Types of SASSA Social Grants in South Africa

The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) is responsible for helping people in financial need by providing social grants. These grants are vital support for many South Africans, including the elderly, disabled, children, and those in temporary distress. SASSA offers various types of grants, each with specific eligibility criteria. To ensure that the grants go to those who need them most, these criteria are checked through a process called a means test.

In this article, We will explain what a SASSA grant is, the means test process, and the types of SASSA social grants available in South Africa. Additionally, we will outline the eligibility requirements for each grant, how much money you can receive, and the steps you need to follow to apply.

Let’s move towards the main article.

What is a Social Grant?

A social grant is a monthly payment made by the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) to help people who are struggling financially. These grants are available to South African citizens, permanent residents, asylum seekers, and people with special permits who meet the eligibility criteria.

SASSA provides these grants to people who need help because they are elderly, disabled, or caring for children. Some grants are also available for people facing difficult situations like financial hardship due to a disaster or loss of income.

SASSA Mean Test

Before someone can receive a social grant, SASSA checks if they qualify through a process called the means test. 

This test looks at the person’s income and assets to make sure the grant goes to people who really need it. If a person has enough money or resources, they may not be able to receive a grant.

The grants are designed to provide financial support and relieve poverty for those who need it most.

Types of SASSA Social Grants

There are totally eight types of government grants in South Africa administered by SASSA.

1. SRD R370 Grant
   
2. Older Person’s Grant (Old Age Pension)
   
3. Disability Grant
   
4. War Veteran’s Grant
   
5. Child Support Grant
   
6. Foster Child Grant
   
7. Care Dependency Grant
   
8. Grant-In-Aid
   

Let’s cover each type in depth.

The very first type is R370 which is updated from R350 previous year, on Thursday, March 14, 2024.

This was announced by Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana in the National Assembly on Wednesday.

1.Social Relief of Distress (R370)

The SRD R370 grant is a temporary assistance program designed for people in urgent need who are unable to meet their basic family needs. This grant is intended to provide support during times of crisis, such as when you’re waiting for other grants to be processed or facing an emergency situation.

Eligibility for Social Relief of Distress (R370)

You can apply for this grant if you are in a situation such as:

• Waiting for your children’s grants to be processed.
  
• Experiencing a disaster (e.g., your house burned down).
  
• In desperate financial need and do not qualify for any other grant.
  
• Unable to work for less than six months due to medical reasons.
  
• Unable to get maintenance from the other parent of your children.
  
• The breadwinner in your family has passed away or is in prison for a short time (less than six months).
  
• A disaster affected you, but the area has not been officially declared a disaster zone.
  

What You Will Receive

The R370 SRD Grant may be provided as:

• Food parcels.
  
• Vouchers to buy food.
  
• In some areas, cash payments are given instead.
  

This assistance is temporary, typically lasting for three months, but it may be extended for another three months if needed.

How to Apply

To apply, you must visit your nearest SASSA office or apply online at https://srd.sassa.gov.za/. You will need to provide the following documents:

• Your 13-digit barcoded ID and the birth certificates of your children.
  
• If you don’t have an ID or birth certificate, you must provide:
  
  • An affidavit from a Justice of the Peace or other recognized authority.
    
  • A sworn statement from someone who knows you and your child (like a councillor, social worker, or religious leader).
    
  • Proof that you have applied for an ID or birth certificate from the Department of Home Affairs.
    

You will also need to show:

• Proof of any emergency situation (e.g., a police report for a fire).
  
• Evidence that you are unable to get maintenance or have no other support.
  
• If applicable, provide your medical records showing your temporary disability.
  

How Long Does It Take?

Your application will be processed immediately, and if you qualify, you will receive a food parcel, voucher, or cash for the first month. For future payments, you must provide the required documents before the second month’s payment is due.

If your situation does not change after receiving the grant for three months, you can apply for an extension for another three months.

Cost

The service is free. You do not have to pay to apply for or receive the Social Relief of Distress.

Forms to Complete

The application form is not available online, but you can get it at your nearest SASSA office.

For more information, check out our complete guide on applying for Social Relief of Distress (R370).

2.Old Age Grant

The Old Age Pension Grant is for South African citizens, permanent residents, or refugees who are 60 years or older and have no other source of income. This grant helps elderly individuals manage their financial needs.

To qualify, you must:

• Be at least 60 years old.
  
• Be a South African citizen, permanent resident, or refugee.
  
• Live in South Africa.
  
• Not receiving any other social grant.
  
• Not live in a state institution.
  
• Pass the means test, which checks if your income and assets are below certain limits. If you are single, your annual income should be less than R86,280. If you’re married, the limit is R172,560. You must also have assets below R1,227,600 if single or R2,455,200 if married.
  

The maximum amount you can receive is R2,310 per month. If you’re over 75 years old, you will receive R2,330 per month.

You can collect the grant in several ways:

• Cash at a designated pay point.
  
• Electronic deposit into your bank account (fees may apply).
  
• At an institution like an old age home.
  

You will need to provide certain documents, including:

• Your 13-digit barcoded ID.
  
• Proof of income, assets, and marital status.
  
• Bank statements for the last three months.
  

The application process can take up to three months to complete. If approved, payments will start from the date you applied.

If your situation changes or you fail to comply with the requirements, your grant may be suspended. You can also appeal if your application is rejected.

For more information, you can read our complete guide on Old Grant.

3.Disability Grant

The SASSA Disability Grant is for individuals with physical or mental disabilities that prevent them from working for more than six months. You can apply for a permanent disability grant if your disability will last longer than a year or a temporary disability grant if it lasts between six to 12 months.

To qualify, you must:

• Be a South African citizen or permanent resident.
  
• Be between 18 and 59 years old.
  
• Not live in a state institution.
  
• Not have an income higher than R86,280 if single or R172,560 if married.
  
• Not own assets worth more than R1,227,600 if single or R2,455,200 if married.
  
• Undergo a medical examination by a state-appointed doctor.
  

The maximum payment for the Disability Grant is R2,310 per month. The grant is paid via:

• Cash at a designated pay point.
  
• Electronic transfer into your bank account (fees may apply).
  
• Institutions caring for people with disabilities.
  

If your circumstances change, your grant may be suspended. You must submit the following documents for your application:

• Your 13-digit ID (or affidavit if you don’t have one).
  
• Medical and functional assessment reports confirming your disability.
  
• Proof of income, assets, and marital status.
  

The application process may take up to three months. If your application is rejected, you can appeal within 90 days.

For more detailed information and the full application process, check out our complete blog on the Disability Grant.

4.War Veteran’s Grant

The War Veteran’s Grant is for individuals who fought in the Second World War (1939-1945) or the Korean War (1950-1953) and are no longer able to support themselves. To qualify, you must meet certain conditions and criteria.

To be eligible, you must:

• Be 60 years or older or disabled.
  
• Be a South African citizen or permanent resident.
  
• Have participated in either the Second World War or the Korean War.
  
• Not receive any other social grant.
  
• Not live in a state-funded institution.
  
• Meet the means test requirements (income and asset limits).
  

The maximum payment for the War Veteran’s Grant is R2,330 per month. Payments can be made via:

• Cash at a designated pay point.
  
• Electronic deposit into a bank or Postbank account.
  
• An institution acting as an administrator of the grant.
  

You will need to provide several documents, such as:

• Your 13-digit barcoded ID.
  
• Proof of your war service (e.g., certificate of service).
  
• Proof of income and assets (e.g., pay slips, bank statements).
  
• If under 60, a medical report proving disability.
  

The application process takes up to three months, and once approved, payments will be backdated to the date you applied. If your application is not approved, you can appeal the decision within 90 days.

For more detailed information on the War Veteran’s Grant, including the full application process and required documents, visit our detailed article on the War Veteran’s Grant.

5.Child Support Grant

This Grant helps caregivers who are raising children in need. It is for people who look after children under 18 years old and are in financial need.

To qualify for the Child Support Grant, you must:

• Be the primary caregiver (parent, grandparent, or another person responsible for the child).
  
• Be a South African citizen or permanent resident.
  
• Not earn more than R52,800 per year if you are single or R105,600 per year if married.
  
• The child must live with you and not be cared for in a state institution.
  
• You cannot receive the grant for more than six children who are not your biological or legally adopted children.
  

The grant amount is R560 per month per child. 

This may include a top-up of R560 + R280, making it a total of R840 per child.

Payments can be made in several ways:

• Cash at a designated pay point.
  
• Electronic deposit into your bank or Postbank account (fees may apply).
  
• To an institution that acts as the administrator.
  

You must provide certain documents when applying, such as:

• Your 13-digit barcoded ID and the child’s birth certificate.
  
• Proof of income and assets.
  
• Proof of the child’s residence with you (e.g., school report, health card).
  

The application process may take up to three months. If your application is not approved, you can appeal the decision within 90 days.

For more detailed information about it and the full application process, check out our complete article on the Child Support Grant.

6.Foster Child Grant

SASSA Foster Child Grant is for people who are taking care of a child placed in their custody by a court order. This grant helps support children who have been orphaned, abandoned, or are at risk due to abuse or neglect.

To qualify for the Foster Child Grant, you must:

• Be a South African citizen, permanent resident, or refugee.
  
• Be the primary caregiver of the child, and the child must be under 18.
  
• The child must be legally placed in your care by a court order.
  
• Both you and the child must live in South Africa.
  

You will receive R1,250 per month for each foster child you care for.

The payment can be made in several ways:

• Cash at a designated pay point.
  
• Electronic deposit into your bank or Postbank account (fees may apply).
  
• Through an institution that administers the grant, like a welfare organization.
  

When you apply, you will need to provide documents such as:

• Your 13-digit ID and the child’s birth certificate.
  
• Court order confirming the child is in your care.
  
• Proof of the child’s health or school records.
  
• Proof of your marital status and income.
  

Your grant will be reviewed every two years, and if the child is no longer in your care, or you fail to meet the requirements, your grant may be suspended.

It may take up to three months for your application to be processed. If your application is rejected, you can appeal the decision within 90 days.

For a full guide on how to apply for the Foster Child Grant and the detailed steps, check out our complete article on the Foster Child Grant.

7.Care Dependency Grant

The Care Dependency Grant helps caregivers who take care of children with severe disabilities. This grant is available for children who need full-time, special care due to their disability, and it can be received until the child turns 18 years old.

To qualify for the Care Dependency Grant, you must:

• Be a parent, primary caregiver, or foster parent appointed by the court.
  
• Be a South African citizen, permanent resident, or refugee.
  
• Not earn more than R223,200 per year if you are single. If married, your combined income should not exceed R446,400 per year.
  
• The child must:
  
  • Be younger than 18 years old.
    
  • Not live in a state institution.
    
  • Have a severe disability that requires full-time care.
    

The child must also be assessed by a state medical officer before the grant can be approved.

The grant amount is R2,310 per month for each eligible child.

You can receive the grant through:

• Cash at a specific pay point.
  
• Electronic deposit into your bank or Postbank account (fees may apply).
  
• An institution acting as an administrator of the grant.
  

When applying, you will need to provide several documents, such as:

• Your 13-digit ID and the child’s birth certificate.
  
• A medical report confirming the child’s disability.
  
• Proof of income and assets.
  
• Proof of marital status.
  

The application process may take up to three months to process, and the grant will be reviewed if your circumstances change. If the child is no longer in your care or you don’t meet the requirements, the grant may be suspended.

For more detailed information, including the full application process and required documents, check out our complete article on the Care Dependency Grant.

8.Grant In Aid

The Grant-In-Aid is an additional support grant for people who already receive a disability grant, war veteran’s grant, or older person’s grant, but are unable to take care of themselves due to physical or mental disabilities. This grant helps pay for someone to provide you with full-time care.

To qualify for the Grant-In-Aid, you must:

• Be already receiving a disability grant, war veteran’s grant, or older person’s grant.
  
• Be unable to care for yourself due to your disability and require full-time care from someone else.
  
• Not living in an institution that receives government funding for your care or housing.
  

The Grant-In-Aid provides R560 per month to help cover the cost of the caregiver.

You will be paid through one of the following methods:

• Cash at a specific pay point.
  
• Electronic deposit into your bank or Postbank account (fees may apply).
  
• An institution administering the grant (e.g., welfare organizations).
  

The Grant-In-Aid will be paid together with your main social grant.

When applying for the Grant-In-Aid, you will need to provide:

• Your 13-digit bar-coded ID.
  
• Proof of marital status (if applicable).
  
• A medical report or assessment showing that you require full-time care.
  

It may take up to three months to process your application. If your application is rejected, you can appeal the decision within 90 days.

For more information and the full process for applying for the Grant-In-Aid, check out our complete article on the Grant-In-Aid.

How to Apply for SASSA Grants

You can apply for various SASSA grants through the official SASSA website. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to apply online for the R370 SRD Grant, or any other grant available through SASSA:

1. Visit the SASSA Website
   Go to the official SASSA website: https://www.gov.za/services/social-benefits

2. Select Your Grant
   Once you’re on the website, look for the grant that you want to apply for, such as:
   
   • SRD R370 Grant
     
   • Care Dependency Grant
     
   • Child Support Grant
     
   • Foster Child Grant
     
   • Disability Grant
     
   • Grant-In-Aid
     
   • Older Person’s Grant
     
   • War Veterans Grant
     
   • Social Relief of Distress
     
3. Click on the link that corresponds to the grant you are applying for.
   
4. Create or Log In to Your Account
   
   • If you already have an account, log in with your ID number and password.
     
   • If you don’t have an account, you will need to create one by entering your ID number and personal details.
     
5. Complete the Application Form
   
   • Fill out the online application form with all necessary details, including your personal information, contact details, and any other required information (such as income, assets, medical condition, etc.).
     
   • Ensure that all information is accurate and up-to-date to avoid delays.
     
6. Submit Your Application
   
   • After filling in all the required details, click on the Submit button.
     
   • If everything is in order, your application will be processed.
     
7. Upload Required Documents
   Depending on the type of grant you are applying for, you may need to upload specific documents such as:
   
   • 13-digit ID number
     
   • Proof of income or assets
     
   • Medical certificates (for Disability or Care Dependency Grant)
     
   • Children’s birth certificates (for Child Support or Foster Child Grant)
     
8. Make sure to upload clear copies of the required documents.
   
9. Receive Your PIN
   Once you’ve submitted your application, you will receive a PIN via SMS on your registered mobile phone.
   Enter the PIN to complete the application process.
   
10. Wait for Processing
    After submission, SASSA will review your application. This process can take up to three months depending on the number of applications and the complexity of your case.
    
11. Receive Notification
    You will receive a notification via SMS or email regarding the outcome of your application. If your application is approved, your grant payments will begin.
    

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Important Notes:

• Always keep your PIN and application receipt for reference.
  
• If you don’t receive a decision within the expected time frame, you can follow up using the contact details provided on the SASSA website.
  
• If you need assistance during the process, you can reach out to SASSA through the contact information provided on their portal.

Most Common Reasons for SASSA Grant Rejection

The most common reason for SASSA grant rejection is applying for the wrong type of grant. Many applicants don’t fully understand the eligibility criteria for each grant and end up applying for a grant they don’t qualify for. 

For example, many people who should apply for the Care Dependency Grant mistakenly apply for the Disability Grant. This leads to rejection because the Care Dependency Grant is for children who need full-time care due to severe disability, while the Disability Grant is for adults unable to work due to disability.

Also, there are following more reasons for SASSA grant rejection

1. Missing Information: If your application is incomplete or missing important documents, it may be rejected.
   
2. Excessive Income: If your regular income exceeds the eligibility limits, you may not qualify for a grant.
   
3. Already Receiving a Grant: If you are already receiving another social grant, you might not be eligible for a new one.
   
4. Identity Verification Issues: Any errors in your personal details, such as misspelled names or missing information, could cause rejection.
   
5. Receiving Other Government Benefits: If you’re already benefiting from other government programs, you may not qualify for some grants.
   
6. Age Restrictions: Some grants have age limits, and if you fall outside the required age range, you may not qualify.
   
7. Fraud Concerns: If there are concerns about fraudulent activity or false information in your application, it will be declined.
   
8. Employment and Tax Contributions: If applicants already benefit from programs like NSFAS or UIF, they may not qualify for the R370 grant and funeral benefits.
   
9. Mismatch with Department of Home Affairs Records: If your details don’t match the records of the Department of Home Affairs, your application could be rejected.
   
10. Receiving Multiple Grants: If you are already receiving a different social grant, you may not qualify for another one.
    

If your application is rejected, you can appeal the decision. To learn more about the reasons behind rejection and how to reapply, check the SASSA appeal process.

Conclusion

As we’ve learned throughout this article, SASSA offers a variety of grants to support those in need, each with its own eligibility criteria and application process. Understanding the different types of grants and knowing which one is right for you is key to ensuring a successful application. Remember, by meeting the requirements and following the application steps carefully, you can begin receiving the support you need.

We’re here to guide you through the process, so don’t hesitate to reach out in comments if you have any questions. 

To apply for a SASSA grant today, visit the official website and start your application!

Frequently-Asked-Questions(FAQs)