In 2025, South Africa continues to face high unemployment, rising food prices, and financial hardship for millions of citizens. As a result, many households rely on SASSA grants to survive. Whether you’re applying for the Old Age Pension, Disability Grant, Child Support Grant, or SRD R350, understanding the process is essential. This complete guide will walk you through how to apply for each SASSA grant, the eligibility requirements, the documents needed, and how to check your application status online.
If you’re a first-time applicant or helping someone else apply, this article will help you avoid mistakes and delays—and make sure you get the support you’re entitled to.
1. What is SASSA and Who Qualifies for a Grant?
SASSA (South African Social Security Agency) is a government agency responsible for distributing social assistance to eligible South African citizens, permanent residents, and refugees. Grants are intended to support people who are unable to provide for themselves due to age, disability, unemployment, or care responsibilities.
Types of SASSA Grants in 2025:
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Older Person’s Grant (Pension)
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Child Support Grant
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Foster Child Grant
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Disability Grant
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Care Dependency Grant
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War Veteran’s Grant
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Social Relief of Distress (SRD R350 Grant)
2. General Requirements to Apply for a SASSA Grant
While each grant has its own requirements, these are the general conditions:
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Must be a South African citizen, permanent resident, or registered refugee
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Must live in South Africa
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Must pass a means test (income/assets threshold)
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Must provide the correct documentation
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Cannot receive support from another government-funded program (except SRD)
3. Documents Required for All SASSA Grants
When applying, you’ll usually need the following documents:
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Valid South African ID (or birth certificate for children)
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Proof of income (payslip, UIF letter, or affidavit if unemployed)
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Bank statements (last 3 months)
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Medical assessment (for disability or care dependency grants)
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Proof of address
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SASSA affidavit (available at their offices)
4. How to Apply for the Older Person’s Grant (Pension)
Eligibility:
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Must be 60 years or older
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Not receiving another pension
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Must meet means test (earn less than R8,070/month if single)
How to Apply:
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Visit your nearest SASSA office
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Bring your ID, proof of residence, income, and banking details
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Application is done in person with the help of a SASSA official
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Application is free of charge
Payment Amount (as of July 2025):
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R2,180 (60–74 years)
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R2,200 (75 years and older)
5. How to Apply for the Child Support Grant
Eligibility:
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Child must be under 18
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Caregiver must be the child’s primary guardian
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Must meet income requirements (less than R4,000/month if single)
How to Apply:
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Visit a SASSA office with your and the child’s ID or birth certificate
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Proof of relationship to the child (clinic card or school letter)
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Submit bank details and proof of income
Payment Amount:
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R530 per child per month
6. How to Apply for the Foster Child Grant
Eligibility:
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Child must be officially placed in your care by a court order
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Grant continues until the child turns 18 (or 21 if still in school)
How to Apply:
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Submit certified court documents proving foster care
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Bring IDs, proof of residence, and income info
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Apply at your nearest SASSA office
Payment Amount:
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R1,180 per month
7. How to Apply for the Disability Grant
Eligibility:
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Aged 18 to 59
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Must undergo a SASSA medical assessment
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Must be unfit to work for 6 months or more
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Income must be below R86,280 annually (R7,190/month)
How to Apply:
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Visit a SASSA office
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Bring medical report (not older than 3 months), ID, proof of income, and bank details
Payment Amount:
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R2,180 per month
8. How to Apply for the Care Dependency Grant
Eligibility:
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You care for a child with a permanent, severe disability
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The child must be under 18 and need full-time support
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Must meet means test and provide medical assessment
How to Apply:
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Visit your local SASSA office
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Submit ID, child’s birth certificate, medical report, proof of income, and bank info
Payment Amount:
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R2,180 per month
9. How to Apply for the SRD R350 Grant (Social Relief of Distress)
Eligibility:
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Unemployed and not receiving any other income
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No UIF, NSFAS, or other government grants
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Must be 18–59 years old
How to Apply (Online Only):
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Visit https://srd.sassa.gov.za
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Submit your ID number, phone number, and banking details
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Confirm your consent and verify via SMS
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Use the WhatsApp line (082 046 8553) or GovChat app for updates
Payment Amount:
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R350/month paid into your bank or via Pick n Pay/Boxer
10. How to Track Your SASSA Application Status
Once you’ve applied, you can track your status by:
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Visiting https://srd.sassa.gov.za/sc19/status
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Using your ID and mobile number to check results
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Receiving SMS updates from SASSA if application is approved or needs more info
Tip: Always keep your cellphone number active—SASSA uses it for all communication.
Important: What If Your Application is Declined?
If SASSA rejects your application:
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You have the right to appeal within 90 days
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For SRD R350, use the online appeal portal
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For other grants, request a reconsideration form at your local office
Final Tips to Ensure Your Application is Successful
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Always submit certified documents (not older than 3 months)
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Double-check banking details—errors cause payment delays
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Ask for a receipt or reference number during submission
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Never pay anyone to “fast-track” your application—it’s free!
