An add-on to an existing SASSA grant

Grant-in-Aid

The Grant-in-Aid is extra monthly support for people who already receive a SASSA grant but need the full-time care of another person because of their physical or mental condition.

Last reviewed: 24 August 2026

Type

Add-on

Paid on top of your grant

Requirement

Full-time care

Confirmed by assessment

Apply

In person

At a SASSA office

What is the Grant-in-Aid?

The Grant-in-Aid is one of the lesser-known SASSA grants. It is not a grant you receive on its own — instead, it is an extra amount added to an existing Older Persons Grant, Disability Grant or War Veteran's Grant. Its purpose is to help when a grant recipient is no longer able to care for themselves and needs another person to look after them every day.

Because it depends on your need for care, a SASSA medical assessment is used to confirm that your condition requires full-time attention. If you already receive a qualifying grant, applying for the Grant-in-Aid can increase your monthly support without affecting the grant you already get.

Who Qualifies

You generally need to meet all of the following

You already receive an Older Persons, Disability or War Veteran’s Grant
A medical assessment confirms you need full-time care from another person
You are not cared for in a state-funded institution
You are a South African citizen, permanent resident or recognised refugee

How to Apply

Apply in person at your nearest SASSA office. If you are applying for your main grant at the same time, you can ask about the Grant-in-Aid during that visit. A SASSA official will help you complete the form, and a medical assessment will be arranged to confirm your need for care.

Bring your South African ID and any medical records, specialist letters or hospital reports that show your condition and your need for full-time care. The application itself is free — you never have to pay to apply for a SASSA grant.

Find a SASSA Office Documents Checklist

Confirm the Current Amount

Grant amounts change over time. Always confirm the current Grant-in-Aid amount on the official SASSA website before you rely on it.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Grant-in-Aid?

The Grant-in-Aid is an additional SASSA payment for people who already receive the Older Persons Grant, Disability Grant or War Veteran’s Grant and who, because of a physical or mental condition, need the regular care of another person. It is paid on top of the main grant, not instead of it.

Who qualifies for the Grant-in-Aid?

You must already be receiving an Older Persons, Disability or War Veteran’s Grant, and a medical assessment must confirm that you need full-time care from someone else because you cannot look after yourself. You cannot receive the Grant-in-Aid if you live in a state institution that already provides care.

How much is the Grant-in-Aid?

The Grant-in-Aid is a smaller, fixed monthly amount paid in addition to your main grant. The exact amount changes over time, so confirm the current figure on the official SASSA website before relying on it.

How do I apply for the Grant-in-Aid?

You apply in person at a SASSA office, usually at the same time as – or after – your main grant. A SASSA medical assessment is required to confirm that you need full-time care. Bring your ID and any medical records that support your need for care.

Conclusion

The Grant-in-Aid is easy to overlook, but for people who already receive a qualifying SASSA grant and need daily care, it provides valuable extra support. Because approval rests on a medical assessment of your need for full-time care, the best preparation is to gather your medical records before applying in person.

If you are unsure whether you qualify, speak to an official at your nearest SASSA office and confirm the current amount and requirements on the official SASSA website. Applying is always free.

Official Sources & References

The information on this page is based on and verified against the following official South African government sources:

This is an independent informational website and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or operated by SASSA or the South African government. Grant amounts, dates and eligibility rules can change — always confirm the latest details on the official SASSA website before acting.