The South African Social Security Agency (Sassa) provides essential social grants to millions across the country. These grants offer financial relief to individuals and families in need.
Sassa administers several permanent grants, including the Older Persons pension grant, Disability grant, War Veterans grant, Care Dependency grant, Foster Child grant, Child Support grant, Child Support grant Top-Up and Grant-in-aid.
Applications for January 2025 grants are now open, giving eligible individuals the chance to apply for much-needed assistance.
How to Apply for a Sassa Grant
Visit a Sassa Office
Applicants can visit their nearest Sassa branch to complete the application process. For those unable to visit due to age or illness, a representative may apply on their behalf with proper authorization.
Online Applications
Sassa also facilitates online applications for the Child Support, Older Persons, and Disability Grants. The process is straightforward:
- Access the Sassa Services Portal and register as a new user.
- Log in with your credentials.
- Select "Apply For A Grant" and choose the relevant grant type.
- Complete the application form and submit required documents in PDF format.
- Certify the generated affidavit and Bank Payment form, then upload these along with other supporting documents.
- Submit your application and note the reference number provided for tracking.
More details on required documents can be found on the Sassa website.
Eligibility Criteria for Sassa Grants
Each grant has specific income and asset thresholds, updated as of 1 October 2023:
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Older Persons, Disability, and War Veterans Grants:
Asset limit: R1,247,400 (single) / R2,494,800 (married)
Income limit: R87,720/year (single) / R175,440/year (married) -
Child Support Grant:
Income limit: R55,200/year (single) / R110,400/year (married) -
Foster Child Grant and Care Dependency Grant:
The Foster Child Grant is not means-tested. The Care Dependency Grant has an asset threshold of R226,800 (single) or R453,600 (married).
Applying for the SRD Grant
The Social Relief of Distress (SRD) Grant is designed for individuals aged 18-59 who are unemployed and earn less than R624 in their bank account. Beneficiaries may also receive other financial assistance like NSFAS bursaries, UIF benefits, or other Sassa grants.
Steps to Apply for the SRD Grant
- Select your citizenship status on the application webpage.
- Click the yellow "Click here to apply online" button.
- Enter your mobile number, verify with the OTP, and follow the prompts to complete the application.
After submitting, applicants should monitor their application status regularly.
Sassa continues to play a critical role in alleviating poverty and supporting vulnerable groups. Apply today to secure the financial assistance you qualify for.
