Permanent social grants are distributed by the South African Social Security Agency (Sassa). These permanent grants include the Older Person grant, Disability grant, War Veterans grant, Care Dependency grant, Foster Child grant, Child Support grant, Child Support grant Top Up and Grant-in-aid.
Individuals who need support are encouraged to submit a grant application to Sassa.
How To Apply For A Sassa Grant
Individuals can apply for a social grant at the Sassa office nearest to where they live. Alternatively, several grant applications may be submitted online. Applications for older person grants, child support grants or foster child grants can be done online at https://services.sassa.gov.za
The documents needed for grant applications depend on the grant the applicant is applying for. Proof of identity is compulsory. Additional documents could include, proof of income, value of assets, court order(Foster Care grant), proof of school attendance (Child Support grant), clinical information (Care Dependency grant) or a death certificate.
Individuals who are too old or sick to travel to a Sassa office can nominate a friend or family member to apply for the grant on their behalf. The applicant must write a letter authorising the grant applications.
The grant application will be completed in the presence of a Sassa official unless the application was submitted online.
Once the application has been completed, the applicant will receive a receipt/reference number. Grant applicants are reminded that this reference number is the only proof that a grant application has been submitted.
It's important to note that Sassa will evaluate each application to ensure the applicant meets the eligibility criteria. If Sassa is satisfied that the eligibility requirements are met, the applicant will be notified of their successful grant application.
If the grant application is approved by Sassa, you will receive grant payments from the date you submit your completed application. The Date of Grant Application refers to when the applicant submitted all the required documents and fully meets the eligibility criteria.
If you applied for the Foster Care grant, it will be paid from the date of the court order.
Unsuccessful grant applicants must be informed in writing why their application was rejected by Sassa. Unsuccessful grant applicants have the right to appeal Sassa’s decision to reject the grant application.
The staff at the local office will advise on the process to follow.
