SASSA Grants Explained in 2026
SASSA is focusing on solving the issues of the poor in South Africa. SASSA is catering to 18 million people who are valuable and can not earn for their families. That is why the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) has introduced 8 types of grants in 2026.
You can read about all of the SASSA social grants in this article. I have explained all the grant types and their payments. So read this article thoroughly.
What is SASSA?
The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) is a national agency that provides financial support to people who struggle to meet their daily needs. It offers different grants for older persons, children, people with disabilities, and foster families.
SASSA plays a major role in reducing poverty in the country. It gives cash support to millions of South Africans every month. In the 2024–2025 period, the agency spent around R267 billion on social grants. These grants reached more than 28 million people, including over 13 million children and more than 4 million senior citizens.
SASSA continues to protect vulnerable families and ensures they have a basic safety net to survive.
What Are the Types of SASSA Grants in 2026
SASSA has eight different types of grants in 2026. Let’s explore all of them:
1) Older Persons Grant (Old Age Pension)
The SASSA Older Persons Grant gives monthly financial support to seniors who qualify. Men must be 65 or older, and women must be 60 or older. You must live in South Africa and pass the income and assets test.
The payment is R2,185 per month for people aged 60 to 75, and R2,315 per month for those older than 75. You must also provide your ID, proof of address, income, and marriage details when applying.
You can collect your money at stores like Shoprite, Pick n Pay, and Boxer. This grant helps older people cover food, transport, and daily living costs.
2) Disability Grant
The SASSA Disability Grant helps adults who cannot work because of a disability. You can get R2,315 every month if you qualify. You must be 18 to 59 years old and have a valid South African ID. You also need a medical report from a government doctor.
Your disability must be permanent or last longer than six months. SASSA checks your income as well. You must earn below the set limits, and you cannot receive another government grant. To apply, visit your nearest SASSA office, fill out the form, attach your documents, and get your AppID to track your application.
3) SASSA SRD Grant R370
The SASSA SRD R370 Grant is for those who have no income and struggle to meet their basic needs. It started in May 2020 during the COVID-19 lockdown, and it still supports millions of South Africans today.
The grant gives R370 every month to people who qualify. You must be 18 to 59 years old, have a valid South African ID, and earn less than R624 per month. You must also apply online because SASSA does not take SRD applications at offices. After applying, you can check your status and submit an appeal if SASSA declines your application.
4) Child Support Grant
The SASSA Child Support Grant gives families the support they need to raise their children with dignity. Parents use the monthly R560 payment, along with the extra R280 for special care, to cover daily needs like food, school items, and clothing.
This financial support brings stability to homes with low income. It allows children to grow in a safe and caring environment. Many caregivers feel relieved because the grant makes life easier during tough times. This support also gives children a fair chance to learn, stay healthy, and build a stronger future.
5) Care Dependency Grant
The SASSA Care Dependency Grant supports parents and guardians of children with severe disabilities. The grant provides a monthly R2,315 to cover medical needs, therapy, special equipment, and daily care. It allows families to focus on the child’s development and well-being without constant financial worry.
The grant applies only to children under 18 with permanent disabilities, ensuring they receive proper care at home. Easing financial pressure strengthens families and creates a safer, more stable environment for the child. This support gives children the chance to grow, learn, and thrive despite their challenges.
6) Foster Child Grant
Caring for a foster child requires patience, love, and dedication, but it also comes with financial challenges. The SASSA Foster Child Grant provides a monthly R1,250 to ease this burden, allowing foster parents to cover food, clothing, schooling, and other essentials.
To qualify, the child must be under 18, live in South Africa, and be legally placed in your care through a court order. The grant supports families while the child is in their care, offering stability and security. It stops if the child turns 18, leaves your care, or the court order expires. This aid ensures foster children grow in a safe and nurturing environment.
7) SASSA War Veterans Grant
Honoring South Africa’s war heroes, the SASSA War Veterans Grant provides vital support to those who fought in World War II or the Korean War. This monthly payment of R2,330 helps veterans cover basic needs like food, transport, and medical care. Eligible applicants must be South African citizens over 60, with disabilities linked to their service, and meet income limits.
Applications are done at local SASSA offices with the necessary documents like ID, proof of service, medical reports, and income statements. Families of deceased veterans can also access benefits, including funeral support, pension continuation, and education assistance for children.
8) Grant-in-aid
The SASSA Grant-in-Aid is extra help for people who already get a main social grant but need daily care. It is for older persons, disabled individuals, or war veterans who cannot manage on their own. The grant gives R560 per month to help pay for a caregiver.
To apply, go to your nearest SASSA office with your ID, marriage documents if needed, and a recent medical report proving you need full-time care. A SASSA officer will guide you to complete the form. Once approved, the grant is added to your main grant, making life easier, safer, and more comfortable.
