Millions of South Africans depend on SASSA grants for vital financial support. Whether you’re applying for the Older Persons Grant, Disability Grant, Child Support Grant, or the Social Relief of Distress (SRD) Grant, knowing the application process is essential for success.
This guide explains exactly how to apply for SASSA grants in 2025, covering both online and in-person methods.
What SASSA Grants Are Available?
SASSA offers a range of permanent and temporary grants, including:
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Older Persons Pension Grant
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Disability Grant
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War Veterans Grant
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Care Dependency Grant
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Foster Child Grant
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Child Support Grant
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Child Support Grant Top-Up
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Grant-in-Aid
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Social Relief of Distress (SRD) Grant
Who Qualifies for SASSA Grants?
Eligibility depends on the specific grant, but common requirements include:
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South African citizenship, permanent residency, or valid asylum/refugee status
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Meeting age and income limits for the particular grant
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Not receiving other conflicting government support such as UIF or NSFAS
Always verify the latest eligibility criteria directly with SASSA before applying.
How to Apply for SASSA Grants: Two Main Methods
1. Apply In Person at a SASSA Office
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Visit your nearest SASSA branch where staff will assist you through the application process.
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If you cannot visit due to illness or age, you may authorize someone else to apply on your behalf.
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Bring all required documents, including your ID, proof of income or unemployment, and any specific documents related to your grant type (e.g., medical reports for disability grants or birth certificates for child grants).
2. Apply Online via the SASSA Services Portal
SASSA supports online applications for several grants such as the Child Support Grant, Older Persons Grant, and Disability Grant.
Steps to Apply Online:
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Go to the official SASSA Services Portal website.
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Register as a new user by providing your ID number, email address, and mobile number.
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Log in with your credentials.
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Select “Apply For A Grant” and choose the grant you want to apply for.
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Complete the online application form with accurate information.
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Print the affidavit generated by SASSA and have it certified by a Commissioner of Oaths.
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Print, sign, and submit the Bank Payment form along with the certified affidavit.
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Upload all required supporting documents in PDF format.
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Submit your application.
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You will receive a confirmation message with a reference number to track your application status.
How to Apply for the R370 SRD SASSA Grant
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Visit the official SRD grant application website.
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Select your citizenship status.
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Choose the option to apply online.
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Enter your mobile number and verify it using the one-time pin (OTP) sent to you.
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Follow the on-screen instructions to complete your application.
What Documents Are Required?
Document requirements vary depending on the grant but generally include:
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South African ID or valid permit
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Proof of income or unemployment status
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Medical reports (for disability grants)
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Birth certificates (for child-related grants)
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Certified affidavits and bank details for payment processing
Check with SASSA for the full list of documents needed for your specific grant.
What Happens After You Apply?
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Processing Time: Applications may take up to three months to process.
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Notification: You will be informed of approval or rejection via SMS or email, usually within 30 working days for most grants.
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Payments: If approved, payments will be made retroactively from the date of your application. SASSA disburses grants during the first week of each month, and funds remain in your account until withdrawn.
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Appeals: If your application is declined, you have the right to appeal the decision within 90 days.
Tips for a Successful SASSA Grant Application
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Confirm your eligibility before applying.
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Gather and certify all required documents ahead of time.
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Complete all forms honestly and thoroughly.
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Keep your reference number safe to track your application status.
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Respond quickly if SASSA requests additional information.
Applying for a SASSA grant in 2025 is straightforward when you follow these steps and prepare your documents carefully. For more information, visit your nearest SASSA office or contact official SASSA customer support.
Also Read
How to Navigate the SASSA Appeal Process: A Step-by-Step Guide
How You Can Turn Your SASSA Grant Into a Path to Financial Growth