The South Africa Social Security Agency (Sassa) manages social grants and allowances for South African citizens needing financial support and assistance.
This includes grants for children, the older persons grants and disability grants. SASSA also manages the R350 grant for the Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant, that was introduced during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Every month, Sassa grant beneficiaries receive grant payments from Sassa. With increases for Sassa social grants being announced and one increase being made in April, beneficiaries should keep up to date with how much Sassa money they'll be receiving.
Here's how much Sassa grants will be for July 2023:
- Older Persons grant - R2 080
- Older Persons (75 years and older) - R2 100
- Disability grant - R2 080
- War Veterans grant - R2 100
- Child Support grant - R500
- Child Support grant (Top-up) - R500 + R250
- Care Dependency grant - R2 080
- Foster Care grant - R1 120
- Grant-In-Aid - R500
In October, Sassa grants will increase once again. Read our article on Sassa grant increases for 2023/24 to find out more.
Sassa has made it clear that beneficiaries should not rush to withdraw their Sassa payment on the first day it becomes available and to remember that once the money has been sent to their accounts, it will remain there until they need it.
What About R350 Grants?
Government has unfortunately not increased the R350 grant since it's inception due to "fiscal constraint", as explained by the Department of Social Development.
It was revealed that the DSD had submitted a proposal to the National Treasury to increase the value of the SRD grant. However, the proposal was not favourably considered due to fiscal constraints.
What is a SASSA Status Check?
Do you need to do a SASSA status check? When you apply for a SASSA grant you will want to do a status check to check the progress of your application. Your SRD status is an important thing to check. You must make sure that what you check SASSA status to ensure you receive your payment on the correct date. You can also do a general Sassa status check.
SASSA status check allows R350 grant applicants to check the status of their applications, as well as appeal any rejected applications. There are some dangers when you are doing a Sassa status check so please beware of fake websites.
How to check your Sassa status online
Checking your Sassa status online is a convenient and efficient way to stay updated on your benefits.
Follow these simple steps to check your SASSA status online:
- Start by visiting the official Sassa website
- Look for the 'Application Status' prompt
- Click on the link and provide the necessary information, such as your ID number.
- Once you have entered the required details, click on the "Check Status" button.
- Wait for the system to process your request and display your Sassa status.
Checking your Sassa status online is a quick and convenient method that allows you to access your information at any time, from anywhere. It eliminates the need for lengthy phone calls or in-person visits, saving you time and effort.
How to check your Sassa status via WhatsApp
If you prefer to check your Sassa status using your mobile phone, you can do so with a simple WhatsApp message.
Follow these step-by-step instructions to check your Sassa status via WhatsApp:
- Add the Sassa WhatsApp number to your contacts: 082 046 8553.
- Open WhatsApp and send a message to the Sassa number that says "Status" followed by your ID number.
- Double-check the accuracy of your ID number to avoid any errors.
- Sassa will then provide the necessary information regarding your application status.
After sending the SMS, you will receive a response with your SASSA status. The message should include information about your application, payment dates, and eligibility. Make sure to save the message for future reference or take a screenshot for easy access.
Checking your Sassa status via WhatsApp is a convenient option, especially for those who prefer using their mobile phones.
What To Do If Your SASSA Status Check Is Successful
If you check your SRD Grant status and it indicates that your application for the distress grant has been approved, you will soon receive your money.
Once you receive confirmation from SASSA that your grant money is available for collection, you have several options to access it. This confirmation will be sent to SRD grant beneficiaries via an SMS to the cell phone number used by the grant beneficiary when they applied for the grant.
Sassa Grant Payment Dates For July
It's also important for beneficiaries to know when their Sassa grants will be paid for month. Here's the Sassa grant payment schedule for July:
- Older Persons Grant - Tuesday, 4 July
- Disability Grant - Wednesday, 5 July
- Children's Grant - Thursday, 6 July
The Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant has no fixed payment date, with Sassa saying that if you get approved, you will receive your grant.
Where To Collect July Sassa Grant Payments
Bank Account
Permanent grant beneficiaries have the option of having their grants paid directly into their bank account. This is a convenient grant payment method as beneficiaries can access their money at any time after the payment was made by Sassa.
Retail outlets
Sassa grants are paid to selected retailers around the country.
The vast geographical footprint of retail outlets makes it easy for grant recipients to find one close to where they live. Beneficiaries can withdraw their money at any time when the retail outlet is operational.
Pick n Pay, Shoprite, Boxer stores, Usave stores and Checkers are all retailers that distribute social grants and make payment collection easier for beneficiaries.
Mobile Cash Pay Points
There are also mobile cash pay points where grant beneficiaries can collect their money. However, this is not a flexible payment option and beneficiaries may only collect their grant payment for a few hours during a grant payment cycle.
In May 2023, Sassa announced that it would extend the validity of gold cards until the end of the year. This is because millions of Sassa gold cards were set to expire in the coming months.
Additionally, Sassa introduced a payment method which allows beneficiaries to collect their money with a Sassa card.
To become a beneficiary of any of the above-mentioned social grants, a Sassa application will need to be filled out. Additionally, you will need to provide personal details as part of the application process.
These details include your unique South African ID number, contact details such as a working cellphone number, your bank details, income status, etc. This applies to any South African citizen applying for the Sassa SRD R350 grant, or any of the other seven social grants.
It's important to provide actual and factually correct information, as Sassa will double check and verify any details applicants submit, using the Department of Social Development's database.
What To Do If Your SASSA Status Check Is Unsuccessful
If your R350 SRD grant application or SASSA status check was unsuccessful there is an opportunity for you to submit an appeal application, where Sassa will re-evaluate your grant application.
Here Is How To Submit Your R350 Grant Appeal
Step 1: Visit The ITSAA Website
Step 2: Enter Your Identification Number
Step 3: Enter The Cell Phone Number You Used During The Application Process
Step 4: Click Send “Pin”
Step 5: Once you receive the pin, you will be required to insert it and click “Submit”
Step 6: Select the month that you are appealing for
Step 7: Secret the drop-down arrow to choose the reason for your appeal application from the options provided
Step 8: Click “Submit” to complete the appeal application process
Once individuals have submitted their appeal application, the ITSAA then uses various databases to verify information provided to verify their eligibility for the grant. The databases are used to confirm personal information and income information as well.
Applicants are advised that they will receive the outcome of their appeal applications between 60 to 90 days from when it was submitted. The decision made by the ITSAA are considered final.
How SASSA SRD Grant Appeals Work
It is important to note that these appeal applications are no longer submitted directly to Sassa. Initially, Sassa handled the appeal applications when the grant was first introduced, but they no longer process appeals.
Instead, unsuccessful R350 grant applicants must submit a R350 grant appeal application to the Independent Tribunal For Social Assistance Appeals (ITSAA).
Once individuals have submitted their appeal application, the ITSAA then uses various databases to verify information provided to verify their eligibility for the grant. The databases are used to confirm personal information and income information as well.
Furthermore, applicants are advised that they will receive the outcome of their appeal applications between 60 to 90 days from when it was submitted. The decision made by the ITSAA are considered final.
How To Contact Sassa
You can visit the Sassa website for information or contact Sassa directly. The Sassa toll-free number (080060 10 11) and dedicated email address for grant enquiries ([email protected]) are available for assistance and support.
The SASSA Toll-Free Number
The SASSA toll-free number is a dedicated helpline specifically designed to address queries and provide guidance to applicants and approved grant beneficiaries. Toll-free means that it does not cost beneficiaries any money or airtime to call SASSA for their grant queries.
The SASSA Head Office
Serious concerns may be escalated to the SASSA head office, which is the central administrative body responsible for overseeing the grant distribution process.
