Social grants are a lifeline for millions of South Africans with more than 18 million people receiving permanent grant payments from the South African Social Security Agency (Sassa). If you want to benefit from these social grants, you should submit a Sassa grant application.
These grants 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.
This article will guide you through the process of applying for Sassa grants for December 2024.
1. Visit Your Local Sassa Branch
You can apply for a grant by visiting your nearest Sassa office, where staff will guide you through the application process. If you're unable to apply due to illness or age, you can authorise someone to apply on your behalf.
2. Online Application
Sassa also offers online applications for the Child Support, Older Persons, and Disability Grants.
How To Apply For Sassa Grants Online
- Visit the Sassa Services Portal.
- Register as a new user.
- Log in with your username and password.
- Click "Apply For A Grant."
- Select the grant you wish to apply for (e.g., Older Persons, Child Support, Foster Child).
- Complete the application form thoroughly.
- Print the affidavit generated by Sassa and have it certified by a Commissioner of Oaths.
- Print, sign, and submit the Bank Payment form with the certified affidavit.
- Upload all required supporting documents in PDF format.
- Submit your application. You'll receive a confirmation email or SMS with a reference number for tracking.
Refer to the Sassa website for the required documents for each grant type.
Sassa Grant Payments
Sassa grant payments are made during the first week of the month, excluding public holidays and weekends.
Sassa has also emphasised that beneficiaries are not obligated to collect their funds immediately. The money will remain in their accounts until needed.
Sassa grant beneficiaries have two options for receiving their grants.
They can choose to have their Sassa grant automatically deposited into their bank account. This is the recommended option, as the money stays safe in the account until it's needed.
Alternatively, beneficiaries can collect their grants in cash from various locations, including ATMs, Pick n Pay stores, Checkers stores, Shoprite stores, and Boxer stores using their Sassa cards.
