As a government entity, SASSA’s role is to provide financial assistance to those facing economic hardships, thereby making a significant difference in the lives of millions.
For anyone in need of government aid, it’s essential to be aware of the range of grants that SASSA administers. Each grant is tailored with specific eligibility criteria and financial benefits, targeting different needs within the community.
SASSA’s portfolio includes 8 types of grants like the Old Age Grant, Disability Grant, and several others, each thoughtfully designed to cater to particular segments of the population.
These grants are more than just financial support; they are a symbol of hope and a catalyst for positive change. They offer opportunities for those in the most challenging circumstances, providing not just monetary aid but also a chance to improve their quality of life.
Understanding the details of each type of grant, from the criteria to the grant amounts, is crucial, and this information is readily accessible online for those who seek it.

- What is a Social Grant?
- Types of SASSA Social Grants
- Can I Apply for All Grants?
- Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the Purpose of the SRD R350 Grant?
- Who is Eligible for the Care Dependency Grant?
- What are the Key Requirements for the Child Support Grant?
- What is the Disability Grant and Who Qualifies for It?
- How Does the Foster Child Grant Support Caregivers?
- What is the Older Persons Grant and Its Age Requirement?
- Who Can Receive the War Veterans Grant?
- What is the Purpose of the Grant-In-Aid?
- Can Individuals Apply for Multiple SASSA Grants?
- What are the Common Reasons for SASSA Grant Application Rejections?
What is a Social Grant?
Social grants in South Africa, administered by the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA), are integral to the government’s social welfare strategy, aimed at assisting vulnerable groups such as the elderly, families with children, and individuals with disabilities.
These grants represent more than financial aid; they are a testament to the nation’s commitment to elevating those in need. Eligibility is confined to South African citizens, permanent residents, or recognized refugees, ensuring that the support is allocated to legal residents of the country.
SASSA conducts a means test to assess applicants’ financial status, focusing the aid on those genuinely in need. The grants target individuals grappling with significant financial hardships, and the requirement for residency in South Africa ensures that beneficiaries are committed residents, reflecting the government’s dedication to aiding its most challenged citizens.
Types of SASSA Social Grants
To determine if you’re eligible, we encourage you to carefully review the specific criteria for each grant type before applying.

1. SRD R350 Grant
The SRD (Social Relief of Distress) R350 Grant, introduced in response to the Covid-19 pandemic, plays a critical role in supporting South Africans during times of financial hardship.
This grant is a key component of the government’s efforts to provide temporary relief to those most affected by economic challenges, including job losses. This grant is valid till April 2025.
Here’s what you should know about the SRD R350 Grant:
- Waiting for Approved Grant: If you applied for a social grant and you’re just waiting for the payment to start, you can apply for the SRD grant.
- Disability Situation: If the main person who earns money in your family can’t work because they’re disabled, but it’s been less than 6 months, you can apply.
- Breadwinner Passed Away: If the family’s main earning person has died, you can apply for the grant. Just make sure to do it within a year (12 months) after they pass away.
- Breadwinner in an Institution: If the main earning person of the family is in a hospital or similar place for at least a month, you can apply.
- No Maintenance Received: If the person in your family who usually earns money isn’t getting support or maintenance payments from someone who’s supposed to give it, you can apply.
- During a Disaster: If there’s a big problem like a natural disaster (like the ones mentioned in the Disaster Management Act or the Fund Raising Act), you can apply.
- Going Through a Really Hard Time: If you or someone is really struggling and can’t take care of basic family needs like food and clothes, you can apply.
Remember, this grant is a temporary solution, meant to tide you over during challenging periods. If you’re interested in learning more about this grant, including more details on how to apply and what to expect, check out our detailed article on the SRD R350 Grant. It’s packed with all the information you’ll need.

2. Care Dependency Grant:
The Care Dependency Grant is for caregivers in South Africa, offering financial aid to those dedicating their lives to caring for severely disabled children. It’s not just a grant; it’s a recognition of the extraordinary efforts of caregivers who tirelessly work to provide for children with either mental or physical disabilities.
Here are the key points you need to know about the Care Dependency Grant:
- Age Limit for Eligibility: The child you’re caring for must be below 18 years old to qualify for the grant.
- Who’s Eligible: Whether you’re a foster parent or a primary caregiver, this grant is for you.
- Mandatory Medical Assessment: To confirm the child’s disability and needs, a medical or functional assessment is a must.
- Means Test: There’s a financial eligibility criterion you’ll need to meet, but foster parents, you’re exempt from this.
- Exclusions: If the child is in permanent state-funded care, the grant doesn’t apply.
- Important Documentation: You and your spouse should bring your IDs. These should be the ones with the barcode or the smart ones. But if you don’t have an ID or a birth certificate right now, don’t worry! SASSA will let you know what you can use instead.
- School Attendance: If the child is old enough to go to school, you’ll need to bring some proof of school attendance. This is required until child turn 18. If you can’t get this proof, it won’t stop you from getting the child support grant. SASSA won’t refuse the grant just because of that.
- Monthly Support: Once approved, you’ll receive R2,090 each month to aid in your caregiving.
The Care Dependency Grant isn’t just about financial aid; it’s a testament to the resilience and dedication of caregivers across South Africa.
If you’re one of these unsung heroes and want to know more about how to apply for this grant and the impact it can have on your life, take a look at our in-depth article on the Care Dependency Grant. It’s filled with all the information you’ll need to get started.

3. Child Support Grant:
The Child Support Grant in South Africa is a vital lifeline for caregivers looking to meet the basic needs of children under their care. It’s not just financial aid; it’s a commitment by the government to ensure that every child gets the necessary support to thrive.
Here’s what you need to know about the Child Support Grant:
- A Helping Hand for Basic Needs: This grant is designed for biological parents or primary caregivers who struggle to provide for children under 18.
- Residency Matters: Both you and the child must live in South Africa to be eligible.
- Documentation is Key: Bring your and your spouse’s 13-digit barcoded ID or smart ID card, and the child’s birth certificate.
- Primary Caregiver Focus: You must be the main person responsible for the child.
- Income Check: Your financial situation will be assessed through a Means Test, considering both your and your spouse’s income.
- Limit on Beneficiaries: You can claim the grant for a maximum of six children.
- No State Care: If the child is in a state institution, this grant isn’t an option.
- School Attendance: If the child is of school-going age, proof of attendance is required, but it’s not a deal-breaker if you don’t have it.
- Support Beyond Biology: Non-biological caregivers can apply too, as long as they can show they are the child’s primary caregivers.
- Monthly Financial Support: The grant offers R510 monthly per child, with an added R250 top-up, making it R760 each month.
If you’re a caregiver in South Africa looking out for a child’s welfare and thinking about applying for the Child Support Grant, or if you just want more in-depth information, take a look at our detailed article on the Child Support Grant.
It’s packed with everything you need to know about the grant, from application processes to eligibility criteria. Your commitment to the child’s well-being is admirable, and this grant could be the support you need.

4. Disability Grant:
The Disability Grant by SASSA is a crucial support system for South Africans with disabilities impacting their work ability. If you have a mental or physical disability, and it’s tough for you to work for more than six months, then you are eligible for disability grant.
- Age Matters: You’re eligible if you’re between 18 and 59 years old.
- Medical Verification is Crucial: A medical or functional assessment (no older than three months)confirming your disability is necessary for your application.
- Document Your Disability: You’ll need to provide clinical information or a referral form to validate your disability.
- Financial Check: Your and your spouse’s financial situation will be assessed under the Means Test.
- Living Independently: You shouldn’t be residing in a state-funded institution to be eligible.
- One Grant at a Time: Receiving other social grants disqualifies you from this one.
- ID Documents: Ensure to provide your and your spouse’s 13-digit barcoded ID documents. Alternative IDs are accepted in certain cases.
- Monthly Support: The grant provides a monthly payment of R2,090.
If you or someone you know is considering applying for the SASSA Disability Grant, or if you’re looking for more detailed information, check out our comprehensive article on the Disability Grant.
It covers everything from how to apply to what you can expect, ensuring you’re well-informed and prepared. This grant can make a significant difference in the lives of those with disabilities, offering not just financial support but a sense of security and independence.

5. The Foster Child Grant:
The Foster Child Grant is for caregivers in South Africa who have taken on the noble role of fostering a child. It’s not just financial support; it’s a commitment to ensuring that foster children are given the care they deserve.
Essential Aspects of the Foster Child Grant:
- Legal Custody Confirmation: A court order is necessary to prove your custody of the foster child.
- Identity and Residency Checks: Foster parents must submit a 13-digit barcoded ID or smart ID card, and both you and your spouse must be living in South Africa.
- Documentation for the Child: SASSA requires a birth certificate or alternative identification for the child.
- Eligibility Age for Children: It’s for children under 18 in foster care, ensuring they receive support during their most formative years.
- Grant Validity Linked to Court Order: The grant continues as long as the court order is active, with potential extensions based on court decisions.
- Support for Educational Pursuits: For children in educational institutions, the grant can extend up to their 21st birthday, subject to yearly renewals post-18 years.
- Monthly Financial Assistance: The grant offers R1,130 each month, helping to cover the child’s basic needs.
The Foster Child Grant is more than a monetary benefit; it’s a commitment to nurturing the future of children who rely on foster care.
If you’re looking for more detailed insights or are considering applying for this grant, check out our in-depth article on the Foster Child Grant. It covers all you need to know, ensuring you’re well-equipped to provide the best possible care for your foster child.Â

6. The Older Persons Grant:
The Older Persons Grant in South Africa is a beacon of respect and support for those over 60 who lack sufficient income. It’s not just about money; it’s about honoring their life’s journey and ensuring their golden years are spent with dignity.
Key Highlights of the Older Persons Grant:
- Age Eligibility: To be considered for this grant, you must be at least 60 years old.
- Spousal Means Test: Your spouse’s financial situation is assessed to determine your joint eligibility.
- Residency Requirement: You should not be living in a state-funded institution to qualify.
- Exclusion from Other Grants: To receive this grant, you must not be benefiting from any other type of social grant.
- Identification Documentation: Essential documents for the application include a 13-digit barcoded ID for both you and your spouse, with alternative options available as prescribed by SASSA.
- Eligibility in Subsidized Facilities: Even if you live in a subsidized facility, like an old age home, you may still apply for this grant.
- Monthly Financial Assistance: The grant offers R2,090 each month to help cover your basic needs.
The Older Persons Grant stands as a testament to the importance of caring for our elders. It provides not just financial aid, but also a sense of security and acknowledgment for the elderly, who have contributed so much to society.
For a deeper dive into this topic, and to understand the detailed application process, check out our comprehensive article on the Older Persons Grant.Â

7. The War Veterans Grant:
The War Veterans Grant in South Africa is a meaningful gesture of recognition and support for those who have served in World War II and the Korean War.
Essential Aspects of the War Veterans Grant:
- Dedicated to War Veterans: This grant is exclusively for individuals who served in World War II or the Korean War.
- Age and Disability Criteria: Veterans eligible for this grant must either be over 60 years of age or classified as disabled.
- Means Test for Financial Eligibility: The financial status of both the veteran and their spouse is assessed to determine eligibility, ensuring the grant supports those in need.
- Residency Requirement: To qualify, veterans should not reside in state-funded institutions, aligning with the grant’s intent to support independent living.
- Exclusivity of Grant Receipt: Veterans benefiting from this grant cannot receive other social grants simultaneously.
- Identification Documentation: Applicants must provide valid identification, such as a 13-digit bar-coded ID. Alternative identification methods are accepted if standard documents are not available.
- Grant Value: The monthly grant amount is R2,110, offering substantial financial support.
The War Veterans Grant is more than financial assistance; it’s a symbol of respect and gratitude towards those who have bravely served.
It acknowledges their sacrifices, ensuring that they are not forgotten and are provided with the support they deserve in their later years. For comprehensive information on the application process and more details on this grant, be sure to read our in-depth article on the War Veterans Grant.Â

8. Grant-In-Aid:
The Grant-In-Aid is designed to support those who already receive Old Age, Disability, or War Veterans grants who can’t look after themselves but need additional care due to health or other reasons and need extra help every day.
Key Features of the Grant-In-Aid:
- Aimed at Existing Grant Recipients: It targets individuals already receiving Old Age, Disability, or War Veterans grants who require extra assistance due to physical or mental disabilities.
- Supplementary Nature: This grant serves as an additional amount, supplementing the main social grant to offer better care and support.
- Exclusion from State Care: Individuals receiving care in state-subsidized institutions are not eligible for this grant.
- Medical Assessment Requirement: A medical or functional assessment is necessary to confirm the need for assistance.
- Required Documentation: Applicants must provide clinical information or a referral form to validate their disability.
- Monthly Financial Assistance: The grant provides an additional R510 per month, enhancing the recipient’s overall social grant.
- Support for Daily Needs: It assists with essential activities like personal hygiene, bathing, and housekeeping.
For a detailed understanding of this grant, including the application process, please refer to our comprehensive article on the Grant-In-Aid. This grant is an essential element of the social welfare system, providing crucial support to those in need.
Can I Apply for All Grants?
When it comes to applying for SASSA grants, one of the key factors leading to rejections is the misalignment of applicants’ circumstances with the specific grant they’re applying for.
Understanding which grant category fits your situation is vital. It’s like having the right key for the right lock – you need to make sure you’re aiming for the grant that matches your needs.
Let’s consider the case of disability grants. Often, applications for disability grants are rejected not because the applicant isn’t in need, but because they actually qualify for the Care Dependency grant.
This mix-up usually stems from a lack of awareness about the specific criteria of each grant. It’s like trying to fit a square peg into a round hole – if you’re not applying for the right grant, you won’t get the support you need.
You need to thoroughly review the eligibility criteria for each type of SASSA grant. Think of it as doing your homework before a big test – the better you understand what each grant is for, the more likely you are to apply for the right one.
However, if your application does get rejected, don’t lose heart. It’s important to understand why it was turned down. Was it a mismatch of criteria, or was there another reason? This understanding is crucial because it guides your next steps.
You might need to consider the SASSA appeal process, which is like getting a second chance to present your case.