You’re in the right place if you’re unsure if you or a loved one in South Africa is eligible for an SASSA grant. People in need can get financial aid from the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA), although not everyone is eligible. The many grants that are available are broken down in this guide along with the prerequisites for eligibility.
Types of SASSA Grants and Who Qualifies
Old Age Grant
This grant is for elderly South Africans who need financial support in their retirement years. Eligibility Criteria:
- Must be a South African citizen, permanent resident, or refugee
- Must be 60 years or older
- Must not be receiving another social grant
- Must pass the means test (income and asset threshold)
Disability Grant
This grant assists individuals who have a permanent or temporary disability that prevents them from working.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Must be between 18 and 59 years old
- Must have a certified medical assessment confirming the disability
- Must pass the means test
Child Support Grant
This grant supports caregivers responsible for children in low-income households.
Eligibility Criteria:
- The caregiver must be a South African citizen, permanent resident, or refugee
- The child must be under 18 years old
- The caregiver and child must live in South Africa
- Must pass the means test
Foster Child Grant
This grant is for foster parents who care for children placed in their custody by the court.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Must have a valid court order proving foster care
- The child must remain in the foster care system
Care Dependency Grant
This grant supports caregivers of children with severe disabilities who need full-time care.
Eligibility Criteria:
- The child must be under 18 years old
- Must have a medical report confirming the disability
- Must pass the means test
War Veterans Grant
This grant assists veterans who served in World War II or the Korean War and need financial support. Eligibility Criteria:
- Must be 60 years or older or disabled
- Must have served in World War II or the Korean War
- Must pass the means test
Grant-in-Aid
This is an additional grant for individuals receiving a disability or old age grant who need full-time care.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Must already receive a disability or old age grant
- Must require full-time care as confirmed by a medical assessment
Social Relief of Distress (SRD) Grant
This temporary grant provides emergency financial assistance to unemployed South Africans. Eligibility Criteria:
- Must be a South African citizen, permanent resident, or refugee
- Must be between 18 and 59 years old
- Must not receive other government support
- Must be unemployed and have no other financial means