You can apply for a grant at your nearest SASSA local office or a counter service point in your district. These offices are available across South Africa. Millions of South Africans depend on social grants every month. This is how you can apply:
When Can You Apply?
Applications are accepted from Monday to Friday. However, some service points may only operate on specific days. Therefore, check the opening hours of your local SASSA office before visiting.
Proof of Identity Required
You need to provide valid proof of identity, citizenship, and age.
For Adults:
You can use:
- A South African 13-digit bar-coded ID
- A temporary identity document from the Department of Home Affairs
- Refugees must present a refugee ID or status permit with proof of applying for an ID
If you are applying on someone else’s behalf, you can use an ID from any country, a passport, or a driver’s licence.
For Children:
- South African citizens need a birth certificate with a 13-digit identity number.
- Children over 16 years must have a 13-digit bar-coded ID.
- Permanent residents need a birth certificate or ID if over 16.
- Foreign national children need a birth certificate, ID, or passport from their country. If unavailable, parents or caregivers must submit an affidavit and apply for a birth certificate at Home Affairs. Always keep a receipt of your application.
How to Apply
Stage 1: Application Process
Visit a SASSA office with all your documents. Complete the application form with a SASSA officer present. This process includes filling out forms, an interview, and fingerprinting.
Provide evidence of your income and assets. Another officer will verify your information. You must sign all information as accurate. During the process, state how you wish to receive payments.
Stage 2: Notification Process
It takes about 30 working days for it to be processed. If approved, you’ll receive a notification in your preferred language. Payments usually begin within three months and are backdated to your application date. If rejected, you will receive a written explanation and instructions on how to appeal the decision.
Appeals Process
You have 90 days to appeal if your application is denied. Follow the instructions provided in the rejection notice.
Social Relief of Distress Grants (SRD)
Eligibility Criteria
To apply, you must meet the following conditions:
- Be over 18 years old
- Unemployed and not receiving any income
- Not receiving any social grant or unemployment benefits
- Not receiving a National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) stipend
- Not living in a government-funded institution
Required Documents
Applicants need to provide the following information:
- Identity number
- Full name and surname as per their ID
- Gender and disability status
- Banking details (bank name and account number)
- Contact details, including cellphone number
- Proof of residential address
Application Process
You can apply for the SRD grant through various electronic methods:
- Send a WhatsApp message to 0600 123 456 and select SASSA.
- Email your application to SRD@sassa.gov.za.
Child Support Grant (CSG)
Overview
The CSG helps meet the basic needs of South African children whose parents or caregivers face unemployment or poverty. It provides essential financial support to ensure children receive adequate care.
Eligibility Criteria
Parents or primary caregivers can apply if:
- The child is under 18 years old
- They meet the means test requirements
Note: Caregivers can apply regardless of:
- Parental status (whether the applicant is the parent or not)
- Marital status (single, married, or separated)
- Whether one parent is in prison
- Receiving another state grant (except a foster care grant for the same child)
Key Considerations
This grant aims to ensure every child receives proper support, regardless of family circumstances.
Disability Grant (DG)
Overview
This is for South African adults (18-60) who cannot work due to a mental or physical disability. Eligibility requires a medical assessment confirming the disability’s severity and duration.
Grant Types
- Temporary: Disability lasts 6-12 months.
- Permanent: Disability expected to last more than a year.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must be:
- South African citizens, permanent residents, or refugees
- Residents in South Africa
- Unfit to work due to the disability
- Not receiving another grant (except a Grant-in-Aid)
Ineligible if:
- Living in a fully state-funded institution (e.g., prison, psychiatric hospital)
- Refused treatment
Required Documents
- Valid ID
- Medical assessment (within 3 months of applying)
- Proof of income and assets
- Marital documents (if applicable)
- Bank statements (3 months)
- UIF or unemployment proof (if relevant)
Application Process
A SASSA medical form must be completed by a doctor or assessment panel. SASSA reviews the report to confirm eligibility.
Older Person’s Grant (OPG)
Eligibility Criteria
To apply, the applicant must:
- Be a South African citizen or permanent resident
- Be at least 60 years old
- Be residing in South Africa at the time of application
- If married, the spouse must meet the means test
Ineligibility
The grant is not available to individuals who:
- Live in fully state-funded institutions (e.g., prison, old age home, psychiatric hospital)
- Are receiving another adult social grant (except a Grant-in-Aid)
Required Documents
- Valid South African ID
- Proof of marital status (marriage certificate, divorce papers, or death certificate)
- Proof of income (e.g., wage certificate, UIF, pension)
- Bank statements (3 months)
- Proof of other assets or income
Special Conditions
Those in partially state-funded institutions may still qualify but will receive 25% of the standard grant amount.
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