All Types of Grants By SASSA in South Africa 2024

SASSA disburses social grants through the Department of Social Development (DSD), ensuring individuals receive necessary financial assistance to improve their quality of life.

In 2024, SASSA continues to offer various grants, building on its success in 2022, when it supported 46% of the population. This assistance has become a vital source of hope for many South Africans.

Operating under the Social Assistance Act and the South African Social Security Agency Act, SASSA collaborates closely with the DSD and the Ministry of Social Development.

As a public entity committed to transparency and accountability, SASSA, led by CEO Busisiwe Memela-Khambula in 2022, remains dedicated to supporting vulnerable communities.

In this post, we’ll explore the different types of SASSA grants available, the eligibility criteria for each, and the application process. Stay with us to gather all the essential details in one comprehensive guide. Your journey to accessing vital financial support starts here!

SASSA Social Grants: A Complete Overview

The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) plays a crucial role in the nation’s social security system. It administers various social grants, providing vital financial aid to residents in need across South Africa.

Founded in 2005, SASSA operates under the SASSA Agency Act (Act No. 9 of 2004), which was signed into law by the President.

This agency is responsible for ensuring that the country’s social grant programs reach eligible individuals and families, offering a safety net for those facing financial hardships.

The primary goal of these grants is to support individuals who struggle to meet their basic needs, ultimately working to reduce poverty.

The South African government funds these programs to provide relief for people who cannot financially support themselves.

Sr #	Grant Name	Grant Amount (SA Rands)	Additional Information
1	SRD R350 Grant	350	Temporary relief for those in need.
2	Care Dependency Grant	2090	Support for caregivers of persons with disabilities.
3	Child Support Grant	510	Financial aid for the care of children.
4	Foster Child Grant	1130	Assistance for foster parents.
5	Disability Grant	2090	Support for individuals with disabilities.
6	Grant-In-Aid	510	Additional support for individuals needing care.
7	Older Persons Grant	2090	Financial assistance for elderly citizens.
8	War Veterans Grant	2110	Support for veterans of the armed forces.
9	NSFAS (Educational)	Depends	Financial aid for students in higher education.

Types of SASSA Grants

A grant is a form of financial assistance offered by the South African government to support individuals and families in need.

These grants are designed to help those facing challenges in meeting their basic needs due to various circumstances, including unemployment, disability, or old age.

Grants serve as a crucial safety net, providing essential support to vulnerable populations. Here are some of the key types of grants available:

In 2024, SASSA offers eight different types of grants, each with specific eligibility criteria and application processes. Below, we’ll explore these grants in detail, along with how you can apply for them.

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1. Social Relief of Distress (SRD) Grant

The SRD grant was introduced as a temporary financial relief measure during the COVID-19 pandemic, aimed at helping those most affected by the crisis, particularly low-income earners.

To qualify for the SRD grant, applicants must meet specific conditions:

Important Information:

2. Care Dependency Grant (CDG)

The Care Dependency Grant is intended to assist caregivers of children with severe physical or mental disabilities. To be eligible, the child must be under 18, permanently disabled, and in need of ongoing care due to their condition.

This grant aims to ease the financial burden on caregivers who often face high costs related to the child’s medical and support needs. Caregivers could be either the child’s biological parent, primary caregiver, or foster parent.

However, if the child is in a government institution receiving full-time care for more than six months, the caregiver will no longer be eligible for the grant.

Eligibility Criteria:

Important Information:

3. Child Support Grant (CSG)

The Child Support Grant is designed for biological parents or primary caregivers who are unable to financially support their children. This grant applies to children under 18 years old.

Key eligibility criteria include:

It’s important to note that biological parents are not automatically entitled to this grant. They must provide evidence that they are the child’s primary caregiver.

Important Information:

4. Disability Grant (DG)

The Disability Grant supports individuals who are physically or mentally disabled and are unable to financially support themselves.

Eligibility criteria include:

The Disability Grant is available in two forms: temporary and permanent. Temporary grants are issued for a period of six to twelve months. If the recipient’s condition does not improve after this time, they must reapply. To apply for the grant, a recent medical assessment (no older than three months) proving the disability is required.

5. Foster Child Grant

Foster Child Grants (FCG) are awarded to foster children through the Children’s Court. To qualify, the child must be under 18 and legally placed in foster care. The grant is issued to the foster parent, who has custody of the child but is not their biological parent.

Provincial Department of Social Development social workers assist the Magistrates Court in identifying suitable foster parents. To meet FCG criteria, foster parents must provide a court order confirming the foster care arrangement and reside in South Africa with the child.

Before the grant expires, a social worker must assess the child’s situation to verify that circumstances remain unchanged. If needed, an extension of the court order allows the grant to continue until the new expiration date.

The FCG remains available until the child turns 21, provided they are enrolled in an educational institution. After the child turns 18, a new application for the Foster Child Grant must be submitted annually, accompanied by proof of attendance and the extension order.

Eligibility Criteria:

Important Information:

6. Older Person Grant

Individuals aged 60 and above can apply for the Older Person Grant, commonly referred to as the old age pension. Applicants must not be affiliated with a government institution and cannot receive any other grants.

This grant is also accessible to seniors living in subsidized facilities, such as old age homes. A means test will evaluate the applicant’s income and assets.

As of now, Older Persons Grants are valued at R2,080 or R2,100 per month, with individuals aged 60 to 75 receiving a lower amount, while those over 75 receive a higher amount.

Eligibility Criteria:

Important Information:

7. Grant-In-Aid

Individuals who receive a social grant and require assistance with daily tasks can apply for a Grant-In-Aid (GIA).

This grant is available to those receiving Old Age, Disability, or War Veteran Grants who need regular support. It is designed to assist individuals with significant physical or mental disabilities that hinder their ability to bathe, maintain their home, do laundry, or care for themselves.

Eligibility Criteria:

Important Information:

8. War Veterans Grant

The War Veterans Grant (WVG) is available to individuals who served in World War II or the Korean War. To qualify, applicants must be over 60 years old, disabled, residing in a state institution, and not receiving any other adult grants.

Eligibility Criteria:

Important Information:

NSFAS Educational Grant

The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is a South African government initiative dedicated to providing financial assistance to eligible students pursuing higher education.

The NSFAS educational grant serves as a vital source of financial aid for students in need. It covers various expenses related to higher education, including tuition fees, accommodation, textbooks, and other essential study costs.

Primarily aimed at students from low-income households, the NSFAS grant ensures that those who might struggle to afford tertiary education have access to these opportunities.

Funds provided by NSFAS usually come in the form of a loan, which students are expected to repay after completing their studies, once their income exceeds a specific threshold. However, under certain conditions, this loan can be converted into a bursary, relieving the student of the repayment obligation.

By facilitating access to financial resources, the NSFAS educational grant plays a crucial role in promoting equal opportunities in education, enabling students who lack financial means to pursue their academic aspirations.

Eligibility Criteria:

Important Information:

How to Apply for SASSA Grants: A Step-by-Step Guide

Applying for SASSA grants is a straightforward process that can be completed online or in person. Follow these steps to ensure a smooth application experience.

Online Application Process

You can apply for SASSA grants from any device with internet access, such as a smartphone, tablet, laptop, or desktop computer.

In-Person Application Process

If you prefer to apply in person, follow these steps:

By following these steps, you can successfully apply for a SASSA grant, whether online or in person. Make sure to provide accurate information and submit all required documents to avoid delays in processing your application.

FAQs

Conclusion

The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) offers a range of grants to support vulnerable individuals and families throughout the country.

These grants are essential for alleviating poverty and ensuring access to basic needs. They include Child Support Grants, Old Age Grants, Disability Grants, Foster Child Grants, Care Dependency Grants, Grants-in-Aid, Social Relief of Distress Grants, War Veteran Grants, and Grants for Older Persons.

SASSA is dedicated to fostering a more equitable and inclusive society through its financial assistance programs.