8 Types of SASSA Social Grants in 2024

I’m here to talk about SASSA, the South African Social Security Agency. It’s a government agency that provides monthly social grants to nearly 18 million South Africans like me who are going through tough financial times. These grants come in various types, each with its own eligibility criteria and means test.

In this article, I’ll guide you through the different types of government grants available in South Africa, helping you figure out which one is the best fit for your situation. I’ll explain the various grant categories offered by SASSA, explaining their eligibility requirements and how much you can expect to receive each month.

Types of SASSA Social Grants in South Africa

Social grants, provided by South Africa’s Social Security Agency (SASSA), offer financial assistance to permanent residents, including citizens, asylum seekers, and special permit holders, who meet specific eligibility criteria. To determine eligibility, SASSA employs various criteria, including a means test, ensuring assistance goes to those who genuinely need it.

The means test evaluates an individual’s income sources and assets to gauge their financial need. SASSA meticulously assesses applicants to ascertain they lack alternative financial resources. This prevents misuse and ensures resources reach those most in need.

By adhering to predetermined limits, SASSA ensures fair distribution of grants. If an applicant’s income or assets exceed these limits, they may not qualify for assistance. This rigorous evaluation process ensures grants are utilized appropriately, aiding the well-being and upliftment of vulnerable individuals in South Africa.

01- SASSA SRD Grant

The Social Relief of Distress (SRD), also known as Temporary Assistance, was initially introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic to offer temporary financial aid to individuals facing difficulty meeting their families’ basic needs. Recently, the government extended the program’s validity until April 2025.

It’s crucial for applicants to promptly claim their approved social grants to avoid potential challenges. However, the government prioritizes providing assistance to eligible individuals as swiftly as possible. In instances where the breadwinner of a family has a disability lasting less than six months, the family must submit an application within 12 months following the breadwinner’s death. This ensures that the deceased’s dependents receive necessary support during this difficult period.

Additionally, if the breadwinner has been institutionalized for at least one month without receiving maintenance from a legally obligated source, they may qualify for the SRD grant.

The SRD grant aims to relieve the financial burden on individuals facing hardship, enabling them to meet essential needs and maintain a minimum standard of living. To be eligible for the SRD grant, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Waiting for the payment of an approved social grant.
• The breadwinner of the family being disabled for less than six months.
• Submitting an application within 12 months following the breadwinner’s death.
• The breadwinner being institutionalized for at least one month without receiving maintenance from a legally obligated source.
• Experiencing a disaster as defined in the Disaster Management Act or the Fundraising Act of 1978.
• Undergoing significant hardship and unable to fulfill the family’s basic needs.

The monthly payment for the SRD grant is R350. To apply, individuals need to visit their nearest SASSA office. For a detailed application process, please refer to the SRD R350 Grant.

02- SASSA Old Age Grant 2024

To qualify for the SASSA old-age grant, you must be 60 years or older and have no income, relying solely on this grant for financial support due to old age. Additionally, your spouse must undergo a means test to assess their financial capability. This test considers their assets, income, and liabilities to ensure eligibility.

Another crucial criterion is that you must not reside in a state-funded institution or receive any other form of social assistance. This stipulation aims to ensure that recipients are genuinely in need and not dependent on state resources.

When applying for the SASSA old-age grant, both you and your spouse need your 13-digit barcode identification documents. These documents serve as proof of age and identity, essential for processing your application. If you lack an ID card or birth certificate, SASSA offers alternative identity verification methods, detailed on their website and at local offices.

The SASSA old-age grant provides R2,090 per person per month to assist older individuals in meeting their basic needs. This amount may vary based on factors like inflation, as determined by SASSA.

03- SASSA Disability Grant 2024

The disability grant, administered by the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA), offers financial aid to individuals who are physically or mentally disabled and unable to work for more than six months. Whether the disability is temporary or permanent, applicants are eligible if they meet specific criteria.

To qualify, applicants must be aged between 18 and 59 and provide a medical or functional assessment report confirming their disability. This document, obtained from a healthcare professional or disability assessment center, should verify the genuineness of the disability and its impact on the applicant’s ability to work.

Additionally, applicants and their spouses must pass the Means Test, evaluating income and assets to determine eligibility for any social grant. They should not reside in a state-funded institution and must not receive any other social grant besides the disability grant.

Required documents for the application include barcoded ID documents for both the applicant and spouse. If unavailable, alternative identity verification methods prescribed by SASSA can be used. Additionally, a barcoded birth certificate is necessary for the spouse if ID documents are not accessible.

The monthly payment for the disability grant is R2,090. To apply, individuals can visit their nearest SASSA office, where they’ll need to submit documents, complete forms, and attend an interview to verify their disability.

04- SASSA War Veterans Grant 2024

The War Veterans Grant is specifically for veterans of World War II and the Korean War who meet specific criteria. To qualify, veterans must have served in these wars and be either 60 years old or disabled. Both the veteran and their spouse must pass the Means Test, ensuring their income is below a certain threshold.

Additionally, applicants cannot reside in state-funded institutions and must genuinely require financial assistance. They must not receive any other social grants to be eligible, preventing duplication of benefits and ensuring resources are allocated appropriately.

To apply, veterans need their 13-digit barcoded ID document. If unavailable, SASSA offers alternative methods for identity verification. Other documents, like affidavits, may be required.

The War Veterans Grant provides R2110 per month to support veterans and their spouses financially, covering expenses such as transportation and medical costs associated with disability or old age.

05- SASSA Child Support Grant 2024

To qualify for a child support grant in South Africa, you must be the biological parent or primary caregiver of the child and unable to meet their basic needs. Both you and the child must reside in South Africa, and you’ll need to provide the child’s birth certificate for the application.

If your child doesn’t have a birth certificate or ID, SASSA accepts alternative identification documents specified in their guidelines. Remember, the primary caregiver must be the applicant.

To be eligible, you and your spouse must pass the Means Test, ensuring your combined income, assets, and savings are within specified limits set by SASSA.

The grant cannot be received for more than six children, and the child/children must be under your care, not in state institutions. School enrollment proof is required for school-going children to ensure they receive necessary support and educational opportunities.

Applying for the child support grant is vital for your child’s well-being, providing essential support throughout their developmental years and helping families facing financial difficulties.

06-  SASSA Foster Child Grant 2024

The SASSA Foster Child Grant is designed to assist foster parents who face financial challenges in caring for foster children. To qualify for this grant, foster parents must meet the following criteria:

• Provide a 13-digit barcoded identity document or smart ID card for both the applicant and spouse.
• Submit the foster child’s birth certificate. If unavailable, SASSA offers an alternative identification process.
• The grant amount is R1130 per month, aimed at supporting foster parents in meeting the financial needs of the foster child’s care and maintenance.

This financial aid is crucial for ensuring the well-being and development of foster children. It is subject to specific terms and conditions, including the submission of necessary documentation, compliance with eligibility requirements, and regular reporting on grant fund utilization.

By offering financial support to foster parents, the SASSA Foster Child Grant ensures that foster children receive the essential resources and care they need to thrive.

07- SASSA Care Dependency Grant 2024

To qualify for the Care Dependency Grant, you must be a caregiver to a child below 18 years old who is severely disabled (mentally, physically, or both) and facing financial hardship. Here’s what you need to know and provide:

• The child must be permanently disabled and in need of special care at home.
• Submit the child’s clinical information or a referral form to assess the disability.
• The child must undergo a medical or functional assessment to confirm the disability.
• The applicant and spouse (excluding foster parents) must fulfill Means Test requirements to show limited financial resources and the need for financial support.
• The child should not be permanently cared for in a State-funded institution, indicating full-time care at home.
• Provide the child’s birth certificate as proof of identity and age.
• Both the applicant and spouse must provide a 13-digit barcoded identity document or smart ID card.

Alternative Identification (In the absence of ID or birth certificate):

In exceptional circumstances, alternative identification prescribed by SASSA will be accepted, including documents issued by Home Affairs, passport, alien’s permit, refugee permit, or temporary identity certificate.

By meeting these criteria and providing the necessary documents, you can apply for the Care Dependency Grant to support your child’s special needs and alleviate financial strain.

08- SASSA Grant-in-Aid

The Grant-In-Aid program provides additional support for individuals requiring full-time home care. To qualify for this program, individuals must meet specific criteria:

• Applicants must be recipients of the Older Persons Grant, Disability Grant, or War Veterans Grant.
• The applicant must require regular care due to a physical or mental disability.
• Applicants must not reside in a facility subsidized by the state for housing or care.

To apply for the Grant-In-Aid, applicants must:

• Confirm DisabilityUndergo a medical or functional assessment to confirm the disability, or provide supporting documents such as clinical information or referral forms from a qualified healthcare provider.
• Additional Assistance: The Grant-In-Aid provides supplementary funds on top of the main grant. It covers the costs associated with hiring someone to provide care in the home.

Meeting these criteria ensures fair and efficient distribution of the Grant-In-Aid program. It offers essential support to individuals unable to care for themselves at home, allowing them to continue receiving care while easing the burden on family members.