SASSA is indeed an important agency in South Africa regarding social grants, especially for those people in need. It has established different grants for the elderly, disabled people, children, and other vulnerable members of society. An overview of the eight major grants that SASSA offers in 2024 follows, with a description of each grant as it applies to a specific category of persons:
Child Support Grant (CSG)
Among the various grants that one can find in South Africa, the most common is the Child Support Grant. This grant comes into play when it concerns the primary caregiver of a child who is less than 18 years old and is supporting children from less-fortunate families. To qualify, the applicant has to be the main caregiver of the child, while the child must be a South African citizen, permanent resident, or refugee. The amount of grant has now increased to relieve financial burden from caregivers as of 2024.
Old Age Grant
This type of grant is also referred to as the Pension Grant; South African citizens or permanent residents aged 60 years and older can apply for it if they meet the means test. This grant aims to benefit the elderly who, for the most part, may not be able to support themselves through labor any longer and need help with living expenses. Depending on the individual’s income and assets, this benefits a higher number to those with lesser resources.
Disability Grant
The Disability Grant is a scheme which is available to South Africans aged 18 to 59, who have a medically certified disability preventing them from being employed. Applicants are required to provide medical proof for the disability and to undergo a means test to assess financial status. The Disability Grant aims to ensure that disability does not deprive an individual of the daily support necessary to improve the quality of life.
Foster Child Grant
Available to caregivers of children under foster care placement by a court order; The funds that this grant gives as financial support to caregivers cover the basics in the daily needs of children under their care. The amount given varies according to specific needs of the foster child and the caregiver’s situation. The applicant is supposed to produce a court order, which proves that he or she is a foster parent.
Grant-in-Aid
This grant is complementary to the Disability Grant and is meant for people who are already on the Disability Grant and have to use full-time personal assistance owing to their disability. It helps to carter for caregiving services, such as personal care and medical requirement costs, by offering extra financial support. It is aimed at individuals who require constant support in managing their living tasks.
Social Relief of Distress (SRD) Grant
Social Relief of Distress Grant is typically meant to refer to temporary financial assistance to unfortunate persons who have had a disaster strike them such as natural fires or floods, have lost jobs, or have come across serious economic conditions. It also usually gives grants for a short duration to non-qualifiers of other social grants. It is a great safety net that helps those people caught in emergencies or urgent financial crises.
War Veterans Grant
The War Veterans Grant is for South African citizens who were veterans of World War II or the Korean War and are now in need of financial support. This grant is meant to acknowledge and acknowledge their contribution to South Africa’s effort in these wars. The applicant will be required to produce proof of military service and certain other qualifying conditions based on the individual’s financial status.
Care Dependency Grant
The Care Dependency Grant is targeted for the benefit of caregivers whose children live with severe disability. This grant is expected to put resources in place to help with child care costs associated with long-term disabilities since they involve special care, medical treatment, or other forms of support. The eligibility is based on the outcome of the assessment of the child by a medical practitioner and the financial circumstances of the caregiver.
How to Apply
Applications for the SASSA grants occur online through local SASSA offices and designated service points around the country. Each grant has its specific eligibility condition. Applicants must present the prescribed documentation such as proof of identity, proof of income, medical certificate for disability-related grants, and proof of residency.
Also Read: SASSA Child Grant 2025 Update: New Payment Rates and Eligibility Criteria
