How to Apply for the 2025 SASSA Grant – Updated Rates and Eligibility Criteria

Published On: March 22, 2025

Getting financial help from the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) can be a game-changer for many. Whether you’re an elderly citizen, living with a disability, or caring for a child, SASSA grants offer vital monthly support. In 2025, the process remains fairly straightforward, but it’s important to keep up with the latest changes in payment amounts, requirements, and application steps. Let’s walk you through exactly how to apply, what documents you’ll need, and who qualifies for what.

Grants

Here’s a quick breakdown of the main grant types, their new monthly amounts for 2025, and basic eligibility:

Grant Type	2025 Amount	Key Eligibility Criteria
Older Person’s Grant	R2,210 (60–74 yrs) / R2,240 (75+)	South African, 60+ years, pass means test
Disability Grant	R2,210	Aged 18–59, permanently disabled, pass means test
Child Support Grant	R560	Primary caregiver of a child under 18, pass means test
Foster Child Grant	R1,130	Legal foster parent with court order
War Veteran’s Grant	R2,230	Served in WWII/Korean War, 60+ or disabled, pass means test
Care Dependency Grant	R2,210	Caregiver of severely disabled child under 18, pass means test

Each grant has its own rules, so knowing which one suits your situation is the first step.

Criteria

To qualify for the Older Person’s Grant, you must be 60 or older, live in South Africa legally, and meet a means test (meaning your income and assets must fall below a certain limit). You also can’t be staying in a state-funded institution like a care home or receive another social grant.

Disability

Applicants between 18 and 59 who are permanently disabled (verified by a medical exam) can apply. Like the pension grant, you must pass a means test and not live in a state institution.

Child

You must be the child’s main caregiver and both of you must legally reside in South Africa. The child must be under 18 and attending school if they’re old enough. You’ll also need to meet the income limits.

Foster

This one’s for legal foster parents only. If a court has legally placed a child in your care, you’re eligible. There’s no income test here.

Veteran

If you served in the Second World War or Korean War, and are either over 60 or disabled, this grant may be for you. Again, you’ll need to pass a means test.

Dependency

Caregivers of children with severe permanent disabilities can apply. The child must be under 18 and the applicant must meet income requirements.

Process

Before you apply, make sure you’ve got everything ready. Here’s what you’ll need:

South African ID or the child’s birth certificate
Proof of income (bank statements, payslips, or affidavit)
Proof of residence (like a utility bill or affidavit)
Medical assessment report (if needed)
Court order (for foster grants)

Office

Head to your nearest SASSA office. You can find your closest one at www.sassa.gov.za. If you can’t go in person for medical reasons, someone else can apply for you with a doctor’s letter.

Application

A SASSA official will help you fill out the form. Just be honest and double-check everything.

Receipt

Once you apply, you’ll get a receipt. Keep it! You’ll need it for checking up on your application or if something goes wrong.

Approval

Processing can take up to 90 days. If approved, your payment will be backdated to your application date. If your application is rejected, don’t worry—you can appeal.

SASSA grants are a lifeline for many South Africans. With the new 2025 updates, knowing the changes in amounts, eligibility, and process can help you or someone you care about access this support more easily. Get your documents in order, follow the steps, and don’t hesitate to ask for help at a SASSA office if you need it.