Types of SASSA Grants in South Africa – Easy Guide 2026
If you are confused about the types of SASSA grants, don’t worry, you are not alone. The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) provides different grants to help people and families who need financial support. This simple guide explains each type of SASSA grant, who can apply, and what help it offers.
Types of SASSA Grants in South Africa
SASSA grants are designed to reduce poverty and help people meet their basic needs. Below is a simple explanation of each available grant.
1. Older Person’s Grant
This grant is for senior citizens and is also called the old-age pension. It helps elderly people cover daily living costs.
Who can apply?
- Must be 60 years or older
- Must be a South African citizen, permanent resident, or refugee
- Must live in South Africa
- Must not receive another social grant
- Must pass the means test (income and assets check)
- Must not live in a state-funded institution
2. Child Support Grant
This grant helps parents or caregivers support children with basic needs such as food, clothing, and education.
Who can apply?
- The caregiver must be a South African citizen, permanent resident, or refugee
- Both the child and caregiver must live in South Africa
- The child must be under 18 years old
- The caregiver must pass the means test
- You cannot apply for more than six non-biological children
- The child must not be in a state institution
3. Foster Child Grant
This grant supports foster parents who care for children placed with them by a court.
Who can apply?
- Foster parent must be a South African citizen, permanent resident, or refugee
- Both the foster parent and child must live in South Africa
- The child must be legally placed in foster care
- The child must remain in foster care during the grant period
4. Disability Grant
This grant provides financial help to adults who are unable to work due to a disability.
Who can apply?
- Must be 18 to 59 years old
- Must be a South African citizen, permanent resident, or refugee
- Must live in South Africa
- Must provide a medical report confirming the disability
- The medical report must be less than 3 months old
- Must pass the means test
- Must not receive another social grant
5. Care Dependency Grant
This grant helps parents or caregivers of children with severe disabilities who need full-time care.
Who can apply?
- Applicant must be a South African citizen, permanent resident, or refugee
- The child must be under 18 years old
- Both must live in South Africa
- Medical proof of severe disability is required
- Must pass the means test (foster parents excluded)
- The child must not live in a state institution
6. Grant-in-Aid
This is an extra grant for people who already receive another SASSA grant and need full-time help from another person.
Who can apply?
- Must already receive an Older Person’s, Disability, or War Veteran’s Grant
- Must need daily assistance due to physical or mental condition
- Must not live in a state-subsidized institution
Note: This grant cannot be received on its own.
7. SRD (Social Relief of Distress) Grant
The SRD grant (currently R370) provides temporary help to unemployed individuals with no income.
Who can apply?
- South African citizens, permanent residents, or refugees
- Must be unemployed
- Must not receive other grants, UIF, or NSFAS
- Must have little or no income
8. War Veterans Grant
This grant is for veterans who served in World War II or the Korean War.
Who can apply?
- Must be a war veteran
- Must be 60 years or older, or disabled
- Must not receive another social grant
9. NSFAS (Education Support)
NSFAS helps students from low-income households pay for higher education.
Who can apply?
- South African students from poor or working-class families
- Students studying at public universities or TVET colleges
- Must meet academic requirements
How to Apply for a SASSA Grant
Online Application
- Visit the SASSA services website
- Register as a new user
- Enter your ID number and contact details
- Create a password and log in
- Select the grant you want to apply for
- Fill in the application form
- Upload required documents
In-Person Application
- Visit your nearest SASSA office
- Collect an application form
- Complete the form
- Attach required documents
- Submit to a SASSA official
FAQs About SASSA Grants
What documents are required?
Usually, you need your ID, proof of income, bank details, and medical reports (if required).
Can non-South Africans apply?
Yes, permanent residents and refugees may qualify.
How often are grants paid?
Most SASSA grants are paid monthly.
Conclusion
SASSA grants provide important financial support to millions of people in South Africa. Whether you are elderly, disabled, unemployed, or caring for a child, there is a grant that may help you. Understanding each grant and its requirements makes the application process easier. If your application is declined, you can submit an appeal. For updates and status checks, visit our homepage.
