The South African Social Security Agency (Sassa) provides around 19 million social grants monthly to support vulnerable individuals across South Africa. This is in addition to the 8 million beneficiaries of the Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant.
Sassa distributes several different permanent grants to people living in South Africa. These include 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.
If you require financial assistance from the government you can apply for Sassa Grant.
Applying for a Permanent Social Grant
In-Person Application
Visit your nearest Sassa office to apply for a grant. If you are unable to visit due to illness or age, you can designate someone to apply on your behalf.
Online Sassa Applications (Child Support, Older Persons, and Disability Grants)
Step 1: Register on the Sassa Services Portal
- Visit the Sassa Services Portal.
- Register for a new user account.
- Log in with your new credentials.
Step 2: Apply for the Grant
- Click "Apply For A Grant."
- Select the specific grant you're applying for.
- Complete the application form.
Step 3: Get Documents Certified
- Print the Sassa-generated affidavit.
- Have a Commissioner of Oaths certify the affidavit.
Step 4: Submit Application Package
- Print, sign, and submit the Bank Payment form.
- Include the certified affidavit with the Bank Payment form.
Step 5: Upload Supporting Documents
- Upload all required supporting documents in PDF format.
Step 6: Submit Your Application
- Submit your complete application.
You will receive confirmation via email or SMS with a reference number for tracking purposes.
Eligibility Requirements
Asset Thresholds (as of 1 October 2023)
- Single person: R1,247,400 (Older Persons, Disability, War Veterans Grants)
- Married couple: R2,494,800 (Older Persons, Disability, War Veterans Grants)
- Single parent/primary caregiver: R226,800 (Care Dependency Grant)
- Married parent/primary caregiver: R453,600 (Care Dependency Grant)
Income Thresholds
- Single person: R87,720 (Older Persons, Disability, War Veterans Grants)
- Married couple: R175,440 (Older Persons, Disability, War Veterans Grants)
- Single person: R55,200 (Child Support Grant)
- Married couple: R110,400 (Child Support Grant)
Means tests do not apply to the Foster Child Grant and the Care Dependency Grant. For the Care Dependency Grant, the asset threshold for a single parent or primary caregiver is R226,800, and for a married parent or primary caregiver, it is R453,600.
