South African Social Security Agency

Comprehensive Guide to SASSA Grants and Services (2025)

1. Overview of SASSA

The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) is a national government agency established in April 2005 to administer social grants, providing financial assistance to vulnerable South Africans. Operating under the Department of Social Development, SASSA’s mission is to deliver social security services efficiently, ensuring support reaches those in need.

Key Statistics (2025):

  • 27 million+ beneficiaries (42% of South Africa’s population)
  • 8 different grant types available
  • R370-R2,335 monthly grant amounts
  • 3 application methods (online, WhatsApp, in-person)

SASSA was created to centralize social grant administration, previously a provincial function, to enhance service delivery and reduce corruption. It operates under the Social Assistance Act of 2004 and the South African Social Security Agency Act of 2004.

2. Types of SASSA Grants (2025)

Grant Type Amount Target Group Requirements
Social Relief of Distress (SRD) R370/month Unemployed adults (18-59) No income, not receiving other grants
Child Support Grant R530/child Primary caregivers Child under 18, income < R5,000/month
Disability Grant R2,315/month Disabled individuals Medical confirmation, income < R8,070/month
Older Person’s Grant R2,315 (60-74)
R2,335 (75+)		 Seniors 60+ Income < R8,070/month
Care Dependency Grant R2,315/month Disabled children Severe disability, full-time care needed
Foster Child Grant R1,180/month Foster parents Court placement order
Grant-in-Aid R560/month Those needing full-time care Must receive another grant

Important Notes:

  • Amounts adjusted annually for inflation (April 2025 figures shown)
  • SRD grant amounts remain unchanged since 2022
  • All grants are means-tested except Foster Child Grant

3. Eligibility Criteria

General Requirements for All Grants:

  • South African citizenship/permanent residency/refugee status
  • Residing in South Africa
  • Meeting the means test (income and asset thresholds)
  • Not receiving another grant for same purpose

Specific Requirements:

SRD Grant:

  • Aged 18-59 years
  • Unemployed with no income
  • Not receiving any other social grant
  • Monthly income below R624

Child Support Grant:

  • Primary caregiver of child under 18
  • Single applicants: income < R5,000/month
  • Married applicants: combined income < R10,000/month

Fraud Warning:

Providing false information can lead to application rejection, criminal charges, and repayment of wrongfully received funds. SASSA uses advanced verification systems including Home Affairs, SARS, and banking data.

4. Application Process

1

Choose Application Method:

Online: Via SASSA Services Portal

WhatsApp: Message 082 046 8553 (SRD only)

In-Person: At nearest SASSA office (find locations via www.sassa.gov.za)

2

Prepare Required Documents:

  • 13-digit bar-coded ID (or refugee permit)
  • Proof of residence (not older than 3 months)
  • Bank account details (in your name)
  • Medical reports (for disability grants)
  • Birth certificates (for child grants)
  • 3 months’ bank statements
3

Complete Application:

Provide accurate personal information. For in-person applications, biometric verification (fingerprints) will be conducted.

4

Receive Confirmation:

You’ll get an application reference number. Keep this safe for status tracking.

Processing Times:

  • SRD Grant: 5-7 working days for verification
  • Other Grants: Up to 3 months processing
  • Approved payments are backdated to application date

5. Payment Methods

How to Receive Your Grant:

1

Bank Account Deposit

Direct deposit into your personal bank account (may incur bank charges)

2

SASSA Gold Card

Special Postbank card for grant recipients with:

  • Free monthly withdrawals
  • SMS notifications
  • Balance checks at ATMs
3

Cash Pay Points

Collect cash at:

  • Post Office branches
  • Pick n Pay/Boxer stores
  • Special SASSA pay points in rural areas

Payment Security:

Never share your PIN or card details. SASSA will never ask for this information via phone or SMS. Report lost/stolen cards immediately to 0800 53 54 55.

6. Checking Application Status

Online Status Check:

  1. Visit SRD Status Portal
  2. Enter your ID number and phone number
  3. View your application status

Status Meanings:

  • Pending: Under verification
  • Approved: Payment scheduled
  • Declined: Doesn’t meet criteria (can appeal)
  • In Progress: Additional info needed

Alternative Check Methods:

  • SMS: Send “SASSA [ID Number]” to 082 046 8553
  • Call Center: 0800 60 10 60
  • GovChat App: Available on Android/iOS

7. Appeals Process

If your application is declined, you may appeal within 90 days:

1

Submit Appeal

Via the SASSA Appeals website: srd.dsd.gov.za

2

Provide Additional Information

Include any missing documents or corrections to your application

3

Await Response

Appeals are processed within 30-60 days. You’ll receive SMS notification.

Appeal Grounds:

  • Incorrect income assessment
  • Missing documents now available
  • Administrative errors
  • Changed circumstances

Contact SASSA

Call Center: 0800 60 10 60 (Free from landlines)
0860 60 10 60 (Cellphones)
WhatsApp: 082 046 8553 (SRD grants only)
Email: [email protected]
[email protected]
Website: www.sassa.gov.za

Office Hours:

Monday-Friday: 7:30am – 4:00pm
Closed on weekends and public holidays

Related Information

For information about other social grants in South Africa, see our Complete SASSA Guide.