The South African Social Security Agency (Sassa) offers a lifeline to many through various social grants. If you require support in the form of a government grant you can apply for one from Sassa.
Sassa distributes several different permanent grants to people living in South Africa. 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.
1. Visit Your Local Sassa Branch
You can visit your local Sassa office to apply for a grant. The staff at the Sassa office will assist you with the necessary steps for grant applications.
If you're unable to apply due to illness or age, you can nominate someone to apply on your behalf.
2. Online Application
The Sassa website offers an alternative application method for the Child Support Grant, Older Persons Grant, and Disability Grant.
Here's how to apply for Sassa grants online:
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.
Eligibility Criteria For Sassa Grants
As of 1 October 2023, specific asset and income thresholds have been set for various grants. For the Older Person's, Disability, and War Veterans grants, the asset threshold is R1,247,400 for a single person and R2,494,800 for a married couple. This threshold represents the maximum value of assets a person can hold while still qualifying for these grants.
Similarly, income thresholds for grant eligibility have been established. As of 1 October 2023, the income threshold for a single person receiving the Older Person's, Disability, or War Veterans grants is R87,720 per annum, while for a married couple, it is R175,440. These thresholds define the maximum annual income a person or couple can earn to remain eligible for these grants.
For the Child Support Grant, the income thresholds differ based on marital status. A single individual's income threshold is R55,200, while for a married couple, it is R110,400. These figures indicate the maximum income levels for eligibility for the Child Support Grant.
It's important to note that the Foster Child Grant and the Care-Dependency Grant are not subject to means testing. However, for the Care-Dependency Grant, the asset threshold is R226,800 for a single parent or primary caregiver and R453,600 for a married couple. These thresholds specify the maximum asset value allowed for eligibility, regardless of income.
How to Apply for the R370 Grant
Step 1: Start by selecting your citizenship status at the bottom of the webpage. You can choose either "South African ID Holder" or "Asylum Seeker/Special Permit Holder."
Step 2: Locate the yellow bar that says "Click here to apply online" under the relevant section ("How do I apply for this SRD Grant" or "Asylum Seekers and Special Permit Holders").
Step 3: Enter your mobile number and click "Send SMS." Then, enter the one-time pin (OTP) sent by Sassa to your phone for verification. Once verified, follow the steps on the website to complete your application.
If you submit an R370 application, you should perform a status check to see if your application was successful.
Eligibility for R370 Grant
To qualify for the R370 grant, individuals must be between 18 and 59 years old and unemployed. R370 grant beneficiaries may receive other government financial assistance, including NSFAS bursaries, UIF benefits, or other Sassa grants.
Grant applications will also be rejected if the applicant exceeds the income threshold. For the R370 grant, income refers to the amount of money an applicant has in their bank account. The current income threshold is R624.
