Understanding SASSA Grant Types: How Much Does SASSA Pay Per Grant?

A list of the SASSA grant types and how they’re designed to help different people in South Africa.

Poverty is real and below you’ll understand how these grants offer financial relief to those that need it the most in the country.

Let’s get started.

Child Support Grant

The Child Support Grant is a social assistance program run by the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) aimed at providing financial assistance to primary caregivers of children under a specific age limit, usually 18 years.

The grant aims to address child poverty and to ensure that children grow up in an environment where their basic needs are met.

Eligibility Criteria:

1. The caregiver must be a South African citizen, permanent resident, or refugee.
2. The child or children in question must be 18 years of age or younger.
3. The caregiver must meet specific income or means tests to prove that they require financial assistance.
4. The child must reside in the same household as the caregiver.

Application Process:

1. Caregivers can apply at their nearest SASSA office.
2. Necessary documents include identity documents of the caregiver and the child, birth certificate of the child, proof of income, and proof of address.
3. SASSA will process the application, and if approved, the grant will be paid monthly to the caregiver.

Benefit Details:

• Grant Amount: R530 per month.
• Monthly financial assistance to help cover the child’s basic needs, such as food, clothing, and education.
• The amount received can vary based on the government’s annual budgetary allocations and adjustments.

Older Persons Grant

The Old Age Pension Grant is a financial assistance program targeted towards elderly individuals who are above a certain age (usually 60 years) and lack sufficient income or resources to sustain themselves.

Eligibility Criteria:

1. Must be a South African citizen, permanent resident, or refugee.
2. Must be 60 years of age or older.
3. Must meet specific income or means tests that demonstrate financial need.
4. Not receiving any other social grant for themselves.

Application Process:

1. Applications can be made at the nearest SASSA office or through approved online platforms.
2. Required documents include a valid identity document, proof of residence, and proof of income or a sworn statement of income.
3. Applications are reviewed by SASSA, and if approved, the grant will be disbursed monthly to the individual.

Benefit Details:

• Grant Amount: R2190 (60-74 years old) and R2210 (75+ years) per month
• A monthly financial grant to help cover the basic needs of the elderly, such as food, healthcare, and housing.
• The grant amount is reviewed periodically and may be adjusted based on the government’s budgetary considerations.

Foster Child Grant

This grant provides financial assistance to individuals who are legally fostering a child. It is intended to help cover the costs associated with the care of the foster child.

• Grant Amount: R1,180 per month, per child

Disability Grant

The Disability Grant is a form of financial assistance provided to individuals who have a permanent or temporary disability, making it challenging to find employment and sustain themselves financially.

Eligibility Criteria:

1. Must be a South African citizen, permanent resident, or refugee.
2. Must be between the ages of 18 and 59.
3. A medical assessment must confirm the disability, indicating that the individual is medically unfit to work due to a physical or mental disability.
4. Must meet the specific income or means tests indicating financial need.

Application Process:

1. Applicants can apply at a nearby SASSA office or approved online platforms.
2. Required documents include a valid identity document, medical assessment report, proof of residence, and proof of income or a sworn statement of income.
3. Applications are assessed by SASSA, and if approved, the grant will be paid monthly to the individual.

Benefit Details:

• Grant Amount: R2190 per month
• A monthly financial grant to assist with the living expenses of individuals with disabilities.
• The grant amount is subject to periodic review and may be adjusted based on governmental budgetary considerations.
• The grant can be temporary or permanent, depending on the nature of the disability.

War Veterans Grant

This grant is given to South African veterans who fought in the Second World War (1939–1945) or the Korean War (1950–1953). It is meant to provide financial support to these individuals.

• Grant Amount: R2,210 per month

The outlined SASSA grants payment amounts include the increase for October 2024.

Grant-in-Aid

• Grant Amount: R510 per month

Social Relief of Distress (SRD) Grant

The SRD grant is a temporary form of financial assistance given to individuals facing undue hardship or crises, such as during the COVID-19 pandemic or other extreme situations. The SRD grant was introduced as part of COVID-19 emergency measures and later extended.

• Grant Amount: R370 per month

How to Apply for SASSA Grants

To apply for any of the above grants, you must visit your nearest SASSA office or apply online.

The application process typically requires documentation such as South African IDs, proof of income (where applicable), medical assessments for disability-related grants, and other relevant paperwork depending on the grant.