The South African Social Security Agency (Sassa) is a government agency responsible for administering South Africa's social security system. It plays a crucial role in providing financial assistance to vulnerable citizens.
This financial assistance is delivered to people as a social grant payment. Sassa distributed several permanent grants to millions of people living in the country.
Grants Distributed By Sassa
Care Dependency Grant
The care dependency grant offers financial aid to full-time caregivers of children with disabilities.
As of 1 October 2024, the grant is R2 190 per child, per month.
To qualify for this grant, the child must be permanently disabled, as confirmed by a medical officer, and under 18 years old If you are married, both you and your spouse must meet the qualifying requirements of a means test to be eligible.
Child Support Grant
The child support grant is designed for primary caregivers responsible for children under 18 years old.
As of 1 October 2024, the grant amount is R530 per month, per child, with an additional top-up of R270 per child.
Biological parents or primary caregivers can apply, but if you are not the child’s biological parent, you must provide proof that you are the primary caregiver.
If married, you and your spouse must meet the means test criteria to qualify for this financial assistance.
Disability Grant
The disability grant is available to individuals with disabilities, either on a permanent or temporary basis, ranging from 6 to 12 months.
As of 1 October 2024, the monthly grant amount is R2 190, though the final amount may be adjusted based on your income level.
To be eligible, applicants must be between 18 and 59 years old and must submit a medical assessment or report confirming the disability, which must not be older than 3 months. If you are married, your spouse’s financial situation will also be considered as part of the means test.
Foster Child Grant
This Foster care grant is provided to individuals caring for foster children who require financial support. As of 1 October 2024, the foster child grant is R1 180 per child, per month, with the value subject to review every six months in April and October.
To qualify, both you and the child must live in South Africa, and you must provide a court order confirming foster care status, as well as the child’s birth certificate. The foster child must be 18 years or younger.
Grants for Older Persons (Old Age Pension)
The old age pension provides financial support for individuals aged 60 and above. From 1 October 2024, the grant amount is R2 190 per month for people aged 60 to 74 and R2 210 per month for those over 75.
To qualify, applicants must be 60 or older. Individuals residing in state institutions or receiving other grants are not eligible. If you are married, your spouse’s financial situation must comply with the means test.
Grant in Aid
The grant in aid is additional financial support for individuals already receiving a disability, older persons, or war veterans grant.
It assists people who are mentally or physically unable to care for themselves. As of 1 October 2024, the grant provides R530 per month.
To qualify, you must already be receiving a social grant but are unable to look after yourself due to a health condition.
Social Relief of Distress
The Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant is a temporary grant provided to unemployed individuals.
The value of the SRD grant currently stands at R370 per month.
To qualify for the SRD Grant, applicants must be 18-59 years old, unemployed, and not exceed the income threshold of R624 in their bank account. Beneficiaries may also receive other financial assistance like NSFAS bursaries, UIF benefits, or other Sassa grants.
War Veterans Grant
The war veterans grant is intended for individuals who served in World War I, World War II, or the Korean War. As of 1 October 2024, the grant provides up to R2 210 per month, depending on the result of a means test.
To qualify, applicants must be over 60 years old or disabled. You cannot receive other social grants or be residing in a state institution to be eligible for this grant.
