The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) provides financial assistance to millions of citizens through various grants. These grants are designed to support different groups, including the elderly, children, and people with disabilities. In 2025, SASSA offers eight key grants, each with specific eligibility criteria and benefits.
If you’re unsure whether you or a loved one qualifies, this guide will help you know the different grants, their amounts, and how to apply.
Overview of SASSA Grants
| Grant Type | Monthly Amount (2025) | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|
| Old Age Grant | R2,190 – R2,210 | 60+ years, means-tested |
| Disability Grant | R2,190 | 18-59 years, medical assessment required |
| Child Support Grant | R530 – R800 | Child under 18, primary caregiver |
| Foster Child Grant | R1,180 | Court-appointed foster care |
| Care Dependency Grant | R2,190 | Child under 18 with severe disability |
| War Veterans Grant | R2,210 | 60+ years, served in WW2/Korean War |
| Grant-in-Aid | R530 | Additional support for existing grant holders |
| SRD Grant | R370 | Unemployed, no other income source |
SASSA Grants
SASSA grants are designed to assist individuals and families who face financial hardships. Each grant has different eligibility requirements and is meant to provide essential support for daily living expenses.
Means Testing
Some SASSA grants require a means test, which checks an applicant’s income and assets to determine whether they qualify. For example, the Old Age Grant and Disability Grant require applicants to prove that their earnings and property do not exceed a certain threshold.
Additional Benefits
Aside from financial aid, some SASSA grants come with extra benefits such as:
- Free healthcare at public clinics and hospitals
- Funeral benefits for grant recipients
- Exemptions from municipal services like water and electricity fees under indigent programs
Old Age Grant
This grant provides financial support to elderly citizens who are unable to earn an income.
Eligibility criteria:
- Must be 60 years or older
- Must be a South African citizen, permanent resident, or refugee
- Must not be receiving another social grant
- Must pass the means test
Monthly payment:
- Ages 60-74: R2,190
- Ages 75 and older: R2,210
How to apply:
- Visit the nearest SASSA office
- Bring a South African ID
- Provide proof of income, banking details, and residence
Disability Grant
This grant supports individuals who have a permanent or temporary disability that prevents them from working.
Eligibility criteria:
- Must be between 18 and 59 years old
- Must submit a medical report confirming disability
- Must pass the means test
Monthly payment:
- R2,190
Application process:
- Get a medical assessment from a certified health practitioner
- Submit the assessment and required documents to a SASSA office
Child Support Grant
This grant helps primary caregivers support children under 18 years old.
Eligibility criteria:
- Child must be under 18 years old
- Caregiver must meet the income threshold
- Both child and caregiver must be South African citizens
Monthly payment:
- Standard grant: R530 per child
- Orphan top-up: R800 per child
Important note:
- Caregivers must ensure that children attend school and receive healthcare
Foster Child Grant
This grant provides financial assistance to caregivers of court-placed foster children.
Eligibility criteria:
- Child must be placed in foster care by a court order
- Foster parent must be a South African citizen
Monthly payment:
- R1,180 per child
How to apply:
- Submit a court order and child’s birth certificate at a SASSA office
Care Dependency Grant
This grant is for caregivers of children under 18 years old with severe disabilities.
Eligibility criteria:
- Child must have a severe disability requiring full-time care
- Medical assessment required
- Must pass the means test
Monthly payment:
- R2,190 per child
War Veterans Grant
This grant is available to war veterans who served in World War II or the Korean War.
Eligibility criteria:
- Must be 60 years or older
- Must have served in WW2 or the Korean War
- Must pass the means test
Monthly payment:
- R2,210
Grant-in-Aid
This grant provides extra financial support for existing grant recipients who need full-time care.
Eligibility criteria:
- Must already receive a SASSA grant
- Must require permanent care due to illness or disability
Monthly payment:
- R530
Social Relief of Distress (SRD) Grant
This temporary grant assists unemployed individuals who have no other source of income.
Eligibility criteria:
- Must be unemployed and not receiving any other grant
- Must be a South African citizen, refugee, or permanent resident
Monthly payment:
- R370
How to apply:
- Applications are processed online via the SASSA website
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Many applicants face delays or rejections due to errors in their applications. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:
- Failing to update SASSA on income or household changes
- Providing incorrect or missing documents
- Not checking eligibility requirements before applying
SASSA grants offer essential support to millions of South Africans. By knowing the different types of grants, eligibility criteria, and application processes, you can ensure you or your loved ones receive the necessary assistance.
FAQs
How much is the Old Age Grant in 2025?
R2,190 for ages 60-74 and R2,210 for ages 75+.
Who qualifies for the Child Support Grant?
Primary caregivers of children under 18 who meet income requirements.
Can I apply for a SASSA grant online?
Only the SRD grant can be applied for online. Others require in-person applications.
What is the means test for SASSA grants?
A test that checks income and assets to determine eligibility.
When will SASSA payments be made in 2025?
Payments are usually made at the beginning of each month.
