A Sassa social grant refers to monies paid by the government to South African citizens who are in need of assistance. In South Africa, social grants are administered by the South African Social Security Agency known otherwise as SASSA.
All applicants for social grants must be South African citizens, permanent residents, or refugees (official refugee status granted by the South African government must be provided) and candidates must be living in South Africa and have proof of identity. This is the primary qualification criteria listed by SASSA to all those interested in applying for their grants benefits.
Responsibility of the Beneficiaries
It is the responsibility of beneficiaries to keep SASSA informed of changes in their circumstances and means and to respond to any correspondence received. It is a beneficiary’s responsibility to safeguard his/ her SASSA card and not to divulge the PIN to anyone. Fraud: sassa exercises zero tolerance to fraudulent activities.
List of Social Grants In South Africa
Social Assistance is provided in the form of:
• Grant for older persons;
• Disability grant;
• War veterans grant;
• Care dependency grant;
• Foster child grant;
• Child support grant;
• Grant-in-aid;
• Social Relief of Distress.
Proof of identity
Please obtain information from your nearest SASSA office on the alternative documents which are accepted for grant applications. Refugees can provide the Section 24 permit as proof of refugee status and identity.
What Is A Means Test
In South Africa Social Assistance is subject to means testing which implies that SASSA evaluates the income and assets of the person applying for social assistance in order to determine whether the person’s means are below a stipulated amount. This means test is a way of determining whether a person qualifies to receive a grant as grants are indeed meant for those who have insufficient means to support themselves.
The means test varies from one grant type to another. Note: Grants for older persons, war veterans and disabled are paid on a sliding scale. that is, the more private income you have, the smaller the government pension you will qualify for.
Amounts Of Grants As At 01 Amount payable 01 April 2020
| Grant Type | Amount payable 2020 |
Amount payable 2021 |
| Older Persons Grant (Old age pension) |
R1860.00 | R1860.01 |
| Older Persons Grant (Old age pension) Beneficiary older than 75 years |
R1880.00 | R1880.01 |
| Disability Grant | R1860.00 | R1860.01 |
| War Veteran’s Grant | R1880.00 | R1880.01 |
| Grant in aid | R 440.00 | R 450.00 |
| Child Support Grant | R 440.00 | R 450.00 |
| Foster Child Grant | R1040.00 | R1040.01 |
| Care Dependency Grant | R1860.00 | R1860.01 |
