All 8 SASSA Grant Types: Find Out Which Social Grant You Qualify For
Understanding which government grants you qualify for can feel overwhelming, especially during financial hardship. The good part is that the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) offers several different types of social grants, and one of them may be the right fit for you or your family.
Our this guide explains each SASSA grant type in a simple and easy-to-understand way, so you can quickly figure out which grant best matches your situation.
What Are the SASSA Grant Types?
SASSA social grants South Africa offers eight types of financial assistance: the Old Age Grant, Disability Grant, Child Support Grant, Foster Care Grant, Care Dependency Grant, Grant-in-Aid, War Veterans Grant, and Social Relief of Distress Grant.
Each targets a specific group based on age, health, income, or circumstances. Eligibility depends on means testing and personal situation. Always verify the latest details at the SASSA Status Check Online Website.
SASSA Grant Types at a Glance (2026)
| Grant Name | Who It's For | Approx. Monthly Amount (2026) |
|---|---|---|
| Old Age Grant | South Africans aged 60+ | R2,185 (under 75) / R2,205 (75+) |
| Disability Grant | Adults with a certified disability | R2,185 |
| Child Support Grant | Caregivers of children under 18 | R530 per child |
| Foster Care Grant | Registered foster parents | R1,180 |
| Care Dependency Grant | Caregivers of children with severe disabilities | R2,185 |
| Grant-in-Aid | Grant recipients needing full-time care | R510 |
| War Veterans Grant | Veterans of certain wars | R2,205 |
| Social Relief of Distress | People in a temporary crisis | Variable |
Note: SASSA grant amounts for 2026 are subject to annual adjustment. Please confirm the current figures on the official SASSA website before applying.
1. Old Age Grant
The old age pension grant is one of the most widely received grants in South Africa. It provides monthly financial support to older citizens who have limited income and assets.
Who Qualifies
- South African citizen, permanent resident, or refugee.
- Aged 60 years or older.
- Must pass a means test (income and assets below a set threshold).
- Not living in a state-funded institution.
How Much You Can Receive
Recipients aged 60–74 receive approximately R2,185 per month. Those aged 75 and older receive around R2,205 per month.
2. Disability Grant
The disability grant supports adults whose medical condition prevents them from working or supporting themselves. A certified medical assessment is required.
Who Qualifies
- South African citizen, permanent resident, or refugee.
- Aged 18–59.
- Certified as disabled by an approved medical professional for at least six months.
- Must pass a means test.
- Not cared for in a state institution.
How Much You Can Receive
Approximately R2,185 per month, subject to annual review.
3. Child Support Grant
The child support grant is the most common SASSA social grant in the country. It helps primary caregivers, not just parents, meet the basic needs of children.
Who Qualifies
- The primary caregiver of a child under 18 years of age.
- Must be a South African citizen, permanent resident, or refugee.
- Must pass a means test.
- The child must live with the applicant.
How Much You Can Receive
Approximately R530 per child per month. A caregiver can apply for multiple children in their care.
4. Foster Care Grant
The foster care grant is paid to caregivers who have been legally appointed as foster parents through a court order. It is meant to cover the costs of raising a child who is not your biological child.
Who Qualifies
- Must have a court-issued foster care order.
- South African citizen or permanent resident.
- The child must be under 18 (or under 21 if still in school).
How Much You Can Receive
Approximately R1,180 per child per month.
5. Care Dependency Grant
The care dependency grant supports parents or caregivers of children with severe disabilities who require full-time care at home. This is different from the child support grant, it is for children with more intensive needs.
Who Qualifies
- Caring for a child aged 1–18 with a severe mental or physical disability.
- The child must need permanent care.
- Applicant must pass a means test.
- The child must not be in a state care facility.
How Much You Can Receive
Approximately R2,185 per month per qualifying child.
6. Grant-in-Aid
The grant-in-aid is a supplementary payment added on top of another grant. It is for people who already receive a SASSA grant but now require full-time care from another person due to their condition.
Who Qualifies
- Must already be receiving the Old Age, Disability, or War Veterans Grant.
- Must require regular full-time care from another person.
- The application must include a medical assessment confirming the need.
How Much You Can Receive
Approximately R510 per month, added to the existing grant.
7. War Veterans Grant
The war veterans grant is one of the smallest grant categories in terms of recipients. It supports South Africans who served in certain wars and are now in financial need.
Who Qualifies
- Must have served in World War II or the Korean War.
- Aged 60 or older, OR has a disability resulting from war service.
- Must pass a means test.
- South African citizen or permanent resident.
How Much You Can Receive
Approximately R2,205 per month — slightly higher than the standard old age grant.
8. Social Relief of Distress Grant
The social relief of distress grant (SRD) is a temporary grant for people facing a short-term crisis. It is not a permanent grant, it covers urgent situations like loss of income or a natural disaster.
Who Qualifies
- South African citizen, permanent resident, refugee, or asylum seeker.
- Experiencing temporary hardship (e.g., awaiting another grant, recent job loss, disaster)
- Not receiving any other form of income or grant.
- Must apply through SASSA directly.
How Much You Can Receive
The amount varies and is reviewed periodically. For the most current figure, check the official SASSA website, check out SASSA’s latest payment dates, and the SASSA application process and status updates.
Track Your Application Online
Already submitted your R350 relief application? Quickly check your SASSA SRD status online and monitor your monthly payment dates and approval updates with our interactive tracking system.
Frequently Asked Questions
Most SASSA grant applications require your South African ID document, proof of residence, and proof of income (or an affidavit if you have none). Depending on the grant, you may also need medical certificates, a child's birth certificate, or a court order.
In most cases, a person can only receive one primary grant at a time.
The SASSA application process typically takes between three and six months, depending on the grant type and how quickly your supporting documents are verified.
If your application is turned down, SASSA must give you a written reason for the rejection. You have the right to appeal the decision within 90 days by submitting a written appeal to the Minister of Social Development.
Yes, some grants are available to permanent residents, refugees, and asylum seekers, depending on the grant type and their legal status in South Africa.
About the Author
James Mitchell
SASSA Grant Specialist focused on helping South Africans navigate the social grant application and reapplication process. This guide is reviewed and updated regularly to reflect the latest SASSA portal requirements and eligibility rules.