligible for the disability grant. SASSA disability grants are available regardless of whether you are disabled temporarily or permanently.

In order to qualify for disability grants, you must meet the following criteria:

You must be 18 to 59 years old.
Medical or functional assessments should confirm your disability.
Providing clinical information or a referral form validating the disability is required.
You and your spouse must pass the Means Test.
An institution funded by the government should not be your place of residence.
There should be no other social grant you are receiving.
You and your spouse must submit 13-digit barcoded ID documents. Verify your identity using the SASSA-recommended method if you do not have an ID card or birth certificate.

Disability grants are paid monthly at the rate of R2,090. SASSA offices are available to assist you with the grant application process.

4. SASSA War Veteran’s Grant

The War Veteran’s Grant is specifically designed to support veterans who served in significant historical conflicts. To qualify for this grant, applicants must meet several criteria:

Age and Disability: Applicants must be 60 years of age or older, or be certified as disabled.
Military Service: Eligibility is limited to individuals who participated in either World War II or the Korean War.
Means Test: Both you and your spouse must pass the Means Test, which assesses your financial situation to determine eligibility.
Residence Requirements: You must not be residing in a state-funded institution.
No Dual Grants: Applicants cannot be recipients of any other social grant.
Identification: You and your spouse are required to provide a 13-digit bar-coded ID document. In cases where an ID card and birth certificate are not available, alternative verification methods prescribed by SASSA must be followed.

The grant provides financial assistance of R2110 per month to eligible veterans. This support is crucial in acknowledging the service and sacrifice of veterans, ensuring they receive the recognition and assistance they deserve in their later years.

5. SASSA Child Support Grant

The Child Support Grant is designed to assist biological parents or primary caregivers in providing for the basic needs of their children. If you’re struggling to meet these needs, here’s how you can apply for the grant, provided your child is under 18 years old.

Eligibility Criteria for the Child Support Grant:

Residency: Both the applicant and the child must reside within South Africa.
Documentation: You must possess the child birth certificate. Additionally, a 13-digit barcoded identity document or a smart ID card is required for both yourself and your spouse. If these documents are unavailable, SASSA may accept alternative identification.
Primary Caregiver: The applicant must be the primary caregiver of the child or children.
Means Test: Both the applicant and the spouse must meet the income and asset thresholds specified in the Means Test.
Number of Children: The grant can be claimed for no more than six children who are not in the care of a state institution.
School Attendance: If the child is of school-going age, proof of school attendance is required. However, lack of this proof will not automatically disqualify the application for the grant.

6. SASSA Foster Child Grant

If you are caring for a foster child and need financial assistance, you may be eligible for the SASSA Foster Child Grant. This grant is designed to support foster parents who are legally caring for a child placed under their guardianship by a court order.

To qualify for the Foster Child Grant, you must meet the following requirements:

Legal Guardianship: Provide a court order confirming that the child is legally placed under your custody.
Custodial Responsibility: The child must be under the direct care of the foster parent(s).
Identification Documents: The foster parent must present a 13-digit barcoded identity document or a smart ID card for both themselves and their spouse, if applicable.
Child’s Birth Certificate: A birth certificate for the child is required. In cases where the ID or birth certificate is unavailable, SASSA will conduct an alternate identification process to verify the child identity.

Grant Amount

The Foster Child Grant offers a monthly payment of R1130 to assist with the expenses of raising a foster child. This grant aims to provide financial support to ensure that foster children have access to the necessities of life while under the care of their foster families.

7. SASSA Care Dependency Grant

The Care Dependency Grant is designed to support caregivers of children who are severely disabled, either mentally or physically. This grant aids those facing financial hardships by providing monthly financial assistance to ensure the required special care is available at home.

To be eligible for the Care Dependency Grant, the following criteria must be met:

Age of the Child: The child must be under 18 years of age.
Medical Assessment: The child should undergo a medical or functional assessment to officially confirm the disability. This includes submission of the child’s clinical information or a referral form which serves as a basis for assessment.
Means Test: The applicant, along with their spouse, must meet the Means Test requirements set by SASSA, which assesses financial eligibility. It’s important to note that foster parents are exempt from this requirement.
Residential Status: The care-dependent child must not be in permanent care in a state-funded institution.

Documentation: You will need to provide:

The child’s birth certificate.
A 13-digit barcoded identity document or a smart ID card for both the caregiver and their spouse. In cases where these documents are not available, SASSA will accept an alternative form of identification.
If the child is of school-going age, proof of school attendance is required. However, failure to provide this or if the child does not attend school, it will not result in the denial of the grant.

8. SASSA Grant-In-Aid

The Grant-In-Aid is specifically designed for individuals already receiving certain social grants and who need additional support due to an inability to care for themselves. It is available to beneficiaries of the Old Age, Disability, and War Veterans grants. This supplementary grant helps cover the costs of hiring a caregiver to provide necessary in-home care.

To be eligible for the Grant-In-Aid, applicants must meet the following requirements:

Current Grant Recipient: The applicant must already be receiving an Older Persons Grant, Disability Grant, or War Veterans Grant.
Need for Personal Care: The applicant requires regular, personal care due to physical or mental disabilities.
Non-Institutional Care: The applicant must not be receiving care in a state-subsidized institution.
Medical Assessment: A medical or functional assessment is required to confirm the disability. This includes submitting clinical information or a referral form validating the disability.
Review of Previous Rejections: If an application was previously rejected on medical grounds, a new referral form completed by a treating facility or healthcare practitioner must be submitted.

How to Apply for SASSA Grants

Applying for a grant from the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) can be done either in person at a SASSA office or online, depending on the type of grant and your preferences. Here’s a guide to help you navigate the application process:

Applying Online

Access the SASSA Online Portal: Visit the official SASSA online portal (https://srd.sassa.gov.za) to start your application process. The portal is typically user-friendly and guides you through the application steps.
Select the Relevant Grant: On the portal, you will find a list of grants. Click on the grant you wish to apply for to read more about the application process, eligibility criteria, and required documentation.
Complete the Application Form: Fill in the online application form with accurate and up-to-date information. Double-check all entries for errors to avoid delays in your application processing.
Upload Required Documents: The online system will prompt you to upload digital copies of the necessary documents. Make sure these files are clear and legible.
Submit and Track Your Application: After filling out the form and uploading your documents, submit your application. You can track the status of your application through the same online portal using your reference number.

Applying In-Person

Locate Your Nearest SASSA Office: Before you plan your visit, find the nearest SASSA office. You can do this by visiting the SASSA website or calling their customer service hotline.
Check Office Hours: SASSA office hours can vary, so it’s important to check the specific opening times for your local office. This information is typically available on the SASSA website or by directly contacting the office.
Prepare Necessary Documents: Ensure you have all the required documents gathered before your visit. This typically includes your South African ID book or card, proof of residence, medical reports (if applicable), and any other documents relevant to the specific grant you are applying for.
Visit the Office: Once you have all your documents and have confirmed the office hours, visit the SASSA office to submit your application. It’s advisable to go early to avoid long queues.

Most Common Reason for SASSA Grant Rejection

The most common reason for SASSA grant rejection is the applicant applying for a grant that does not meet the criteria for the one they are applying for. Before applying for the SASSA grants, you need to understand the eligibility criteria for each type of grant and determine which grant category you fall into.

SASSA rejected many disability grant applications for example. Their only reason was that they fell under the Care Dependency grant, but applied for the Disability grant since they weren’t aware of the grant type they should be applying for.

In order to reduce the chance of rejection, please check the SASSA grant eligibility criteria in detail before applying. If your grant application is approved, you will begin receiving payments as soon as it is approved.

You can find out why your grant application was rejected and how to re-apply for your rejected grant by reading the SASSA appeal process.

FAQs About SASSA Grants Types

Currently, there are five major social security grants in South Africa: the State Old Age Pension, the Disability Grant, the Child Support Grant, the Foster Child Grant, and the Care Dependency Grant. Eligibility for each grant is dependent on an income-based means test.

A total of 26 million people receive grants from the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) each year. In 2022, the Agency spent about 11% of the national budget on social grants.

There must be at least 60 years of age, the applicant cannot be in receipt of another social grant for himself or herself, the applicant and spouse must meet the means test, and the applicant cannot be in a state institution.

Conclusion

SASSA provides critical support to nearly 18 million South Africans through various grants, addressing needs from child support to disability and old age. Understanding the eligibility requirements and application process is essential for accessing these funds, which are vital for many to manage their financial challenges. Proper application ensures that assistance reaches those who truly need it, enhancing social welfare and stability across the nation.