SASSA Grant-In Aid 2025 – Guide to Disability Financial Assistance

SASSA Grant-In-Aid is a grant given by SASSA to current social grant beneficiaries who need to receive residential care and are not able to take care of themselves physically. With this grant, the beneficiaries will be able to hire someone to be a full-time caregiver.

Only beneficiaries of disability grants, old age grants or war veteran grants are eligible for the grant-in-aid and it is paid as an extra amount onto the current grant. The application for Grant-In- Aid can also be done at the same time as the application for the main grant.

What Is the Grant-in-Aid?

The SASSA Grant-In-Aid is a supplementary grant offered by the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) to beneficiaries of specific social grants who require full-time care. This additional financial assistance is designed to help cover the costs associated with caregiving services.

Who Qualifies for the SASSA Grant-In-Aid?

To qualify for the SASSA Grant-In-Aid, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Must already be receiving one of the following social grants:
  • Old Age Grant
  • Disability Grant
  • War Veterans Grant
• Must require full-time care due to a severe physical or mental condition.
• Must not be receiving full-time care at a government-funded institution.
• A medical assessment report confirming the need for full-time care is required.

Eligibility for Grant-in-Aid

Not everyone receiving a SASSA grant qualifies for the Grant-in-Aid. To qualify for grant-in-aid support from SASSA, you must meet specific requirements. If you believe you are eligible for the monthly grant of R460, ensure you satisfy the following conditions before applying:

Make sure you meet all these criteria before proceeding with your application for the grant.

How Much Is the Grant-in-Aid?

The amount of a “Grant-in-Aid” varies greatly depending on the specific program, organization receiving it, and the country or region involved; there is no single standard amount, and you need to consult the specific guidelines for the relevant grant program to determine the exact amount you might be eligible for. 

How to Apply for the Grant-in-Aid

There are two simple ways of applying for a grant-in-aid from SASSA.

1. Online

Applying for social assistance through SASSA online is a straightforward process. Follow these steps to complete your application efficiently.

Step 1: Visit the Official SASSA Website

To get started, visit the official SASSA website at Grantsenquiries@SASSA.gov.za.

Step 2: Register as a New User

If you don’t have an account yet, you’ll need to register. Click on the yellow “Register” button located on the homepage.

Step 3: Provide Personal Information

During the registration process, you will be required to enter personal details, including:

Step 4: Receive and Enter Your OTP

After filling in your details, click the button to receive a One-Time Password (OTP). This code will be sent to the mobile number you provided. Enter the OTP to confirm your registration.

Step 5: Log into Your Account

Once your registration is confirmed, log into your SASSA account using your credentials.

Step 6: Apply for a Grant

After logging in, click on the “Apply for a Grant” button. Select the type of grant you wish to apply for, such as “Grant-in-Aid.”

Step 7: Complete the Application Form

Fill out the application form with accurate information. Double-check your entries to ensure everything is correct.

Step 8: Submit Your Application

Once you have filled out the form, click “Submit.” Make sure to upload all required documents, as they are essential for processing your application. All documents must be in PDF format.

Required Documents for Grant-in-Aid Application

When applying for a grant-in-aid, ensure you upload the following documents:

By following these steps, you can successfully complete your online application for SASSA assistance. Stay informed and be sure to check your email or SASSA account for updates regarding your application status.

2. Through Sassa Office

The application process is straightforward, but you will need to follow several steps to ensure your application is approved:

Step 1: Locate Your Nearest SASSA Office

Start by finding the closest SASSA office. Visit their official website or use local resources to identify the location that serves your area.

Step 2: Obtain and Complete the Application Form

Once at the office, request the application form (also known as the SASSA Annexure A form). It’s crucial to fill it out accurately, preferably in the presence of a SASSA officer. If you have any questions or uncertainties while completing the form, don’t hesitate to ask the officer for assistance.

Step 3: Enlist a Trusted Representative

If you cannot visit the office personally, you may authorize a trusted friend or family member to submit the application on your behalf. Ensure they have a power of attorney, as they will be responsible for receiving your social grant.

Step 4: Medical Assessment:

After submitting your application, a SASSA-appointed medical officer may visit your home to conduct an evaluation. They will assess whether you need full-time care based on the medical certificate you provided.

Step 5: Receive Confirmation

After submitting your application, the SASSA officer will provide you with a stamped receipt, indicating the date of your application. Remember, this application process is entirely free; you should not pay any fees to the officer.

The application process can take several weeks. Once approved, you will start receiving the Grant-in-Aid alongside your monthly grant payments.

What If Your Application Is Denied?

If your application is not approved, SASSA will notify you in writing, explaining the reasons for the denial. If you believe the decision is unjust, you can appeal to the Minister of Social Development within 90 days of receiving the notification.

Processing Time

The application processing may take up to three months. If approved, your grant will be paid from the date of your application.

Cost of Service

Applying for the grant is completely free.

Application Forms

Application forms are not available online, but you can obtain them at your nearest SASSA office

Application Verification Process

Usually, SASSA assesses applications within a period of three months, however, applications for grant-in-aid are evaluated within 30 days working. You will receive a written response informing of whether application acceptance or denial. If approved, SASSA will also inform you of the payment date. If denied, a reason for denial will be provided, and you may request a re-evaluation.

How to Get Your Grant?

When your grant application is approved, you will have to choose the method through which you wish to receive your grant money, for example:

• Deposit to account – Money can be paid directly into your bank account.
• Cash Collection: Pay in cash at specified official pay points.
• Institutional Payments: some grants may be made via specific institutions identified by SASSA.

If you choose this method, you would be required to fill a consent form and attach the following:

proof of ID, bank account verification for this particular account, and a three-month bank statement.

If you later want to change the mode of your payment, you should go visit your nearest welfare office, so that they can inform SASSA.

What Is Grant-in-Aid Suspension?

Reasons for granting suspension include the following:

• Alterations in financial or medical states.
• False information regarding the application.
• Lack of cooperation during the process of the grant review.

It may happen that your grant is mistakenly approved; under this situation, the grant may also be put on suspension. But no worries, one can apply for grant restoration within a time-frame of three months post suspension.

Reasons for Lapse of Grant-in-Aid

Your grant can lapse under the following circumstances:

The grant holder has died or has been actually admitted to either a hospital or a state-funded institution.

That grant holder no longer requires care on a 24/7 basis.

The grant holder has not claimed their grant for three months in succession.

Responsibilities for Grant Holders

As a grant holder, you should report any change in your personal and financial circumstances such as your home address, contact details, and bank information to SASSA immediately.

Engaging in fraud will result in serious penalties.

For assistance, contact SASSA at 0800 601011, visit their local offices, or email them at Grantsenquiries@SASSA.gov.za.

When Grant-in-Aid Payment Stops

• You will no longer be required to earn payments if:
• You no longer require the services for which you were receiving another person’s care.
• You are no longer alive or hospitalised.
• You undergo changes in your financial situation when you become ineligible according to means testing.

What Can the Grant-in-Aid Be Used For?

The Grant-in-Aid is specifically intended to cover costs related to personal care. This includes:

Important FAQs About Grant-in-Aid

Conclusion

The Grant-in-Aid is a valuable resource for those who require additional support due to their health conditions. It provides essential financial assistance to cover personal care costs that your primary grant may not fully address. If you or a loved one qualifies, this supplementary grant can make a world of difference in ensuring the right care and support.

For more information on how to apply or to check your application status, visit your nearest SASSA office or contact their help desk.

Check the Status of SASSA Grant-in-Aid Application

After submitting your application, you can monitor its progress to see if it has been approved or declined. Once approved, regularly check the status of your upcoming grant payments. You can check your SASSA Grant-in-Aid status through the following methods: