SASSA Social Grants

The National Treasury has authorized an R2.7 billion boost in social welfare funding for 2025. This will increase the overall social grant budget for South Africa. 

Also, the government has approved the R34 billion for the SASSA SRD grant for the fiscal year of 2025. Currently, there are more than 19 million people who are receiving the SASSA grant payment.

The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) is providing eight types of social grants to the poor and deserving people of South Africa. These grants are helping these people live a life of happiness.

In this post, I am going to share a detailed overview of SASSA social grants in 2025. So let’s get started.

South African Social Security Agency (SASSA)

The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA), founded in 2005, was created to simplify and improve the distribution of social grants under the Social Assistance Act. This government agency is responsible for providing financial support to the elderly, disabled, and vulnerable groups across South Africa. 

SASSA’s creation aimed to make the grant system more efficient, reducing errors and fraud while ensuring that assistance reaches those who need it most. Over the years, SASSA has become a vital part of South Africa’s efforts to combat poverty and uplift communities, directly impacting millions of lives with its services.

SASSA Social Grants in 2025

Now let’s explore the SASSA social grants in 2025.

1- SRD R370 Grant

The SRD R370 Grant, known as the Social Relief of Distress Grant, began in May 2020 during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Created under Section 32 of the Social Assistance Act, 2004 (Act No. 13 of 2004), its purpose was to provide essential financial aid to unemployed individuals and those facing severe hardship. 

This monthly grant of R370 quickly became a hope for over 19 million South Africans, offering R370 payment in difficult times. Initially launched as a temporary measure, the grant has been extended several times and is now set to end in March 2025. 

Throughout its existence, the SRD R370 Grant has played a significant role in helping vulnerable populations meet basic needs and navigate economic challenges.

2- Older Person’s Grant

The Older Person’s Grant, introduced in 1920, is one of South Africa’s longest-standing social assistance programs. It is designed to support individuals aged 60 and above, providing financial aid to ensure their well-being and dignity in later years. 

The grant offers R2,180 per month to recipients aged 60 to 75, while those older than 75 receive R2,200 per month. This small increase acknowledges the additional care and support needed as people age. 

The grant serves as a vital source of income for millions of elderly South Africans, helping them meet basic needs and live with greater security and independence.

3- Disability Grant

The Disability Grant provides financial support to South Africans aged 18 to 59 who are unable to work due to mental or physical disabilities. Recipients receive R2,180 per month to help cover essential living expenses. 

According to SASSA’s 2022 statistics, South Africa’s population of 62 million included approximately 3.3 million individuals living with disabilities. For these individuals, the grant is essential as it offers a means of survival, especially for those without other sources of income. 

It helps them afford necessities, access healthcare, and maintain a sense of dignity in their daily lives. By addressing the unique challenges faced by people with disabilities, this grant plays a critical role in promoting social inclusion and reducing poverty.

4- Child Support Grant (CSG)

The Child Support Grant (CSG) was introduced in 1998 to provide financial assistance to parents or guardians caring for children in low-income households. Beneficiaries receive R530 per child each month, with an additional R250 top-up for children requiring extra care due to specific needs. 

This grant aims to reduce child poverty and improve the well-being of vulnerable children by helping families cover basic expenses like food, clothing, and education. 

By easing the financial burden on caregivers, the CSG promotes better living conditions and supports the healthy development of children across South Africa.

5- Care Dependency Grant

The Care Dependency Grant is designed to assist parents, guardians, or foster parents in providing for children with disabilities. This grant offers R2,180 per month for each eligible child under the age of 18. 

It aims to ease the financial burden of raising a child with special needs, ensuring access to essential care, medical support, and a stable living environment. 

With this financial assistance, the grant helps families address the unique challenges associated with disability care, promoting the child’s well-being and fostering a supportive home environment.

6- Grant-in-aid

The Grant-in-aid is an additional payment offered to SASSA grant beneficiaries who are already receiving one of the following grants:

  • Older Person’s Grant
  • Disability Grant
  • War Veterans Grant

This grant is designed to provide further support to individuals already benefiting from these core grants. Beneficiaries of any of these grants are eligible for the Grant-in-aid, which amounts to R500 as extra financial support.

The Grant-in-aid is particularly offered to individuals who may require extra assistance for their daily living needs due to age, disability, or veteran status. It helps to cover additional costs such as medical expenses, caregiving services, or other essential needs that the standard grant payments may not fully cover.

7- Foster Child Grant (FCG)

The Foster Child Grant (FCG) provides financial support to foster parents and legal guardians who care for children under 18 years old. The grant amounts to R1,180 per month and is intended to help cover basic needs such as food, clothing, and education. 

To qualify, the applicant must be a legal guardian or foster parent, living in poverty, and responsible for the care of a child under the age of 18. The grant is paid directly to the foster parent or guardian, ensuring the funds are used to support the child’s well-being.

8- War Veterans Grant

The War Veterans Grant offers financial support to South African veterans who served in the Second World War (1939–1945) or the Korean War (1950–1953) and now are facing financial difficulties. This grant is available to veterans who are at least 60 years old and meet SASSA’s income and asset requirements. The monthly payment of R2200 helps cover essential living costs, including food, housing, and healthcare. 

The grant ensures that those who served the country are supported in their later years, providing a vital source of income for war veterans in need. With this grant, South Africa acknowledges the sacrifices made by veterans and helps them live with dignity.

How to Apply for an SASSA Grant?

To apply for a SASSA grant, South African citizens, asylum seekers, special permit holders, and refugees must meet the eligibility criteria and pass the means test for the specific grant. The application process is straightforward for most grants, but there is a distinction for the SASSA SRD grant.

For all grants except the SASSA SRD grant, you must visit your local SASSA office to submit your application. The application process involves providing the necessary documents and meeting the income and asset requirements set by SASSA.

For the SASSA SRD grant, you cannot apply in person at the SASSA office. Instead, you must apply online through the SASSA SRD web portal at srd.sassa.gov.za. The online application will require you to provide your ID number and other personal details.

Each type of grant will have additional specific requirements, so it’s important to check our SASSA grant pages to know further about them.

SRD Grant Application Process:

  1. Visit the official SASSA SRD portal at https://srd.sassa.gov.za/sc19/.
  2. Enter your phone number to receive a One-Time Password (OTP).
  3. Enter your South African ID number and proceed to the application form.
  4. Complete the application form with the required details and submit it.

All Other SASSA Grants Application Process

  1. Visit the Nearest SASSA Office: Go to the nearest SASSA office to submit your application in person.
  2. Prepare Required Documents: Bring your South African ID card, phone number, and other supporting documents such as:
    1. Bank statement
    2. Disability proof (e.g., an attested doctor’s report for Disability Grant)
    3. Means test pass report (for means-tested grants)
  3. Fill Out the Application Form: Complete the relevant application form provided at the SASSA office.
  4. Submit the Application: Submit your completed form along with all required documents to the SASSA office for processing.