The Ultimate Guide to SASSA Grants

Your comprehensive resource for understanding South Africa’s social grants.

The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) program is designed to help alleviate poverty and support those unable to sustain themselves due to age, disability, or other circumstances. This ultimate guide is dedicated to ensuring you have all the information you need to apply for, check the status of, and receive your social grants. We know you are looking for details on the Older Person’s Grant, the Child Support Grant, or the SRD R370 grant, and our mission is to provide you with a clear path to accessing them.

Our site is your trusted resource for up to date information, application processes, and payment dates. We provide comprehensive, easy-to-understand content to empower citizens across South Africa to access the financial support they are entitled to.

A stylized illustration of a family in South Africa, symbolizing the support provided by SASSA grants.

Table of Contents

General Eligibility Criteria for Most SASSA Grants

Eligibility for SASSA (South African Social Security Agency) grants varies significantly depending on the specific type of grant you are applying for. In this we are just covering general eligibility criteria that applying for most sassa grant. In other words sassa eligibility depend on different grant type like older person grant, Disability Grant and Child Support Grant. So for the details of all these check out this article on Types of Social Grants Offered by SASSA.

Citizenship and Residency: You must be a South African citizen, a permanent resident, or a refugee residing in South Africa. It is applying on all type of grants.

Means Test: Almost every grant is subject to a means test. This is a financial assessment to determine if your income or assets fall below a certain threshold. The specific income and asset limits vary for each grant and are regularly adjusted. Use our latest tool of mean test which can tell you that you are eligible for the sassa grants or ineligible.

Check Means Test Eligibility

Not Receiving Another Grant: You cannot be a recipient of any other social grant for yourself. It means you can get only one grant at a time.

Not in a State Institution: You generally cannot be cared for in a state-funded institution (like a government old age home, prison, or psychiatric hospital) because this support is already provided by the state.

Eligibility for Specific SASSA Grants

These are some important rules for the specific eligibility criteria for some of the most common grants:

Older Person’s Grant

  • Age: You must be 60 years or older.

Disability Grant

  • Age: You must be between 18 and 59 years old.
  • Disability: You must have a physical or mental disability that makes you unfit to work for a period of at least six months. This must be confirmed by a medical report from a doctor appointed by the state.

Child Support Grant

  • Caregiver Status: You must be the primary caregiver of a child. This can be a parent, grandparent, or someone who is primarily responsible for the child.
  • Child’s Age: The child must be under the age of 18.

Social Relief of Distress (SRD) Grant

  • Age: You must be between 18 and 60 years old.
  • Income Status: You must be unemployed and have no other source of income, including other SASSA grants, UIF benefits, or NSFAS stipends.

Check your eligibility for the specific sassa grant by trying our special tool.

Check Specific Grant Eligibility

Application Process for SASSA Grants

The application process for SASSA grants is a simple and easy for the people of South Africa. It is designed to be accessible and is generally free of charge. Here is a step by step guide to the application process, with a focus on what to expect.

1. Preparation and Documentation

Before you begin the application, it’s essential to gather all the necessary documents. The specific documents required may vary depending on the grant you are applying for, but a general list includes:

  • Your 13-digit bar-coded ID book.
  • The child’s birth certificate or ID (for Child Support or Foster Child Grants).
  • Proof of marital status (e.g., marriage certificate, divorce decree, or death certificate of spouse).
  • Proof of residence.
  • Proof of income and assets, including bank statements from the last three months, pension slips, or proof of private pension.
  • Medical report (for Disability or Care Dependency Grants), which must not be older than three months.

Note: If you do not have an ID, you will need to provide a sworn statement from a reputable person who knows you, such as a councillor, social worker, or priest. SASSA officials can also assist with this process.

2. Where to Apply

The traditional and most common way to apply for a grant is by visiting your nearest SASSA office or a designated local service point.

  • Older Person’s Grant: You can apply at any SASSA office.
  • Disability Grant: You must apply in person at a SASSA office to be referred for a medical assessment.
  • Child Support Grant: You can apply at a SASSA office or service point.
  • SRD R350 Grant: This grant has a dedicated online application portal and is not applied for at a SASSA office.

3. The Application Steps

The application process at a SASSA office is typically divided into a few key stages:

  • Application Form: You will be required to fill out an application form in the presence of a SASSA officer. The officer can assist you for this.
  • Interview: A SASSA officer will conduct a brief interview to verify your details and confirm your eligibility.
  • Fingerprints: Your fingerprints will be taken as part of the verification process.
  • Document Submission: You must hand over all your supporting documents for verification.
  • Medical Assessment: If you are applying for a Disability Grant, you will be sent to a state appointed or contracted doctor for a free medical examination. The doctor report is crucial for the application.
  • Receipt: Once the application is complete, you will receive a dated receipt. It is vital to keep this receipt safe as it is your only proof of application.

4. Application Outcome

  • Processing Time: After the submission, it can take up to three months for the application to be processed and a decision to be made.
  • Notification: SASSA will notify you in writing of the outcome of your application, whether it has been approved or rejected.
  • Payments: If your application is approved, payments will be backdated to the date you submitted your application.

5. What to Do if Your Application is Rejected

If your application is rejected, SASSA will provide a letter explaining the reason. You have the right to appeal this decision. You must lodge an appeal with the Minister of Social Development within 90 days of receiving the rejection letter.

Online Application for the SRD Grant

The application process for the Social Relief of Distress (SRD) R350 grant is entirely online. This is a separate process from the other grants.

  • You apply on the official SASSA SRD website.
  • You will need to provide your ID number, phone number, and banking details.
  • The system performs an automatic check with various government databases to determine your eligibility.
  • There is no in-person application for this grant.

Payment Methods and Schedules

The SASSA payment system is designed to provide grant money to beneficiaries in a safe, efficient, and reliable manner. The agency uses a phased approach and multiple payment channels to ensure grants are disbursed on time each month.

Main Payment Methods

Beneficiaries can choose from a few different ways to receive their grant money. The method is selected during the application process and can be changed later.

  • Direct Bank Deposit: This is the most popular and recommended method. The grant is paid directly into a personal bank account or a Postbank account.
    • Benefits: It’s the safest and most convenient option. Funds are accessible immediately upon payment and can be used for debit card purchases or ATM withdrawals.
    • Important: While the SASSA card is a type of bank card, beneficiaries can also use their own personal bank account from any commercial bank.
  • Cash Payments at Retailers: This is the most common way for beneficiaries to receive cash payments. The SASSA card can be used to withdraw cash at the tills of major retail partners like:
    • Shoprite
    • Checkers
    • Usave
    • Pick n Pay
    • Boxer
    • Spar
  • Mobile Money Transfers: For some grants, particularly the SRD R350 grant, mobile money transfers are a payment option. This allows beneficiaries to receive funds directly to their mobile wallet, which can be accessed without a traditional bank account.

Payment Schedules

SASSA follows a consistent monthly payment schedule to avoid overcrowding and ensure a smooth process. The payment dates are staggered based on the type of grant.

  • Older Person’s Grant: Payments are typically made first, usually on the first or second working day of the month.
  • Disability Grant: Payments are usually disbursed on the day after the Older Person’s Grant.
  • Other Grants: All other grants, including the Child Support Grant and Foster Child Grant, are paid on the day after the Disability Grant.

Important Notes on Payment Dates: If a payment date falls on a weekend or public holiday, the payment is moved to the preceding or following working day. There is no need to rush to the payment points on the first day; the money will remain in your account or be available for collection until you need it.

SRD R350 Grant: The payment schedule for the SRD grant is separate from the others. These payments are typically made from the middle to the end of the month after the applicant’s details have been verified for that month.

How to Change Your Payment Method

  • For SRD R350 Grant: You can change your banking details online through the official SASSA SRD website. This is a simple and quick process.
  • For Other Grants: You must visit a SASSA office in person to change your payment details. You will need to complete a form and provide the necessary documents, such as your ID and proof of your new bank account (e.g., a bank statement).

Recent Updates and Changes in 2025

Navigating the SASSA program requires staying informed about the latest developments, as the agency periodically implements changes to improve service delivery, combat fraud, and adjust to economic conditions. Here are some of the key updates and changes for 2025.

1. Grant Increases and Payment Adjustments

In 2025, there have been several adjustments to the grant amounts to help beneficiaries cope with the rising cost of living and inflation. Here are the announced increases for 2025:

  • Older Person’s, Disability, and War Veteran’s Grants: These grants have been increased to R2,315 per month.
  • Child Support Grant: The Child Support Grant has been increased to R560 per child per month.
  • Foster Child Grant: This grant has been increased to R1,250 per month.
  • SRD R350 Grant: The Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant has seen a slight increase to R370 per month.

2. Stricter Verification and Biometric Enrolment

To enhance security and prevent fraudulent activities, SASSA is implementing a stricter verification process for a number of grants.

  • Biometric Verification: Effective from May 2025, new and existing clients who use alternative forms of identification (not the standard 13-digit ID) will be required to undergo a mandatory biometric enrolment and identity verification process.
  • Targeted Reviews: SASSA is conducting reviews of beneficiaries who may have undisclosed income. Grants may be temporarily delayed for those undergoing this review.

3. Changes to the SASSA Gold Card

Postbank has announced that the old SASSA gold cards will no longer be valid after a certain date. Beneficiaries who still have the old card are urged to exchange them for the new black card.

New Card Requirement: The deadline for exchanging the old SASSA gold card was extended to March 20, 2025.

4. SRD Grant Extension

The Social Relief of Distress (SRD) R350 grant has been extended to at least March 2026. The monthly means test for the SRD grant is now R624, meaning an applicant’s bank balance and incoming funds cannot exceed this amount in any given month.

5. New Payment Schedules

SASSA continues its staggered payment schedule. For the month of September 2025, the schedule is as follows:

  • Older Person’s Grants: Paid on the second working day of the month.
  • Disability Grants: Paid on the third working day of the month.
  • All Other Grants: Paid on the fourth working day of the month.

Contact Information and Resources

When dealing with a large government agency like SASSA, having the right contact information and knowing which channels to use is essential.

Primary Contact Channels

  • Toll-Free Helpline:

    Number: 0800 60 10 11

    Purpose: Use this number for questions about grant application status, payment dates, qualifying criteria, and to report any suspected fraud or corruption.

  • Official Websites:
  • SASSA’s Official WhatsApp Number:

    Number: 082 046 8553

    How to Use: Save the number and send “SASSA” or “Status” in a message to begin the automated process.

  • Social Media:
    • Facebook: SASSA News
    • X (formerly Twitter): @OfficialSASSA