The South African Social Security Agency (Sassa) pays approximately 19 million grants to vulnerable people living in South Africa monthly. This is in addition to the 8 million Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant beneficiaries.
Sassa distributes several different permanent grants. These 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.
If you meet the eligibility criteria for one of these grants, then you should submit a Sassa grant application.
How To Apply For Sassa Grants
1. Visit Your Local Sassa Branch
You can also visit your local Sassa office to apply for a grant. The staff at the Sassa office will assist you with what's needed for grant applications
You can also nominate someone to apply on your behalf if you're unable to due to illness or age.
2. Online Application
The Sassa website offers an alternative application method for the Child Support Grant, Older Persons Grant, and Disability Grant.
Step 1: Visit the Sassa Services Portal
Step 2: Register as a new user.
Step 3: Log in with your newly created username and password.
Step 4: Click on "Apply For A Grant."
Step 5: Select the specific grant you're applying for (e.g., Older Persons Grant, Child Support Grant, or Foster Child Grant).
Step 6: Complete the grant application form thoroughly.
Step 7: Print the Sassa-generated affidavit and have it certified by a Commissioner of Oaths.
Step 8: Print, sign, and submit the Bank Payment form along with the certified affidavit.
Step 9: Upload all required supporting documents in PDF format.
Step 10: Submit your application. You'll receive a confirmation email or SMS with a reference number for future inquiries.
Grant applicants must submit several documents to support their Sassa Online Grant application. Refer to the Sassa website for the specific documents required for each grant type.
Qualifying For Sassa Grants
As of 1 October 2023, specific asset thresholds determine eligibility for various grants. For the Older Person's, Disability, and War Veterans Grant, a single person's asset limit is R1,247,400, and for married individuals, it's R2,494,800. This represents the maximum asset value one can have to qualify for these grants.
Similarly, income thresholds per annum as of the same date are used to determine grant eligibility. For the Older Persons grant, a single person's income limit is R87,720, and for married individuals, it's R175,440 annually. These thresholds denote the maximum yearly income to remain eligible for these grants.
Regarding the Child Support Grant, income thresholds vary by marital status. For single individuals, the limit is R55,200, and for married couples, it's R110,400 annually. These
It's worth noting that means tests are not applicable for the Foster Child Grant and the Care-Dependency Grant. For the Care Dependency grant, the asset threshold is R226,800 for single parents or primary caregivers, and R453,600 for married parents or primary caregivers. These thresholds indicate the maximum asset value for eligibility, regardless of means testing.
