SASSA Grant Types in South Africa
Struggling to stretch every rand? Maybe it’s rent. Maybe it’s food. Or even school fees piling up. You’re not the only one.
Right now, in 2025, millions of South Africans are facing the same reality. Stats SA says unemployment is still over 32%. That means more than 8 million people without jobs. Tough times.
And that’s where SASSA grants step in. For many households, these payments aren’t just financial aid. They’re survival. They’re the safety net that keeps families afloat when money runs dry.
Whether it’s the Older Person’s Grant, the Child Support Grant, or the SRD R370 Grant, these monthly payments put food on the table and ease the pressure. With increases that started in April 2025, and another one coming in October 2025, it’s crucial to know how these grants work.
This guide lays it all out. The grant types. The latest amounts. Who qualifies. How the means test works. Step-by-step applications. Payment options. And answers to common questions.
By the end, you’ll know exactly what support is available, and how to keep it.
What Are SASSA Grants?
A SASSA Grant is money the government gives to people who can’t cover their basic needs. It’s managed by the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA), under the Department of Social Development (DSD).
Think of it as a safety net. A way to fight poverty and support those most at risk, like:
- Older people with no steady income
- People living with disabilities
- Children in struggling households
- Foster families
- War veterans
- Caregivers who provide full-time care
But here’s the thing, not everyone qualifies automatically. To get a grant, you have to meet the requirements and pass a means test. That’s when SASSA checks your income, assets, and living situation to see if you truly need the help.
And the amounts? They don’t stay the same forever. The National Treasury reviews them regularly and adjusts for inflation and rising costs. That’s why grants went up in April 2025, and another increase is already planned for October 2025.
What Are SASSA Grants Paying in April 2025?
Good news. The South African government bumped up grant amounts this April 2025.
Why? To help with rising prices and living costs.
And here’s the thing, another increase is coming in October 2025.
| Grant Type | Oct 2024 Amount | April 2025 Amount | Increase |
| Older Person’s Grant (60–74) | R2,190 | R2,310 | +R120 |
| Older Person’s Grant (75+) | R2,210 | R2,330 | +R120 |
| Disability Grant | R2,190 | R2,310 | +R120 |
| Care Dependency Grant | R2,190 | R2,310 | +R120 |
| War Veterans Grant | R2,210 | R2,330 | +R120 |
| Child Support Grant | R530 | R560 | +R30 |
| Foster Child Grant | R1,180 | R1,250 | +R70 |
| Grant-in-Aid | R530 | R560 | +R30 |
| SRD (Social Relief) Grant | R370 | R370 | — |
Types of SASSA Grants in 2025
SASSA offers eight main grants in 2025. Each one serves a different group of people, with its own rules, amounts, and application steps. Let’s walk through them together.
1. Social Relief of Distress (SRD) Grant – The R370 Grant
You’ve probably heard of this one. The SRD grant, also known as the SASSA R370 grant, started during the COVID-19 pandemic. It was meant to be short-term. But because so many people still depend on it, government extended it until March 2026.
Who qualifies?
- South African citizens, permanent residents, or registered asylum seekers
- Age 18–59
- Not receiving any other grant, UIF, or steady income
- Must pass the means test
How much is SASSA SRD Grant in 2025?
R370 per month
How to apply:
- Apply online through the official SASSA SRD website
- Or visit your nearest SASSA office
Important: Applications are reviewed every 12 months, and you’ll need to reconfirm your details to stay on the system.
2. Older Person’s Grant – Old Age Pension
This grant gives older South Africans financial stability when they no longer earn an income.
Who qualifies?
- South African citizens or permanent residents
- Age 60 or older
- Must pass the means test:
- Single: less than R8,070 per month
- Married: combined income less than R16,140 per month
How much is Old Age Grant in 2025?
- Ages 60–74: R2,310 per month
- Ages 75+: R2,330 per month
How to apply: Go to a SASSA office or use the SASSA Services Portal. Bring your ID, proof of residence, and bank details.
3. Disability Grant
This grant supports adults who can’t work because of a physical or mental disability.
Who qualifies?
- Ages 18–59
- South African citizen or permanent resident
- Must pass the means test
- Must have a medical assessment from a state-approved doctor
How much is Disability Grant in 2025?
R2,310 per month
Grants can be temporary (6–12 months) or permanent. But medical reassessments are common, so be ready for follow-ups.
4. War Veterans Grant
This grant is reserved for a small group, those who served in World War II or the Korean War.
Who qualifies?
- Age 60+ or permanently disabled
- Proof of military service required
- Must pass the means test
How much is SASSA War Veterans Grant in 2025?
R2,330 per month
5. Child Support Grant (CSG)
The most widely received grant in South Africa. It helps caregivers cover the costs of raising children in low-income households.
Who qualifies?
- Caregiver must be a South African citizen or permanent resident
- The child must live in South Africa
- Income must be under:
- R5,000 per month (single caregiver)
- R10,000 per month (married couple)
How much is Child Support Grant in 2025?
R560 per child as of April 2025.
If you qualify, you can receive the grant for multiple children.
6. Foster Child Grant
This grant helps foster parents raise children placed in their care by a court.
Who qualifies?
- Must be a court-appointed foster parent
- Child must be under 18 (or up to 21 if still in school)
How much is Foster Child Grant in 2025?
R1,250 per child
Documents needed: Court order, foster parent’s ID, and proof of residence.
7. Care Dependency Grant
This grant is for caregivers of children with severe disabilities who need full-time care.
Who qualifies?
- Child must be under 18
- A doctor must confirm the disability
- Must pass the means test
How much is SASSA Care Dependency Grant in 2025?
R2,310 per month
8. Grant-in-Aid
This one isn’t a standalone grant. It’s an extra allowance for people already getting the Older Person’s, Disability, or War Veterans Grant who also need daily personal care.
Who qualifies?
- Must already receive one of the main grants above
- Must provide medical proof showing you need daily care
How much is Grant-in-Aid in 2025?
R560 per month, added on top of your main grant.
How to Apply for a SASSA Grant in 2025
Applying for a SASSA grant isn’t as overwhelming as it might seem. You’ve basically got two ways to do it.
Option 1: Apply at a SASSA Office
- Take all your required documents with you.
- Fill in the free application form right there.
- Hand it in and make sure you get a receipt with a reference number. That’s your proof you applied.
Option 2: Apply Online
- Go to the SASSA Services Portal and register.
- Choose the grant you want.
- Upload your documents, things like your ID, proof of address, income details, or medical reports.
- Hit submit, and you’re done.
How long Does it for SASSA to Process Applications take?
Be patient. Processing can take up to 90 days.
What Happens Next?
- Approved? Payments will go into your bank account, SASSA card, or you can collect at a pay point.
- Still pending? SASSA may ask you for more paperwork.
- Declined? Don’t stress. You’ve got 90 days to appeal using their official appeals system.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Can I get more than one Grant at the same time?
Nope. One grant per person.
The only exception? The Grant-in-Aid. You can add this on top of another grant if you need help paying for full-time care.
Q. How long before I hear back about my SASSA application?
Up to 90 days. I know, I know – that feels like forever.
But here’s why it takes so long. SASSA needs to:
- Check all your documents
- Run a means test
- Make sure you tick all the boxes
Q. What’s the SRD grant paying in 2025?
Still R370 per month. The amount stayed the same this year.
Q. When’s the next increase Coming?
October 2025 is when they plan to bump it up. But they haven’t told us the new amount yet.
Q. Do Grants just stop on their own?
Yes, they can. Grants aren’t forever if your life changes.
Your grant might get cut if:
- Your income goes up
- The child you’re claiming turns 18
- You don’t meet the rules anymore
Q. Can I switch how I get paid later?
Absolutely. You can change from cash pickup to bank deposits. Or switch from your SASSA card to getting paid at stores.
Just remember, you need to update these details with SASSA directly.
Q. What if they say no to my SASSA application?
Don’t give up. You have 90 days to appeal through SASSA’s official process.
Q. Can foreigners apply for SASSA grants?
Generally, no. These grants are for:
- South African citizens
- Permanent residents
- Refugees with proper paperwork
Q. Is the SASSA card safe to use everywhere?
Yes. The SASSA Gold Card (Now SASSA Black Card) works just like your regular bank card.
You can use it to:
- Get cash from ATMs
- Pay at store tills
- Check your balance
It works at big stores like Shoprite, Pick n Pay, Boxer, and Usave.
Q. Do I have to apply again every year?
Most grants? No. They keep going unless your situation changes.
But the SRD R370 grant is different. You’ll need to confirm you still qualify every now and then.