SASSA Social Grants – How to Apply – Eligibility Criteria

The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) is receiving R34 billion from the government in the fiscal year 2025. Over 19 million South African individuals are receiving grants to meet their financial needs.

The Agency is providing grants of several types to citizens belonging to poor families to live their lives with happiness. In this guide, we will discuss eight types of SASSA social grants, their eligibility criteria, and the application process for these grants.

What is the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA)?

The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) was founded in 2005 to provide financial assistance to the elderly, disabled, and vulnerable groups under the Social Assistance Act.

The agency promotes an efficient system to apply for the grant and to receive payments by reducing complications. Now, SASSA has become a vital part of its efforts to uplift communities.

SASSA Social Grants in 2025

Here are the following SASSA social grants that are impacting a million people positively:

SRD R370 Grant

The SRD R370 Grant, known as the Social Relief of Distress Grant, was started in 2020 during the COVID-19 crisis. It was created under section 32 (Act # 13 of 2004) and served the individuals who are facing financial hardships.

Over 19 million eligible individuals are receiving R370 each month, and this grant was extended in March 2025 from R350. Through this grant, vulnerable communities are fulfilling their financial needs and meeting economic challenges.

Older Person’s Grant

The Older Person’s Grant was introduced in 1920 and is the most popular social aid program from the day it was launch. Individuals who are of age 60 or above receive financial assistance to meet their life needs,

This grant is specified for individuals aged 60-75 receiving R2,180 per month, and above aged 75 receiving R2,200 per month. This grant aims to support elderly South Africans by encouraging security and pleasure in their remaining lives.

Disability Grant

Disability Grant serves South African individuals aged 18 to 59 who are disabled and can’t earn to meet their family needs or own expenses. Individuals with mental or physical disabilities receive R2,180 per month to meet their basic needs.

Over 3.3 million citizens are facing disabilities in South Africa, according to SASSA’s 2022 statistics. This grant aims to encourage social inclusion and reduce poverty for people who have no source of income due to their disabilities.

Child Support Grant (CSG)

The Child Support Grant (CSG) was introduced in 1998 and provides financial assistance to children belonging to low-income households. The beneficiaries receive R530 each month for their children’s expenses and additionally receive a R250 top-up for other special needs fulfilment.

Families with no income or low resources can meet their children’s basic needs, like education, illness, food, or clothing. The basic purpose of this grant is to support children in trying for their better future and reducing their mental and economic deficiencies over other children.

Care Dependency Grant

The Care Dependency Grant is designed for foster parents, guardians, and assistive parents of their disabled children.  An amount of R2,180 per month is received by the beneficiaries for eligible children under the age of 18.

This grant aims to support disabled children to meet their basic needs, such as food, medications, clothing, and other disability-related equipment as well. Foster parents who are unable to meet the challenges of their disabled children due to low-income sources can promote the child well well-being.

Grant-in-aid

Grant-in-aid is an additional financial assistance for those beneficiaries who are already receiving payments from the Older Persons’ Grant, Disability Grant, and War Veterans Grant. An amount of R500 allows them to maintain their expenses more efficiently.

This grant applies to those individuals who are receiving grants but are unable to meet their basic needs with poverty, disability, or veteran status.

Foster Child Grant (FCG)

The Foster Child Grant (FCG) provides financial support to foster parents for their child under the age of 18. Legal guardians receive R1,180 per month to meet their children’s education, clothing, and other basic needs.

The main purpose of this grant is to promote the child’s well-being and provide assistance to meet their life survival needs through their foster parents.

War Veterans Grant

The War Veterans Grant is introduced for South African individuals who are facing financial crises due to the Second World War (1939–1945) or the Korean War (1950–1953). 

Individuals with a minimum age of 60 years receive R2,200 per month to fulfill their needs related to clothing, food, health, and others. War veterans can apply for this grant to manage their financial difficulties and live with dignity.

How to Apply for SASSA Social Grants?

South African citizens, asylum seekers, special permit holders, and refugees need to meet the eligibility criteria and gather the required documents to apply for the grants. Applying for all grants other than the SASSA SRD Grant requires visiting the SASSA office physically. However, SRD grant applicants can apply through online web portals or other platforms, including in-person applications.

Application Process for Other Grants other than SRD

1. Gather all relevant documents and Identity details.
2. Go to the nearest SASSA office. 
3. Get the form related to the grant that you want to apply for.
4. Fill out the form and attach required documents, such as, Bank statement, Disability proof (e.g., an attested doctor’s report for Disability Grant), or Means test pass report (for means-tested grants).
5. Submit the form and get the receipt.

Application Process for SASSA SRD R370 Grant

1. Visit the official website of SASSA.
2. Enter your phone number and proceed by entering the OTP from your mobile.
3. Provide your South African ID number and access the SRD application form.
4. Fill out the form correctly, and attach the required document files.
5. Submit the form and get the verification message on your mobile or email address.

Conclusion

SASSA social grants were formed for poor individuals across South Africa to meet their financial needs. People who have no source of income or are unable to earn money to challenge their financial difficulties apply for the grant and improve their well-being. SRD R370 Grant, Disability Grant, Grant-in-aid, Foster Child Grant, Older Person’s Grant, and other grants are included in social grants.

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