SASSA Social Grants

Explore all the social grants available from SASSA (South African Social Security Agency). Find out which grant you qualify for and how to apply.

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The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) administers the country's social grant system on behalf of the Department of Social Development. These grants provide a monthly income to millions of South Africans who are unemployed, elderly, living with a disability, or caring for children, and together they form one of the largest social safety nets on the African continent.

There are six main grants, each aimed at a different group of people and each with its own eligibility rules, amount and application process. Whether you qualify depends on factors such as your age, your income and assets (the means test), your citizenship or residency status, and your specific circumstances. Below you will find a summary of every grant with a link to a detailed guide.

SRD R370 Grant

R370/month

Social Relief of Distress grant for unemployed South Africans between 18-60 years who have no income.

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Eligibility

  • South African citizen, permanent resident, or refugee
  • Between 18 and 60 years old
  • Unemployed with no income
  • Not receiving any other social grant

Child Support Grant

R580/month

Monthly grant for the primary caregiver of a child under 18 years old.

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Eligibility

  • Primary caregiver of a child under 18
  • South African citizen, permanent resident, or refugee
  • Child must be South African citizen
  • Pass the means test

Old Age Pension

R2,400/month

Monthly pension for South African citizens aged 60 years and older.

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Eligibility

  • South African citizen, permanent resident, or refugee
  • 60 years or older
  • Pass the means test
  • Not in a state institution

Disability Grant

R2,400/month

Financial assistance for people with physical or mental disabilities that prevent them from working.

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Eligibility

  • South African citizen, permanent resident, or refugee
  • Between 18 and 60 years old
  • Disability confirmed by medical assessment
  • Pass the means test

Foster Child Grant

R1,295/month

Grant for foster parents who have been awarded a court order to care for a foster child.

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Eligibility

  • Court order placing child in foster care
  • Child under 18 years old
  • Foster parent is South African citizen
  • Child is South African citizen

Care Dependency Grant

R2,400/month

Grant for caregivers of children under 18 who require permanent care due to severe disability.

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Eligibility

  • Child requires permanent care due to disability
  • Child under 18 years old
  • Child is South African citizen
  • Pass the means test

Ready to Apply for a Grant?

Learn about the application process and required documents.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What social grants does SASSA offer in South Africa?
SASSA offers six main grants: the SRD R370 grant for unemployed adults, the Child Support Grant, the Old Age Pension (Older Persons Grant), the Disability Grant, the Foster Child Grant, and the Care Dependency Grant for children with severe disabilities.
Which SASSA grant pays the most per month?
The Old Age Pension, Disability Grant and Care Dependency Grant currently pay the highest amount at R2,400 per month. The Foster Child Grant pays R1,295, the Child Support Grant R580, and the SRD grant R370.
Can I receive more than one SASSA grant at the same time?
Generally you cannot receive two grants for yourself, but a caregiver can receive grants on behalf of different people – for example, the Care Dependency Grant and the Child Support Grant for the same child, or a pension for yourself plus a Child Support Grant for a child in your care.
Are all SASSA grants means-tested?
Most are, meaning your income and assets are assessed. The main exception is the Foster Child Grant, which is based on a court order rather than an income means test.

Conclusion

SASSA's six grants cover a wide range of needs — from short-term relief for unemployed adults through the SRD R370 grant, to lifelong support through the Old Age Pension and Disability Grant, to child-focused help through the Child Support, Foster Child and Care Dependency grants. Identifying the grant that matches your situation is the first and most important step.

Once you know which grant fits, read its detailed guide for the exact eligibility rules and documents, then follow the free application process through SASSA. Grant amounts and thresholds are reviewed each year, so always confirm the latest figures on the official SASSA website before you apply.

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.