The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) distributes various Types of SASSA Social Grants to approximately 18 million South Africans. These grants are crucial in supporting vulnerable individuals and families, ensuring they have the financial means to meet basic needs. In this guide, we’ll explore the different SASSA grants. It’s available in South Africa, along with the grant amounts, Check Sassa Grants Status, and eligibility criteria.
What is a Social Grant?
Social grants in South Africa are provided by the government to citizens, permanent residents, and refugees in need. These grants, administered by SASSA, offer financial assistance to individuals who lack the means to support themselves. The grants cater to the elderly, people with disabilities, and those with dependent children.
8 Different Types of SASSA Social Grants
Below are the main different types of Sassa social grants available through SASSA, each designed to assist specific groups within society:
Names
- Social Relief of Distress SRD R370 Grant apply
- Care Dependency Grant
- Child Support Grant
- Disability Grant
- Foster Child Grant
- Older Persons Grant
- Grant-In-Aid
- War Veterans Grant

Social Relief of Distress SRD R350 Grant
The SRD grant was introduced during the Covid-19 pandemic to support individuals facing severe financial distress. It is available to those who meet specific criteria, such as being medically unable to work or being affected by a disaster. The SRD grant currently provides an R350 payment per month.
Eligibility Criteria:
- South African Citizen, Permanent Resident, or Refugee: The applicant must be a South African citizen, hold permanent residency, or be a refugee registered on the Home Affairs database.
- Age: The applicant must be between 18 and 59 years old (some sources extend the upper limit to 60).
- Residency: The applicant must currently reside within the borders of South Africa.
- Unemployment: The applicant must be unemployed and have no alternative source of income or financial support.
Care Dependency Grant
The Care Dependency Grant is aimed at caregivers of severely disabled children under 18 who require permanent care due to their disability. The grant helps alleviate the financial burden on caregivers, providing R2 080 per month.
Eligibility Criteria:
- The caregiver must be a South African citizen or permanent resident.
- The child must be under 18 years old.
- The child must have a severe disability and require full-time care.
- A medical assessment is required to confirm the child’s disability.
- The combined income of the caregiver and spouse (if applicable) must be below a certain threshold (this does not apply to foster parents).
Child Support Grant
The Child Support Grant supports biological parents or permanent caregivers who are unable to provide for their children under 18 years of age. Eligible caregivers receive R500 per month, with an additional R250 top-up available in certain cases.
Eligibility Criteria:
- The caregiver must be a South African citizen, permanent resident, or refugee.
- The caregiver must be the primary person responsible for the child’s well-being.
- The child must be under 18 years old and reside in South Africa.
- The combined income of the caregiver and spouse (if applicable) must be below a certain threshold.
Disability Grant
The Disability Grant assists individuals between the ages of 18 and 59 who are unable to work due to a physical or mental disability. The grant is available as either a temporary or permanent measure, with a maximum value of R2 080 per month.
Eligibility Criteria:
- The applicant must be a South African citizen, permanent resident, or refugee.
- The applicant must have a disability that prevents them from working.
- The applicant must be assessed by a medical professional to confirm the disability.
- The combined income of the applicant and spouse (if applicable) must be below a certain threshold.
Foster Child Grant
The Foster Child Grant is available to foster parents caring for children placed in their care by the Children’s Court. This grant provides R1 120 per month to help cover the costs of caring for a foster child.
Eligibility Criteria:
- The foster parent must be a South African citizen, permanent resident, or refugee.
- The child must have been placed in foster care by a court order.
- The foster parent must be the primary caregiver of the child.
- The child must be under 18 years old and reside in South Africa.
Older Persons Grant
Also known as the Old Age Grant, this grant supports individuals over the age of 60. Depending on age, recipients receive between R2 080 and R2 100 per month. A means test is required to qualify for this grant.
Eligibility Criteria:
- The applicant must be a South African citizen, permanent resident, or refugee.
- The applicant must be 60 years old or older.
- The applicant must not be receiving any other social grant.
- The combined income of the applicant and spouse (if applicable) must be below a certain threshold.
Grant-In-Aid
The Grant-In-Aid is an additional grant for individuals already receiving a social grant (such as the Old Age, Disability, or War Veterans Grant) who require assistance with daily tasks due to severe physical or mental afflictions. The grant amount is currently R500 per month.
Eligibility Criteria:
- The applicant must be receiving one of the qualifying social grants.
- The applicant’s income and assets must fall below a certain threshold.
War Veterans Grant
The War Veterans Grant is awarded to former service members who served in the Second World War or Korean War and meet specific criteria. The grant is valued at R2 100 per month.
Eligibility Criteria:
- The applicant must be a South African citizen.
- The applicant must have served in the military and meet certain service requirements.
- The applicant must be over 60 years old or have a disability related to military service.
- The applicant’s income must be below a certain threshold.
Note: The source of all the above information is Wikipedia where everything about Sassa grants exists.
How to Apply for SASSA Social Grants
- To apply for any of the SASSA social grants, you must submit an application in person at a SASSA office or online through the official portal.
- Be sure to gather the required documents to support your application.
Note: If you face any issues or want to get more info regarding them now you need to dial the official SASSA helpline where you will take the required information.
Types of SASSA Social Grants play a vital role in reducing poverty and inequality in South Africa. By providing financial support to those in need, these grants help improve the quality of life for millions of people, ensuring access to essential services such as education and healthcare.
People Ask
How do I apply for different types of SASSA social grants?
A SASSA grant application must be submitted in person at a SASSA office or online through the official portal by gathering the required documents.
What is the purpose of the Care Dependency Grant?
Children with severe disabilities and requiring continuous care are eligible for the Care Dependency Grant.
Can a person receive more than one SASSA grant simultaneously?
Depending on their circumstances and needs, individuals may qualify for more than one SASSA grant.
What is the Social Relief of Distress Grant?
People and families experiencing immediate economic hardship can apply for the Social Relief of Distress Grant.
How do SASSA grants contribute to social development?
By reducing poverty, improving access to education and healthcare, and promoting economic stability among vulnerable populations, SASSA grants contribute to social development.
I am Eddie Ross, for those who rely on the SASSA, I am passionate about providing useful resources. As well as providing step-by-step guides and the latest information related to SASSA.