Complete Guide to SASSA Grants
Everything you need to know about South African social grants
Important Information
This is an independent information website - NOT official SASSA. All applications must be submitted to official SASSA offices.
Old Age Grant (Pension)
Monthly Amount: R2,090 (up to 75) or R2,110 (75+)
Who Qualifies?
- SA citizen, permanent resident, or refugee
- 60+ years old
- Pass means test
Means Test:
Single: Income <R86,280/year, assets <R1,227,600
Married: Income <R172,560/year, assets <R2,455,200
Key Tips:
- House and one vehicle not counted as assets
- Apply 3 months before 60th birthday
- Reviewed every 5 years
Documents:
- 13-digit bar-coded ID
- Proof of residence
- Bank details
- Proof of income (if working)
Disability Grant
Monthly Amount: R2,090
Who Qualifies?
- SA citizen, permanent resident, or refugee
- 18-59 years old
- Unable to work for 6+ months
- Pass means test (same as Old Age Grant)
"Unable to Work" Includes:
- Physical disabilities & chronic pain
- Mental health (depression, anxiety, bipolar)
- Chronic illnesses (HIV/AIDS, cancer, diabetes)
- Neurological (epilepsy, stroke, Parkinson's)
Key Information:
- Temporary or permanent periods
- SASSA doctor assessment required
- Can appeal within 90 days if rejected
- Mental illness qualifies too!
Documents:
- 13-digit bar-coded ID
- Proof of residence
- Bank details
- All medical/hospital reports
Child Support Grant (CSG)
Monthly Amount: R510 per child
Who Qualifies?
- Primary caregiver of child under 18
- Caregiver & child must be SA citizen/resident/refugee
- Pass means test
Means Test:
Single: Income ≤R5,500/month
Married/Partner: Combined ≤R11,000/month
Key Information:
- R510 per child (3 children = R1,530)
- Apply within 3 months of birth for backpay
- Children 7+ must attend school
- Grandparents/other family can apply
Documents:
- Your 13-digit bar-coded ID
- Child's birth certificate (bar-coded, not handwritten)
- Proof of income or affidavit if unemployed
- Death certificates if parents deceased
- Proof of residence
Foster Child Grant
Monthly Amount: R1,130 per child
Who Qualifies?
- Foster parent with valid court order
- Court order from SA Children's Court
- No means test required!
Key Information:
- MUST have court order first
- Higher amount than CSG (R1,130 vs R510)
- No income limit
- Renew court order every ~2 years
- Contact social worker at Dept of Social Development
Documents:
- Your 13-digit bar-coded ID
- Child's birth certificate
- Valid foster care court order
- Proof of residence & bank details
Critical: Apply within 90 days of court order for backpay! Learn more about Foster Care Grant
Care Dependency Grant (CDG)
Monthly Amount: R2,090
Who Qualifies?
- Caregiver of child under 18 with severe disability
- Child needs permanent care/support
- Pass means test (same as Old Age Grant)
"Severe Disability" Includes:
- Cerebral palsy, Down syndrome
- Severe autism
- Blindness/deafness requiring full-time care
- Severe intellectual disability
- Chronic conditions (severe epilepsy, etc.)
Key Information:
- SASSA medical assessment required
- R2,090 vs R510 CSG (higher due to care costs)
- Cannot receive both CDG and CSG
- School attendance not mandatory
- At 18, child applies for Disability Grant
Documents:
- Your ID & child's birth certificate
- All medical reports & specialist assessments
- Proof of income & residence
Grant-in-Aid
Monthly Amount: R530 (additional to existing grant)
Who Qualifies?
- Already receive Old Age, Disability, or War Veterans Grant
- Require full-time care due to disability
- Don't live in government-funded institution
Key Information:
- Extra money ON TOP of existing grant (R2,090 + R530 = R2,620)
- No means test required
- Pay for caregiver (family or hired)
- Private facilities OK
- Medical assessment required
"Full-Time Care" Means:
- Cannot bath, dress, or feed without help
- Cannot move without assistance
- Need help with medication
- Require supervision (e.g., dementia)
Documents:
- Your 13-digit bar-coded ID
- Proof of existing grant
- Medical reports & proof of residence
War Veterans Grant
Monthly Amount: R2,110
Who Qualifies?
- 60+ years old
- Fought in World War II or Korean War
- OR rendered SA military service & unable to maintain yourself
- Pass means test (same as Old Age Grant)
Notes:
- Rarely applied for (few qualifying veterans)
- Must provide proof of military service
- Contact SASSA for documentation requirements
How to Apply for Any Grant
Step-by-Step Application Process:
For detailed information about applying for each specific grant, visit our comprehensive application guide.
- Gather your documents - See specific requirements for each grant above
- Visit any SASSA office - You don't have to go to your nearest one. Find your nearest office
- Complete application form - Staff will help you if needed
- Submit documents - They'll make copies and return originals to you
- Medical assessment (if required) - You'll be given an appointment
- Wait for decision - Usually 30-90 days (you can check status)
- Receive outcome letter - Tells you if approved or rejected
- If approved - First payment within 3 months from approval date
What Happens After You Apply?
- You get a receipt with reference number - keep this safe!
- Your documents are verified (ID, birth certificates, etc.)
- Your income and assets are checked
- Medical assessment scheduled if needed (Disability, CDG, Grant-in-Aid)
- Application reviewed by SASSA official
- Decision made and letter sent to you
Checking Your Application Status:
- Call SASSA: 0800 60 10 11 (have your ID number and reference number ready)
- Visit SASSA office with your receipt
- Check SASSA website: www.sassa.gov.za
Common Problems & How to Solve Them
Application Rejected - What to Do:
- You have 90 days to appeal from the date on the rejection letter. Learn about your appeal rights
- Read the rejection reason carefully - fix that specific issue
- Submit appeal in writing to SASSA office with additional evidence
- Get help from legal aid clinics if needed (free service)
Application Taking Too Long:
- Normal processing: 30-90 days (3 months max)
- After 90 days: Visit SASSA office and demand explanation
- Still no response: Lodge formal complaint or contact MEC for Social Development
Don't Have Required Documents:
- No ID: Apply for ID at Home Affairs first - SASSA can give temporary assistance letter
- No birth certificate: Get from Home Affairs - late registration is possible
- No proof of residence: Affidavit from traditional leader, ward councillor, or neighbour accepted
- No bank account: SASSA can issue a SASSA card instead
Grant Suspended or Stopped:
- Common reasons: Failed review, didn't update details, fraud investigation
- Go to SASSA immediately to find out why
- Provide any requested documents quickly
- If unfair suspension: Lodge complaint and request reinstatement
Banking Problems:
- Lost SASSA card: Report immediately and get replacement at SASSA office
- Wrong bank details: Update at SASSA office with 3 months' bank statements
- Unauthorized deductions: Report to SASSA - deductions from grants are strictly regulated
Protect Yourself from Fraud
Important Warnings:
- NEVER pay anyone to help you apply - application is completely free
- NEVER pay for documents - SASSA does not charge for forms or application processing
- NEVER give anyone your SASSA card or PIN - not even SASSA staff need this
- NEVER sign blank forms - read everything before signing
- Don't trust SMS/emails asking for banking details - SASSA won't ask via SMS
- Report fraud: Call SASSA fraud hotline 0800 60 10 11
Need More Help?
This website provides detailed information to help you understand SASSA grants better. For official applications, assistance, or queries, contact SASSA directly:
SASSA National Call Centre
0800 60 10 11
Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM