The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) provides vital financial support to millions of South Africans through various grants, including the Old Age Pension, Child Support Grant, Disability Grant, and Social Relief of Distress (SRD) Grant (R370 Grant).

If you’re in need of assistance, applying for a SASSA grant is straightforward, whether you do so in person, through a representative, or by requesting a home visit.

This guide will walk you through the steps, required documents, and what to expect during the application process.

If you would like to apply for the SRD grant, visit the SRD Grant application page.

Please note the following before you apply:

• Make sure you have a cell phone (which will be used for verification of your account) and an email address (where you will receive notifications from SASSA).
• If you are unable to apply yourself (due to sickness, old age or illiteracy), you may have someone you trust apply on your behalf – this person is called a Procurator.
• If you are a Procurator and assist numerous people with their SASSA grant applications, you will only need 1 SASSA Services account to manage all the grants.

To apply for a SASSA grant online, follow these steps:
1) Visit the SASSA services website on any device with internet connectivity (cellphone, tablet, laptop, desktop computer).

2) Register as a new user on the SASSA services website, by clicking the yellow “Register” button on the home page. You will be required to provide the following personal information:

• Your citizenship (South African citizen/ permanent resident/ refugee)
• Your ID number
• Your ID document type (ID document/ temporary ID)
• Confirm your ID number
• Your title (Mr/ Mrs/ Miss)
• Your surname
• Your full name
• Your email address
• Your chosen password (must be at least 8 characters, containing at least 1 of the following: uppercase or lowercase letters, numbers, symbols or special characters) (must not be a common word or name, or a close variation)
• Confirm your chosen password
• Your cellphone number (your 10 digit South African cellphone number, starting with 0)

3) Click the button to receive your One-Time-Pin (OTP), which will be sent to the cellphone number you are applying with. Now enter the OTP to confirm your registration.

4) Log in to the SASSA services website using your username and password.

5) Click on “Apply for a Grant” and then select the type of grant you wish to apply for.

6) Fill in the grant application form by providing all the required information.

7) Print the SASSA generated affidavit and have it certified by a commissioner of oaths. Print, sign and submit the Bank Payment Form with your affidavit.

8) Upload the following certified supporting documents in PDF format:

Child Support Grant applicants:

• A copy of the applicants ID document
• A copy of the spouses ID document (if applicable)
• Proof of martial status: marriage certificate (if applicable)
• Proof of banking details: letter from the bank with the applicants banking details and name
• Proof of income (if applicable)
• SASSA generated affidavit

Foster Child Grant applicants:

• A copy of the applicants ID document
• A copy of the spouses ID document (if applicable)
• Proof of martial status: marriage certificate (if applicable)
• Proof of banking details: letter from the bank with the applicants banking details and name
• Proof of income (if applicable)
• SASSA generated affidavit

Older Persons Grant applicants:

• A copy of the applicants ID document
• A copy of the spouses ID document (if applicable)
• Proof of martial status: marriage certificate (if applicable)
• Proof of banking details: letter from the bank with the applicants banking details and name
• Proof of income (if applicable)
• SASSA generated affidavit

If you are too old or too sick to apply for the grant at the office you may have a friend or family member apply on your behalf by way of power of attorney.

You can also arrange for a home visit, although you may wait a while for this.

The application forms must be completed in the presence of a SASSA officer. When you hand in your application you will be given a receipt as proof of application – do not lose it.

The application is free. You will receive written notification if your application is denied. You have the right to ask for reconsideration and you can also lodge an appeal within 90 days.

Applicants must provide proof of identity. If you do not have a 13-digit barcoded Identity Book or birth certificate for children, you may provide alternative documentation as proof of identity.

Contact your nearest SASSA office to find out which alternative documents are accepted.

Other documents required for application: If married, provide the ID of your spouse and proof of spousal relationship (marriage certificate, divorce order, a sworn statement, or spouse’s death certificate). Sworn statement or affidavit stating the income and assets of yourself and your spouse. Supporting documents to prove your income and assets. You must also provide proof of the income of dependent children.

The application process takes up to 90 days and your first payment will include back-pay for the time you wait to receive the grant. This is calculated from the first day of application.

Note: When affidavits are required, SASSA will provide the affidavits to be completed.

Your SASSA card

If your grant application is successful you will receive a SASSA card and a bank account where your money will be deposited each month. This card is associated with MasterCard and can be used as a debit card and you can either use it to make purchases, check your balance or withdraw cash at till points wherever MasterCard is accepted without incurring any transaction costs.

You can also withdraw money with your card at ATMs, but you will be charged transaction charges. You and other people can also deposit money into this account.

Also read: A guide to understanding the different SASSA social grants

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