In South Africa, many people rely on government support through various grants to meet their basic needs. The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) manages these grants to help eligible citizens, permanent residents, and refugees. This article provides a clear explanation of the different SASSA grants available in 2025, who can apply for them, and how to do so.
What is SASSA?
SASSA stands for the South African Social Security Agency. It’s a government organization responsible for providing social assistance to vulnerable South Africans. Through various grants, SASSA aims to reduce poverty and support those who cannot support themselves financially.
Overview of SASSA Grants in 2025
Below is a summary of the main SASSA grants available in 2025:
| Grant Type | Monthly Amount (2025) | Basic Eligibility |
|---|---|---|
| Old Age Grant | R2,090 | South African citizens/permanent residents, 60+ years, meet income/asset requirements |
| Disability Grant | R2,090 | Ages 18-59, medically confirmed disability, meet income/asset requirements |
| Child Support Grant | R500 (R510 from Oct 2025) | Primary caregivers of children under 18, meet income requirements |
| Foster Child Grant | R1,130 | Court-placed foster children under 18 |
| Care Dependency Grant | R2,090 | Caregivers of children under 18 requiring permanent care due to disability |
| Grant-in-Aid | R510 | Additional support for recipients of certain grants who need full-time care |
| War Veterans Grant | R2,110 | 60+ or disabled veterans of World War II or Korean War |
| Social Relief of Distress | R350 | Temporary relief for those in immediate need |
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Now, let’s look at each grant in more detail.
Old Age Grant (Pension)
The Old Age Grant helps older South Africans who cannot financially support themselves.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Be 60 years or older
- Be a South African citizen, permanent resident, or refugee
- Live in South Africa
- Not being cared for in a state institution
- Meet the means test requirements
Income and Asset Thresholds:
| Status | Annual Income Limit | Asset Value Limit |
|---|---|---|
| Single person | R86,280 | R1,227,600 |
| Married couple | R172,560 | R2,455,200 |
Required Documents:
- South African ID or valid permit
- Proof of residence
- Proof of income and assets
- Marriage certificate or divorce papers (if applicable)
Disability Grant
This grant supports adults with disabilities who cannot work and earn a living.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Be between 18 and 59 years old
- Be a South African citizen, permanent resident, or refugee
- Live in South Africa
- Have a medical assessment confirming disability
- Not being cared for in a state institution
- Meet the means test requirements
Required Documents:
- South African ID or valid permit
- Medical assessment report (not older than three months)
- Proof of residence
- Proof of income and assets
Child Support Grant
This grant helps caregivers meet the basic needs of children under their care.
Eligibility Requirements:
- The child must be under 18 years old
- The applicant must be the primary caregiver
- Both must be South African citizens, permanent residents, or refugees
- They must live in South Africa
- Meet income requirements
Income Thresholds:
- Single caregivers: Less than R60,000 per year
- Married caregivers: Less than R120,000 combined income per year
Required Documents:
- Applicant’s ID
- Child’s birth certificate
- Proof of residence
- Proof of income
- Proof of marital status (if applicable)
Foster Child Grant
This grant supports those who have legally taken in foster children.
Eligibility Requirements:
- The child must be under 18 years
- The child must be placed in foster care by a court order
- The child must be a South African citizen, permanent resident, or refugee
Required Documents:
- Applicant’s ID
- Child’s birth certificate
- Court order confirming foster care status
- Proof of residence
Care Dependency Grant
This grant helps caregivers of children with severe disabilities requiring full-time special care.
Eligibility Requirements:
- The child must be under 18 years old
- The child requires permanent care due to disability
- Both applicant and child must be South African citizens, permanent residents, or refugees
- The child must not be permanently cared for in a state institution
- Meet the means test requirements
Required Documents:
- Applicant’s ID
- Child’s birth certificate
- Medical assessment report
- Proof of income and residence
Grant-in-Aid
This is an additional grant for people who are already receiving certain SASSA grants and need full-time care.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Already receive an Old Age Grant, Disability Grant, or War Veterans Grant
- Require full-time care due to physical or mental disability
- Have a medical assessment confirming the need for full-time care
Required Documents:
- ID document
- Medical assessment confirming the need for full-time care
- Confirmation of primary grant receipt
War Veterans Grant
This grant supports older people who served in specific wars and cannot support themselves financially.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Be 60 years or older or disabled
- Have fought in World War II or the Korean War
- Be a South African citizen or permanent resident
- Live in South Africa
- Meet the means test requirements
Required Documents:
- South African ID
- Proof of military service
- Proof of residence
- Proof of income and assets
Social Relief of Distress Grant (SRD)
This temporary grant helps those facing immediate financial hardship.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Be a South African citizen, permanent resident, or refugee
- Be unemployed
- Not receive income from any other source
- Not receive any other social grant
Required Documents:
- South African ID
- Contact details (cell phone number)
- Banking or mobile money account details
How to Apply for SASSA Grants
- In-person application: Visit your nearest SASSA office with all required documents.
- Online application: Some grants (like SRD and Child Support) allow online applications through the SASSA website or dedicated portals.
General Application Process:
- Prepare all necessary documents
- Complete the application form
- Submit your application and documents
- Undergo an interview with a SASSA official
- Receive notification of the outcome
Important Tips
- Keep your contact information updated with SASSA
- Report any changes in your circumstances that might affect your eligibility
- Always bring original documents when applying in person
- The application process is free – don’t pay anyone to help you apply
- If your application is rejected, you have the right to appeal
By understanding these grants and their requirements, South Africans in need can access the financial support available to them through SASSA. Remember that all applications are assessed individually, and meeting the basic requirements does not automatically guarantee approval.
