How to Apply for SASSA Grants

Complete guide to applying for social grants in South Africa

Last reviewed:

Application Methods

Online Application (SRD Only)
Apply for the SRD R370 grant online without visiting an office
  1. 1Visit srd.sassa.gov.za
  2. 2Click on 'Apply for R370 Grant'
  3. 3Enter your ID number and personal details
  4. 4Add your cellphone number for notifications
  5. 5Provide banking details (optional)
  6. 6Submit your application

Available for:

SRD R370 Grant
In-Person Application
Visit your nearest SASSA office to apply for most grants
  1. 1Find your nearest SASSA office
  2. 2Gather all required documents
  3. 3Visit the office during working hours
  4. 4Complete the application form
  5. 5Submit documents for verification
  6. 6Receive your reference number

Available for:

Old Age PensionDisability GrantChild Support GrantFoster Child GrantCare Dependency Grant
Contact Centre
Get assistance and check your application status
  1. 1Call SASSA toll-free: 0800 60 10 11
  2. 2WhatsApp: 082 046 8553
  3. 3Provide your ID number
  4. 4Get help with applications or queries

Available for:

All grant types (for enquiries)

Required Documents by Grant Type

SRD R370 Grant
  • South African ID number
  • Active cellphone number
  • Bank account details (optional)
Child Support Grant
  • Caregiver's ID (original)
  • Child's birth certificate (original)
  • Proof of residence
  • Proof of income or unemployment affidavit
Old Age Pension
  • South African ID (original)
  • Proof of residence
  • Proof of income/assets
  • Marriage certificate (if applicable)
  • Bank statements (3 months)
Disability Grant
  • South African ID (original)
  • Medical records/reports
  • Proof of residence
  • Proof of income
  • Medical assessment (arranged by SASSA)
Foster Child Grant
  • Court order placing child in foster care
  • Foster parent's ID (original)
  • Child's birth certificate
  • Proof of residence
Care Dependency Grant
  • Caregiver's ID (original)
  • Child's birth certificate
  • Medical reports documenting disability
  • Proof of residence
  • Proof of income

Step-by-Step Application Guide

1

Determine Which Grant You Qualify For

Review the eligibility requirements for each grant type. Consider your age, employment status, income level, and specific circumstances. Visit our grants page to learn about each option.

View All Grants
2

Gather Required Documents

Collect all necessary documents before visiting a SASSA office. Make sure you have original documents, not copies. Check the required documents list above for your specific grant.

3

Submit Your Application

For the SRD grant, apply online at srd.sassa.gov.za. For all other grants, visit your nearest SASSA office during working hours (Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM).

Find SASSA Office
4

Wait for Processing

Your application will be verified against various government databases. Processing times vary: SRD grants may be processed within days, while other grants can take 30-90 days.

5

Check Your Status

Monitor your application status regularly. You can check online, via WhatsApp, or by calling the SASSA toll-free number.

Check Status
6

Receive Your Grant

Once approved, you will receive your grant according to the SASSA payment schedule. You can choose to receive payments via bank account, Post Office, or cash at participating retailers.

View Payment Dates

Ready to Apply?

Start your SRD R370 grant application online today.

Apply for SRD Grant

Need Help?

Contact SASSA for assistance with your application.

Contact SASSA

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I apply for a SASSA grant?
For the SRD R370 grant you apply online at srd.sassa.gov.za. For all other grants – Child Support, Old Age Pension, Disability, Foster Child and Care Dependency – you apply in person at your nearest SASSA office with your original documents. Applying is always free.
Do I have to pay to apply for a SASSA grant?
No. Every SASSA grant application is completely free. If anyone asks you for money to apply, to speed up your application, or to guarantee approval, it is a scam. Report it to the SASSA fraud line on 0800 60 10 11.
Can I apply for a SASSA grant online?
Only the SRD R370 grant can be applied for fully online. The other grants require an in-person visit to a SASSA office because original documents and, in some cases, a medical assessment or court order must be verified.
How long does a SASSA grant application take to be approved?
The SRD grant is often processed within a few days, while the other grants can take 30 to 90 days because they require document verification and, in some cases, a medical assessment. You will receive a reference number to track your application.
What documents do I need to apply?
At a minimum you need your original South African ID. Depending on the grant you may also need a child’s birth certificate, proof of residence, proof of income, medical reports, or a foster care court order. See the document list above for your specific grant.

Conclusion

Applying for a SASSA grant is free and, for most grants, straightforward once you know the right method and have your original documents ready. The SRD R370 grant is applied for online, while every other grant needs an in-person visit to a SASSA office where documents — and sometimes a medical assessment or court order — are verified.

Take time to confirm which grant you qualify for, gather the correct documents, and keep your reference number so you can track your application. Above all, never pay anyone to apply on your behalf: SASSA never charges for applications, and any request for payment is a scam you should report on 0800 60 10 11.

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.