Types of Social Grants Provided by the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA)

Social grants are a crucial support system for millions of people in South Africa, providing essential financial assistance to those in need. The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) oversees the country’s social security framework, playing a vital role in delivering aid to vulnerable citizens.

SASSA distributes several permanent grants aimed at helping the population. Here’s an overview of the key grants available:

Grants Distributed by SASSA

Care Dependency Grant

This grant offers financial support to full-time caregivers of children with disabilities. As of October 1, 2024, the amount is R2,190 per child each month. To qualify, the child must be permanently disabled (as verified by a medical officer) and under 18 years old. If you are married, both spouses must meet the means test criteria.

Child Support Grant

Designed for primary caregivers of children under 18, the Child Support Grant provides R530 per month per child, with an additional top-up of R270 effective October 1, 2024. Applications can be made by biological parents or primary caregivers, but non-biological parents must provide proof of their caregiving status. Couples must meet means test requirements to qualify.

Disability Grant

Available to individuals with permanent or temporary disabilities (ranging from 6 to 12 months), the Disability Grant offers R2,190 monthly as of October 1, 2024. Eligibility requires applicants to be between 18 and 59 years old and to submit a medical assessment confirming the disability, dated within the last three months. If married, the spouse’s financial situation will also be considered in the means test.

Foster Care Grant

This grant supports individuals caring for foster children. As of October 1, 2024, the amount is R1,180 per child monthly, with the value reviewed every six months. To qualify, both the caregiver and the child must reside in South Africa, and the caregiver must provide a court order confirming the foster care arrangement along with the child’s birth certificate. The foster child must be under 18.

Grants for Older Persons (Old Age Pension)

The Old Age Pension provides financial assistance to individuals aged 60 and older. From October 1, 2024, the grant is R2,190 per month for those aged 60 to 74 and R2,210 for those over 75. Applicants must be at least 60 years old; those living in state institutions or receiving other grants are ineligible. If married, the spouse’s financial situation must meet the means test.

Grant in Aid

This supplementary grant supports individuals already receiving a disability, old age, or war veterans grant and who cannot care for themselves due to health conditions. As of October 1, 2024, it provides R530 monthly.

Social Relief of Distress

The Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant is a temporary measure for unemployed individuals, currently set at R370 per month. To qualify, applicants must be between 18 and 59 years old, unemployed, and not exceed a bank balance of R624. Beneficiaries may also receive other forms of financial assistance, such as NSFAS bursaries or UIF benefits.

War Veterans Grant

Intended for those who served in World War I, World War II, or the Korean War, the War Veterans Grant offers up to R2,210 monthly as of October 1, 2024, depending on the means test results. Eligibility requires applicants to be over 60 or disabled, and they cannot receive other social grants or reside in state institutions.