How to Apply for SASSA Grant-in-Aid in 2025
The Grant-in-Aid is an additional social grant provided by the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) to assist recipients of a disability grant, war veteran’s grant, or grant for older persons who cannot look after themselves due to physical or mental disabilities and require full-time care. This guide outlines the eligibility criteria, application process, payment details, and what to do if your application is not approved, ensuring you can access this essential financial support in 2025.
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Do You Qualify for the Grant-in-Aid?
To qualify for the Grant-in-Aid, you must meet the following criteria:
- Already receive a disability grant, war veteran’s grant, or grant for older persons.
- Be unable to look after yourself due to a physical or mental disability, requiring full-time care from someone else.
- Not be cared for in an institution that receives a government subsidy for your care or housing.
How Much Will You Get?
You will receive R560 per month.
How Will You Be Paid?
SASSA will pay the grant through one of the following methods, together with your social grant:
- Cash at a specific pay point on a particular day.
- Electronic deposit into your bank or Postbank account (note: the bank may charge a fee for this service).
- An institution acting as the administrator of the grant (e.g., welfare organizations).
Note: If you are unable to collect the money yourself, you can appoint a procurator at a SASSA office or give someone power of attorney to collect the grant on your behalf.
When May the Grant Be Reviewed?
Your Grant-in-Aid may be reviewed when the social grant to which it is attached (disability grant, war veteran’s grant, or grant for older persons) is reviewed.
How to Apply for the Grant
To apply for the Grant-in-Aid, follow these steps:
- Visit the nearest SASSA office.
- Bring the following documents:
- Your 13-digit bar-coded South African ID.
- Proof of your marital status and your spouse’s identity (if applicable).
- A medical or assessment report (less than three months old) that confirms you need full-time care.
- If you are too old or sick to visit the office, a family member or friend can apply on your behalf with a letter from you and/or a doctor’s note explaining why you cannot attend.
- Complete the application form in the presence of a SASSA officer (only you or the officer may fill out the form). The officer will interview you to determine if you qualify.
- Receive a receipt as proof of your application.
What If Your Application Is Not Approved?
If your application is not approved, SASSA will inform you in writing with the reasons for the decision. If you disagree, you can appeal to the Minister of Social Development at the national Department of Social Development within 90 days of receiving the notification.
How Long Does It Take?
It may take up to three months to process your application. If approved, payments will start from the date you applied.
How Much Does It Cost?
The application process is free.
FAQs for SASSA Grant-in-Aid
No, you cannot qualify for the Grant-in-Aid if you are cared for in an institution that receives a government subsidy for your care or housing.
You need a medical or assessment report, less than three months old, that confirms your physical or mental disability requires full-time care from another person.
Yes, if you are too old or sick to visit a SASSA office, a family member or friend can apply on your behalf. They must bring a letter from you and/or a doctor’s note explaining why you cannot attend.
No, the Grant-in-Aid is paid together with your existing social grant (disability grant, war veteran’s grant, or grant for older persons).
