SASSA grants
The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) pays grants to older people, people with disabilities, children and their carers. Find the grant that fits, how to apply and how SASSA pays. We are an independent guide, not SASSA.
Start here
- Which grant fits? Answer a few questions to see the grants that may fit, when a child’s grant ends and the documents to take.
- How SASSA pays, and where to find the amounts and payment dates.
- The SRD grant: apply online, check your status and appeal a decline.
- Older persons grant and child support grant: who qualifies and how to apply.
- Spot SASSA scams before you share your ID number or banking details.
- Lost your SASSA card? Report it to Postbank and get a new card with your ID.
Most grants are applied for in person at a SASSA office, and applying is free.
Contact SASSA
Official channels only. We don't run any of them.
- Online · SASSASASSA website: www.sassa.gov.za
- Call · SASSASASSA toll-free line: 0800 60 10 11
- Email · SASSASASSA grant enquiries: GrantEnquiries@sassa.gov.za
- In person · SASSAYour nearest SASSA office: SASSA local officeTake your ID.
How SASSA pays
- Amounts. Grant amounts are set each year in the national Budget, and the Minister of Finance announces the increases in the Budget speech. gov.za has a page for each grant that gives its amount, though it may not show an increase straight away. SASSA can confirm the amount that applies to you on 0800 60 10 11.
- Payment days. SASSA says its general principle is to pay grants as early in the month as possible, staggered over three days: older persons grants first, then disability grants, then children’s grants. It avoids the 1st of the month, Mondays, weekends and the day after a public holiday, so the exact days change from month to month.
- The schedule. SASSA announces the payment dates for each financial year, and sometimes moves a date, for example around an election. Check the dates on www.sassa.gov.za or call 0800 60 10 11.
- If your grant isn’t paid on the day. SASSA asks you to go to your nearest SASSA office for help.
- The SASSA card is a Postbank debit card. If it is lost or stolen, see what to do if your SASSA card is lost or stolen.
- The SRD grant is paid separately. SASSA checks SRD applications every month and pays each approved month. See how to check your SRD status.
Some scam messages announce a new amount or a new payment date. Check them on SASSA’s website before you act. See how to spot SASSA scams.
Grants and how to apply
- How to apply for the care dependency grant
The care dependency grant is for a child under 18 with a severe disability who needs full-time care. Who qualifies, the assessment and how to apply.
- How to apply for the child support grant
The child support grant is paid every month for each child under 18 in your care. Who can apply, what to take to SASSA, the steps and how it is paid.
- How to apply for the disability grant
The disability grant is for people aged 18 to 59 who can't work because of a disability. Who qualifies, the medical assessment and how to apply.
- How to apply for the foster child grant
The foster child grant is paid every month for each child a court places in your foster care. Who qualifies, what to take to SASSA and how to apply.
- How to apply for the grant-in-aid
The grant-in-aid is an extra monthly amount on top of an older persons, disability or war veterans grant for someone who needs full-time care.
- How to apply for the older persons grant
The older persons grant is for people aged 60 or older. Who qualifies, the means test, what to take to SASSA, how to apply and how you are paid.
Your SASSA card
- What to do if your SASSA card is lost or stolen
Lost your SASSA card or had it stolen? Report it to the Postbank call centre, get a new card at a Postbank service point with your ID, and keep your grant safe.
Stay safe
- How to spot SASSA scams
How SASSA scams work, how SASSA really contacts you, and what to do if you shared your PIN or banking details with a scammer. Applying is always free.