South African Social Security Agency (SASSA)

Providing social security services to vulnerable South Africans

What Is SASSA and What’s Its Purpose?

The **South African Social Security Agency**, or **SASSA**, is the government body that delivers financial support to millions of South Africans who need it most. From the **SASSA Old Age Grant** to the **Child Support Grant** and the **Social Relief of Distress (SRD)** grant (often called the R350 or R370 grant), SASSA’s mission is to provide a safety net for vulnerable people—think seniors, people with disabilities, caregivers, and those facing tough times. It’s all about reducing poverty and helping folks live with dignity. With over 19 million grants paid monthly, SASSA is a lifeline for many.

Types of SASSA Grants

SASSA offers several grants, each with a specific purpose:

**Old Age Grant**: For folks 60 and older with limited income.
**Disability Grant**: For those unable to work due to physical or mental disabilities.
**Child Support Grant**: For caregivers of children under 18.
**Foster Care Grant**: For foster parents caring for court-placed children.
**Care Dependency Grant**: For parents or guardians of children with severe disabilities.
**Social Relief of Distress (SRD) Grant**: Temporary aid (R370/month) for unemployed adults.
**Grant-in-Aid**: Extra support for grant recipients needing full-time care.
**War Veterans Grant**: For veterans facing financial hardship.

Each grant has its own eligibility rules, which we’ll cover next.

Who Qualifies for SASSA Grants?

Eligibility depends on the grant, but here are the basics:

**Old Age Grant**: You must be 60+, a South African citizen, permanent resident, or refugee living in South Africa, and pass a means test (e.g., income below R8,070/month for singles as of 2025). You can’t live in a state-funded institution or receive another grant.
**Disability Grant**: For ages 18–59 with a medical condition preventing work, confirmed by a doctor’s report.
**Child Support Grant**: For caregivers of children under 18, with a monthly income below R4,800 (single) or R9,600 (married).
**SRD Grant**: For unemployed adults aged 18–59 with no other grants or UIF benefits, earning less than R624/month.
You generally can’t receive multiple grants unless under special circumstances (e.g., foster care).

**Note:** Always check with SASSA for exact income and asset limits, as they can change.

SASSA Grant Application Checklist

For Old Age, Disability, and Child Grants:

**South African ID**: 13-digit bar-coded ID (original or certified copy).
**Proof of Income**: Recent payslips, bank statements (last 3 months), or UIF book.
**Proof of Residence**: Utility bill or affidavit.
**Medical Report**: For disability grants, from a registered doctor.
**Child’s Birth Certificate**: For child support or foster care grants.
**Spouse’s ID**: If married, for means testing.
**Additional Documents**: As requested by SASSA.

For SRD Grant:

**ID Number**: For online application at srd.sassa.gov.za.
**Phone Number**: Must match the one used for application.
**Bank Details**: For payment (or choose cash send/post office).
**Internet Access**: To complete identity verification.

Steps:

Visit a SASSA office or apply online (SRD only).
Submit all required documents.
Complete the application form with a SASSA officer or online.
Keep your receipt (in-person) or reference number (online).
Check status via www.sassa.gov.za, srd.sassa.gov.za, or 0800 60 10 11.

How to Apply for SASSA Grants

Applying for most **SASSA grants** like the **SASSA Old Age Grant** or **Disability Grant** requires an in-person visit to a SASSA office, as there’s no **SASSA online application** for these yet. However, the **SRD grant** can be applied for online at **srd.sassa.gov.za**. Here’s how to apply:

For Old Age, Disability, Child Support, and Other Grants:

**Visit a SASSA Office**: Find one near you using the **SASSA website** (www.sassa.gov.za) or call the **SASSA toll-free number** (0800 60 10 11). Offices are in places like Johannesburg, Durban, Pretoria CBD, Wynberg, Springs, Germiston, and Port Elizabeth.
**Bring Documents**:
- 13-digit bar-coded South African ID.
- Proof of income (e.g., payslips, bank statements for three months).
- Proof of residence (e.g., utility bill).
- For disability grants, a medical report.
- For child grants, the child’s birth certificate and your ID.
**Complete the Form**: A SASSA officer will help you fill it out. If you can’t visit due to age or illness, a family member can apply with a letter or doctor’s note.
**Get a Receipt**: This proves you applied. Processing can take up to three months.

For the SRD Grant:

Go to **srd.sassa.gov.za** or use the **SASSA WhatsApp number for R350** (082 046 8553) by sending “Hi” to start.
Enter your ID and phone number for the **srd.sassa.gov.za login**.
Complete the online form with your personal and banking details.
Verify your identity via the **srd.sassa.gov.za identity verification** link sent to your phone.
Submit and wait for approval (usually a few weeks).

If you’re applying for a **SASSA child grant online application**, note that this isn’t fully supported yet—you’ll likely need to finalize at a SASSA office. For **SASSA reapplication** (e.g., for SRD), check your status and reapply if prompted on the SRD portal.

SASSA Payment Dates for 2024/2025

**SASSA payment dates** are set monthly, typically in the first week, but they vary by grant type and can shift due to weekends or holidays. Here’s the schedule for key months in 2025, based on recent updates:

Month	Old Age Grant	Disability Grant	Child Support Grant	SRD Grant
February 2025	February 4	February 5	February 6	February 24–28
March 2025	March 4	March 5	March 6	March 26–28
April 2025	April 2	April 3	April 4	April 24–30
May 2025	May 6	May 7	May 8	May 23–28
June 2025	June 3	June 4	June 5	To be announced

For the full **SASSA grant payment dates 2025**, check www.sassa.gov.za or follow @OfficialSASSA on X. **SRD grant payment dates 2025** are usually later in the month, as they’re processed after verification.

Grant Amounts and Increases for 2025

As of April 2025, **SASSA grant increases 2025** include:

Grant Type	Amount (April 2025)
Old Age Grant (60-74)	R2,310
Old Age Grant (75+)	R2,330
Disability Grant	R2,310
Child Support Grant	R560
Foster Care Grant	R1,200
SRD Grant	R370 (unchanged from April 2024)

The **SASSA R2110 grant payment 2025** mentioned in some sources seems outdated or incorrect; current Old Age and Disability grants are higher. Always verify amounts on www.sassa.gov.za.

Checking Your Grant Status

To do a **SASSA status check**:

**Old Age/Disability/Child Grants**: Visit www.sassa.gov.za, call 0800 60 10 11, or check at a SASSA office. Third-party sites like sassacheck.com can also help.
**SRD Grant**: Use srd.sassa.gov.za, enter your ID and phone number, or text “Hi” to the **SASSA WhatsApp number** (082 046 8553). If you see “approved but no pay date,” it means verification is ongoing—keep checking.

For **SASSA child grant status check**, use the same methods, ensuring you have the caregiver’s ID and the child’s details.

SASSA Card Updates

SASSA is transitioning from **SASSA Gold Cards** to Postbank Black Cards, with a deadline of March 20, 2025. If your **SASSA card** is expired, visit a Postbank branch or SASSA office for a **SASSA card replacement**. Don’t delay, as payments won’t go through without an active card.

Tips for a Smooth Experience

**Avoid Scams**: Never pay for applications or share details with unofficial sites. Stick to www.sassa.gov.za or srd.sassa.gov.za.
**Double-Check Documents**: Ensure IDs and bank details are correct to avoid delays.
**Check Payment Dates**: Mark your calendar with **SASSA pay dates** to plan your budget.
**Update Banking Details**: If you switch accounts, notify SASSA immediately via the **SASSA portal** or office.
**Appeal Rejections**: If your application is declined, appeal within 90 days with supporting documents.

Common Issues and Fixes

**Login Issues**: For **services.sassa.gov.za login** or SRD portal, ensure your phone number matches your application. Clear your browser cache if needed.
**Payment Delays**: If your **SASSA payment for this month** doesn’t arrive, verify your card status and contact SASSA.
**Identity Verification**: For SRD, complete the **srd.sassa.gov.za identity verification** promptly to avoid “approved no pay date” issues.
**Expired Cards**: Renew your **SASSA card** at a Postbank branch before **SASSA payment dates**.

SASSA Vacancies and Careers

Interested in working with SASSA? **SASSA vacancies** for roles like **admin clerk vacancies at SASSA** or **grant administrator** are posted on www.sassa.gov.za or job boards. Opportunities are available in regions like KZN, Eastern Cape, and Northern Cape. Check for **SASSA jobs** requiring matric or higher qualifications, and apply via the official **SASSA careers** page.

Getting Help

If you need assistance, SASSA’s got you covered:

**SASSA Head Office Contact Number**: 012 400 2322 or [email protected].
**SASSA Contact Number for R350**: 0800 60 10 11 or **SASSA WhatsApp number for R350** (082 046 8553).
**SASSA Offices Near Me**: Find locations in Johannesburg, Durban, Cape Town, Port Elizabeth, and more on www.sassa.gov.za.
**SASSA Toll-Free Number**: 0800 60 10 11 for general inquiries.
Follow **SASSA news** on X (@OfficialSASSA) or check www.sassa.gov.za for updates like **SASSA latest news update today**.

What’s New for 2025?

**SASSA grant increases 2025** took effect in April, boosting most grants except SRD.
The SRD grant is extended to March 2026, with a review pending for possible changes.
**SASSA gold card expiry date** issues are resolved with the Postbank Black Card transition.
Re-verification deadlines (e.g., April 30, 2025) may apply to avoid grant suspension.

Related Information

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