Applying for Sassa Grants in August 2024: What You Should Know

Social grants provided by the South African Social Security Agency (Sassa) are crucial in supporting the well-being of individuals who have no other sources of income. These grants help alleviate the effects of poverty, with over 18 million people relying on them.

Sassa administers various types of social grants, including child support grants, older persons grants, disability grants, war veterans grants, care dependency grants, grants in aid, and foster child grants. They also oversee the temporary Social Relief of Distress grant, which requires careful verification of eligibility before processing applications.

Determining Eligibility for Sassa Grants

Eligibility for a social grant is determined through means tests conducted by Sassa. It’s important to note that being employed doesn’t automatically disqualify someone from receiving a grant. However, the means test must show that the applicant’s income or assets are below the specified thresholds. The income eligibility criteria for different grants are as follows:

• Older persons, Disability, and War Veteran’s grants: Single individuals must not earn more than R92,520 per year (R7,710 per month). If married, the combined income should not exceed R185,040 per year (R15,420 per month).
• Child support grant: Single individuals must not earn more than R57,600 per year (R4,800 per month). If married, the combined income should not exceed R115,200 per year (R9,600 per month).
• Care-dependency grant: Single individuals must not earn more than R238,800 per year (R19,900 per month). If married, the combined income should not exceed R477,600 per year (R39,800 per month).
• Foster child grant: No means test is conducted.
• R350 SRD Grant: Individuals with a monthly income exceeding R624 will not qualify for the grant.

How to Apply for a Sassa Grant

If you meet the eligibility criteria for a permanent social grant, you can apply at your nearest Sassa office branch. If you’re unable to apply in person due to illness or old age, you can nominate someone to apply on your behalf.

Alternatively, you can request a home visit from a Sassa official if you’re unable to apply yourself. The official will assist you in completing the application forms and provide a receipt as proof of application.

It typically takes Sassa up to three months to process social grant applications. If your application is successful, the first payment will be made from the date of submission. If your application is unsuccessful, Sassa will provide written reasons for the rejection. You have 90 days from notification to lodge an appeal.

For more information on Sassa grants, including the R350 grant, please refer to our dedicated Sassa section.