Millions of financially vulnerable people are reliant on grants from the South African Social Security Agency (Sassa) to purchase basic goods and services monthly. The agency distributes approximately 19 million permanent grants to people living in South Africa monthly.
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 believe you meet the eligibility for any permanent grant, You can apply in person at the Sassa office nearest to where you live. If you're unable to travel due to age or illness, a family member or friend can apply on your behalf with a letter of authorization from you.
An official from Sassa will assist you in completing the application form unless you apply online. After completing the application, you will receive a receipt or reference number. Keep this safe as it is your proof of application. There are application fees required when applying for Sassa grants.
Alternatively, applications for specific grants, such as older person grants, child support grants, and foster child grants can be submitted online.
How to Check Grant Status
There are several ways to check the approval status of your grant application. You can visit your local Sassa office to inquire in person. Sassa will also send you a written notification about the decision.
Local Sassa office staff are instructed to advise you on the appeals process if your application for a Sassa grant is rejected.
Additionally, if you applied online for certain grants, you may be able to check the application status through the Sassa website using your reference number.
The application date is considered the date you submit all required documents and meet Sassa’s requirements.
What Happens if Your Application Isn't Approved?
If your application is not approved, Sassa will notify you in writing of the reasons for rejection and your right to appeal.
You can appeal to the Minister of Social Development in writing, explaining why you disagree. This appeal must be submitted within 90 days of receiving the notification about the outcome of your application.
Methods of Payment
You can choose to receive your grant through a direct deposit into your personal bank account or through Sassa’s appointed service providers.
Suspension of Grants
It is every grant beneficiary's responsibility to inform Sassa of any changes in their circumstances, such as a change of address, marital status, financial situation, or if the child you receive the grant for is no longer in your care. Failure to do this may result in your Sassa grant being suspended.
Grants can be suspended by Sassa for various reasons, including
- Changes in your circumstances (financial and/or medical)
- The outcome of a grant review
- Failure to cooperate with a grant review
- Committing fraud or misrepresenting information
- Approval of the grant in error
- Failure to submit required documents
Restoration of Grants
If your grant is suspended due to not collecting it for three consecutive months or failing a review, you can request restoration within 30 days of the grant’s suspension.
Important Reminders for Grant Beneficiaries
It is your responsibility to keep Sassa updated on any changes in your circumstances and income. Grant beneficiaries must always respond to any correspondence they receive from Sassa.
Beneficiaries are encouraged to safeguard their social grant card and never share their PIN with anyone.
