Guides to SASSA Grants

South African Social Grants

Find the SASSA grant that applies to your situation

SASSA administers social grants for older people, children, people with disabilities, foster families and other qualifying people who need social assistance. This page connects you to the application, payment, status, banking and appeal information for each grant.

Still using a SASSA Gold Card?

Postbank has set 31 August 2026 as the final deadline for remaining SASSA Gold Card users to switch to the Postbank Black Card. The Gold Card will stop working after the deadline. Read our SASSA Gold Card to Postbank Black Card guide if this affects you.

Quick Answer

The main SASSA social grants are the Older Persons Grant, Disability Grant, Child Support Grant, Foster Child Grant, Care Dependency Grant, War Veterans Grant and Grant-in-Aid. SASSA also administers the temporary COVID-19 SRD R370 provision. Each grant has its own age, income, care, medical or family requirements, so the correct grant depends on the applicant’s circumstances.

Types of SASSA Grants

The grant you should apply for depends on who needs the support and why the assistance is required.

R2,400

Older Persons Grant

For qualifying people aged 60 or older. People aged 75 or older currently receive a higher maximum amount of R2,420.

Older Persons Grant guide
R2,400

Disability Grant

For qualifying adults aged 18 to 59 whose physical or mental disability prevents them from working and supporting themselves. Medical assessment is required.

Disability Grant guide
R580

Child Support Grant

Paid to a qualifying primary caregiver to help with the basic needs of a child under 18.

Child Support Grant guide
R1,290

Foster Child Grant

For a child legally placed in foster care by a court. The approved 2026 Budget provides for the grant to increase to R1,300 from October 2026.

Foster Child Grant guide
R2,400

Care Dependency Grant

For a qualifying caregiver of a child under 18 who has a severe disability and requires permanent or full-time special care.

Care Dependency Grant guide
R580

Grant-in-Aid

An additional grant for qualifying recipients of an Older Persons, Disability or War Veterans Grant who require regular full-time care from another person.

Grant-in-Aid guide
R2,420

War Veterans Grant

For qualifying veterans who fought in the Second World War or Korean War and meet the age or disability and means-test requirements.

War Veterans Grant guide
R370

COVID-19 SRD

Temporary assistance for qualifying working-age applicants with insufficient means. The current R370 provision has been extended through March 2027.

SRD R370 Grant guide

Current SASSA Grant Amounts

The following amounts apply in August 2026. Grant values can change when government announces adjustments.

Grant Current maximum monthly amount Main purpose
Older Persons Grant, age 60 to 74 R2,400 Income support for qualifying older people.
Older Persons Grant, age 75+ R2,420 Higher maximum amount for qualifying beneficiaries aged 75 or older.
Disability Grant Up to R2,400 Support for qualifying adults unable to support themselves because of disability.
Care Dependency Grant R2,400 Support for the care of a child with a severe disability.
War Veterans Grant R2,420 Support for qualifying Second World War or Korean War veterans.
Foster Child Grant R1,290 Support for a child legally placed in foster care.
Child Support Grant R580 Basic support for a child in the care of a qualifying primary caregiver.
Grant-in-Aid R580 Additional assistance for a qualifying grant recipient who needs full-time care.
COVID-19 SRD R370 Temporary assistance for qualifying working-age people with insufficient means.
The Foster Child Grant is scheduled to change again in October 2026.

The 2026 Budget provides for its value to rise from R1,290 to R1,300 from October 2026. Check the current amount if you are reading this page after September 2026.

What Is the SASSA Means Test?

Most permanent social grants are intended for people who do not have enough income or assets to support themselves or the person for whom they are applying.

SASSA can therefore assess:

  • Applicant income.
  • Spouse income where applicable.
  • Assets.
  • Bank information.
  • Pensions or investments.
  • Other relevant financial information.
Not every grant uses the same financial threshold.

The income and asset limits differ according to the grant. Do not use an Older Persons Grant threshold to decide whether you qualify for the Child Support Grant or SRD.

The Foster Child Grant is different because eligibility is based mainly on the legal foster-care placement rather than the normal means-test structure applied to the other standard grants.

How to Apply for a SASSA Grant

SASSA Services Online

SASSA operates an online Services Portal where applicants can create a profile and access supported grant services.

The portal currently provides services for grants including Older Persons, Disability, Care Dependency, Foster Child, Child Support and Grant-in-Aid.

SASSA Local Office

Applicants can also apply through a SASSA office. Some applications require medical assessments, court records or circumstances that need direct assistance from SASSA staff.

If you are too old, sick or physically unable to travel, ask SASSA about the process for an authorised person to assist or apply on your behalf.

Normal application process

1 Choose the correct grant

Check the age, disability, caregiver, foster-care or other eligibility requirements.

2 Prepare your documents

Gather identity, income, banking, medical, child or court records that apply to the grant.

3 Apply through the correct SASSA channel

Use the SASSA Services Portal where the grant is supported or visit a SASSA office.

4 Keep proof of the application

If applying at an office, keep the receipt issued as proof that the application was submitted.

5 Check the outcome

Monitor the online portal where applicable and keep your cellphone and contact details current.

Documents Needed for SASSA Grants

There is no single document list that applies to every SASSA grant. The records depend on the type of assistance and your circumstances.

Common supporting information can include:

  • South African ID or other accepted identity documents.
  • Child’s birth certificate where applicable.
  • Proof of marital status.
  • Bank statements.
  • Proof of income and assets where required.
  • Proof of residence.
  • Medical assessment or medical reports for relevant disability grants.
  • Court order for a Foster Child Grant.
  • Proof that you are the primary caregiver of a child.
  • Other grant-specific documents requested by SASSA.
Use the document list for the grant you are actually applying for.

Disability and Care Dependency applications need medical information, while Foster Child applications rely heavily on the legal foster-care order. Child Support applications require information relating to the child and caregiver.

SASSA Payment Dates for 2026 and 2027

SASSA has confirmed the regular social grant payment calendar for the 2026/27 financial year.

Because August 2026 payments have already taken place, the next confirmed regular grant dates are:

Month Older Persons Disability Children’s Grants
September 2026 2 September 3 September 4 September
October 2026 2 October 5 October 6 October
November 2026 3 November 4 November 5 November
December 2026 2 December 3 December 4 December
January 2027 5 January 6 January 7 January
February 2027 2 February 3 February 4 February
March 2027 2 March 3 March 4 March
You do not need to withdraw the full grant on the payment date.

Once money has been deposited into the applicable account, it remains available. Beneficiaries do not need to rush to withdraw everything on the first payment day.

SRD R370 does not use this three-day payment calendar.

SRD applicants should check their individual SRD status and payment information instead of using the Older Persons, Disability or Children’s Grant payment date as an SRD payment date.

How SASSA Grants Are Paid

Bank Account

SASSA can pay a grant electronically into an eligible beneficiary’s bank account.

Postbank

Beneficiaries using the Postbank grant-payment system can access their funds through the applicable Postbank payment arrangements.

Other Approved Arrangements

Certain grants can be administered through approved institutions or other authorised collection arrangements where applicable.

SASSA Gold Card deadline

People who still receive payments through a SASSA Gold Card need to deal with the current card migration.

SASSA Gold Cards stop working after 31 August 2026.

Remaining Gold Card beneficiaries are being directed to migrate to the Postbank Black Card. Replacement is free, and Postbank has been using designated retail service points for the migration.

See SASSA Gold Card Deadline: Switch to the Postbank Black Card for the dedicated instructions.

What Is Happening With the SRD R370 Grant?

The COVID-19 Social Relief of Distress provision remains R370 per month for successful applicants.

Government has extended the current SRD provision from 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2027.

The SRD R370 has not yet been replaced by a permanent Basic Income Support Grant.

Government continues to consider longer-term income-support reform, but applicants should use the current SRD rules unless and until a new scheme is formally enacted and implemented.

For the current application process, read SASSA SRD R370 Grant Application .

You can also see how the SASSA SRD WhatsApp channel works where that option is available.

SRD applications are different from normal grant applications

The SRD application uses the dedicated electronic SRD system. Applicants provide information electronically, including:

  • Identity details.
  • Mobile number.
  • Employment and financial information.
  • Banking information.
  • Required declarations and consent.

How to Check Your SASSA Grant Status

The correct status method depends on whether you applied for a standard social grant or the SRD R370.

Standard Social Grants

Applicants using SASSA Services can view active applications and their status through the portal. SASSA also sends application notifications using the applicant information provided.

SRD R370

Use the dedicated SASSA SRD system to check the outcome for the relevant month and any payment information connected to an approved period.

See our SASSA Grant Status guide for the checking options.

If an SRD month is declined, also read SASSA SRD Status Declined .

What If SASSA Rejects Your Application?

Do not use one appeal process for every type of grant.

Standard SASSA social grants

For standard social grants, SASSA should tell an unsuccessful applicant why the application was declined.

The current government grant guidance generally allows an applicant who disagrees with the decision to appeal to the Department of Social Development within 90 days after being notified of the unsuccessful outcome.

SRD R370 appeals

SRD appeals use the Independent Tribunal for Social Assistance Appeals rather than the normal SASSA application portal.

The Tribunal currently tells rejected SRD applicants to appeal within 30 days, but not later than 90 days, and an appeal must be lodged for each declined month that the applicant disputes.

See How to Appeal a Declined SASSA SRD Application .

SASSA Grant Reviews

Approval does not always mean a grant will continue forever without further checks.

SASSA can review a beneficiary to confirm that the person still meets the grant requirements.

A review can involve checking changes to:

  • Income.
  • Assets.
  • Marital status.
  • Bank accounts.
  • Medical circumstances.
  • Care arrangements.
  • Other eligibility information.
Do not ignore an official SASSA review request.

Failure to provide information requested for a legitimate grant review can delay future payments and can lead to suspension or lapsing if continued eligibility cannot be confirmed.

Common SASSA Problems and Where to Go

Grant status not clear

Use How to Check Your SASSA Grant Status .

SRD application declined

Read SASSA SRD Status Declined and check whether an appeal is appropriate.

Need to appeal an SRD decision

Use the SRD appeal guide .

Need to change SRD banking details

See How to Change SASSA R370 Banking Details .

Changed your cellphone number

Use SASSA Change Phone Number for the available update process.

General SRD problem

See SASSA SRD R370 Troubleshooting .

Which SASSA Guide Should You Read?

Your situation Guide
You are aged 60 or older Older Persons Grant
You are caring for a child and need basic financial assistance Child Support Grant
You care for a child with a severe disability Care Dependency Grant
A child was legally placed in your foster care Foster Child Grant
A disability prevents you from working Disability Grant
You receive an adult grant and require full-time care Grant-in-Aid
You are applying for the temporary R370 provision SRD R370 Application
Your SRD payment details need changing SRD Banking Details
Your SRD application was declined SRD Appeal
You still use a SASSA Gold Card Postbank Black Card Migration
More SASSA information

Browse the SASSA category for individual grant applications, SRD help, payment information, status checks and beneficiary updates.

SASSA Grant Questions

What are the main SASSA grants?

The main grants include the Older Persons Grant, Disability Grant, Child Support Grant, Foster Child Grant, Care Dependency Grant, War Veterans Grant and Grant-in-Aid. SASSA also administers the temporary COVID-19 SRD R370 provision.

How much is the SASSA Older Persons Grant in 2026?

The current maximum is R2,400 per month for a qualifying beneficiary aged 60 to 74. A qualifying beneficiary aged 75 or older currently receives a maximum of R2,420.

How much is the SASSA Disability Grant?

The current maximum Disability Grant is R2,400 per month, subject to the applicable eligibility and means-test requirements.

How much is the Child Support Grant?

The current Child Support Grant is R580 per month per qualifying child.

How much is the Foster Child Grant?

The Foster Child Grant is R1,290 per month in August 2026. The 2026 Budget provides for it to increase to R1,300 from October 2026.

How much is the Care Dependency Grant?

The current Care Dependency Grant is R2,400 per month for a qualifying child requiring permanent or full-time special care.

How much is Grant-in-Aid?

The current Grant-in-Aid amount is R580 per month. It is additional support for a qualifying Older Persons, Disability or War Veterans Grant beneficiary who needs regular full-time care.

Is the SASSA SRD grant still R370?

Yes. The current COVID-19 SRD provision remains R370 per month for successful applicants and has been extended through 31 March 2027.

Has Basic Income Support replaced the SRD R370?

No. A permanent Basic Income Support Grant has not yet replaced the SRD R370. The current SRD provision remains in effect through March 2027.

Can I apply for SASSA online?

SASSA operates an online Services Portal for supported standard grant services. Applicants can also use SASSA offices. The SRD R370 uses its separate official electronic application system.

Do all SASSA grants use the same means test?

No. Financial eligibility rules and thresholds differ according to the grant. The Foster Child Grant is not assessed through the same normal means-test structure as the other standard grants.

When are SASSA payments made?

Regular grants are paid according to SASSA’s published monthly calendar, normally beginning with Older Persons, followed by Disability and then Children’s Grants. SRD R370 payments do not use the same three-day calendar.

Can I leave my SASSA money in my bank account after payment day?

Yes. You do not have to withdraw the full grant on the first payment day once the money has been deposited into your account.

When does the SASSA Gold Card stop working?

Postbank has set 31 August 2026 as the final migration deadline for remaining SASSA Gold Card users. Beneficiaries who still use the Gold Card should complete the migration to the Postbank Black Card.

What happens if SASSA rejects my normal social grant application?

SASSA should provide the reason for the unsuccessful decision. Government grant guidance generally allows an appeal to the Department of Social Development within 90 days after notification.

How do SRD R370 appeals work?

SRD appeals are lodged with the Independent Tribunal for Social Assistance Appeals. An appeal is required for each declined month that the applicant disputes.

Can SASSA review a grant after it has been approved?

Yes. SASSA can review grants to confirm continued eligibility and can request updated financial, banking, medical or personal information.

What should I do if SASSA asks me to attend a grant review?

Follow the official request and provide the information relevant to the review. Ignoring a legitimate review request can delay future payments or affect continued eligibility.

SASSA Help and Contact Details

Need help with a grant?

Use official SASSA channels for grant applications and beneficiary information. For an SRD appeal, use the Department of Social Development’s Independent Tribunal process rather than paying a third party to lodge an appeal.

SASSA Toll-Free 0800 60 10 11
Grant Enquiries [email protected]
SRD Website srd.sassa.gov.za
SASSA Services services.sassa.gov.za
Postbank Card Help 0800 53 54 55
SRD WhatsApp 082 046 8553

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