Understanding all the SASSA grants in South Africa

South Africa Social Security Aid (SASSA) grants are a lifeline for millions of South Africans facing economic and social challenges.

Here’s a detailed breakdown of all the different SASSA grants available in South Africa

1. Older Persons Grant (Old Age Pension)

This grant is given to people over the age of 60 to see them through their old age.

Who qualifies?

• South African citizens, permanent residents, or refugees
• Aged 60 years or older
• Not receiving another social grant for themselves
• Pass the means test (limited income and assets)

Amount (2025):

• Approximately R2,180 per month for those under 75
• R2,200 per month for those over 75

2. Disability Grant

This grant is given to people with a physical or mental disability which makes the person unfit to work for a period of longer than six months,

Who qualifies?

• Aged 18 to 59 years
• Medically certified as disabled and unable to work for more than six months
• South African citizens, permanent residents, or refugees
• Must pass the means test

Amount:

• About R2,180 per month

3. Child Support Grant

This grant is given to needy parents to help them look after and provide the basic necessities for their child.

Who qualifies?

• Caregivers of children under 18 years old
• Must be a South African citizen, permanent resident, or refugee
• Pass the means test

Amount:

• R530 per child per month (as of 2025)
• Can include a top-up (formerly Foster Child Grant top-up): R260 additional for orphans or vulnerable children

4. Foster Child Grant

A foster care grant is a monthly payment to foster parents for children placed in their care by a Children’s Court. This grant aims to provide for the basic needs of the child, such as food, clothing, and education, while they are in foster care.

Who qualifies?

• Children legally placed in foster care by a court
• The foster parent(s) must be South African citizens, permanent residents, or refugees

Amount:

• R1,180 per child per month

This grant continues until the child turns 18, or up to 21 if still in school.

5. Care Dependency Grant

This grant is intended to provide financial support to caregivers of children with severe disabilities who require full-time care.  The grant aims to assist caregivers with the costs associated with providing this level of care.

Who qualifies?

• Parents or caregivers of children with severe permanent disabilities
• The child must be under 18 years old
• Must pass both the medical assessment and the means test

Amount:

• R2,180 per child per month

6. Grant-in-Aid

This grant provides financial support to individuals who give full-time care to another person who is unable to care for themselves due to a disability. It is not a standalone grant but rather given in addition to the disability or war veteran’s grant.

Who qualifies?

• People already receiving an Older Persons, Disability, or War Veterans Grant
• Require full-time care from someone else due to a physical or mental condition

Amount:

• R510 per month (to assist with the cost of the caregiver)

7. War Veterans Grant

This grant is specifically for individuals who served in World War II or the Korean War. It provides monthly financial assistance to eligible veterans to help them meet their basic needs.

Who qualifies?

• South African citizens who served in the Second World War (1939–1945) or the Korean War (1950–1953)
• Aged 60+ years or disabled
• Must pass the means test

Amount:

• R2,200 per month

8. Social Relief of Distress (SRD) Grant – R370

This grant is intended for persons in such dire material need that they are unable to meet their families’ most basic needs. It is given whilst waiting for the other grants, such as the child care grant to be finalised.

Who qualifies?

• South Africans (including asylum seekers and special permit holders) aged 18–59
• Unemployed, not receiving any income or other social grants (except child grants)
• Not receiving UIF or NSFAS

Amount (2025):

• R370 per month
• This grant was introduced as a temporary COVID-19 relief but has continued due to ongoing need. It must be reapplied for monthly or confirmed via the SASSA platform.

Need Help Applying?

You can apply online at https://services.sassa.gov.za or visit your nearest SASSA office with the required documentation.

For updates, use the SASSA WhatsApp line (082 046 8553) or call the toll-free number 0800 60 10 11.

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