SASSA Grants – A Complete Guide With Details

BySASSA

The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) started in 2005 to manage and deliver all social grants from one place. It helps people get support simply and clearly. SASSA handles these grants on behalf of the Department of Social Development (DSD).

There are 8 social grants that SASSA is handling and distributing to all across South Africa. The CEO of SASSA is Themba Matlou, who took charge in May 2025. Currently, SASSA is handling more than 28 million grant beneficiaries.

Also, SASSA has developed a special web portal for the SASSA status check online at srd.sassa.gov.za. The portal helps millions of clients to check their SRD grant application status.

Let’s explore what SASSA social grants are, who is eligible for them, and what the grant amounts are for the 2026 fiscal year.

What Are SASSA Social Grants?

SASSA social grants are monthly payments that help people who need financial support in South Africa. These grants support older persons, people with disabilities, children, and families with low incomes.

SASSA Grants

SASSA was established in 2005 to simplify and make the grant system accessible to everyone. It now serves more than 28 million people nationwide. The agency pays grants on behalf of the Department of Social Development. Each grant has its own rules, and you must meet these rules before you apply. 

You also need a valid South African ID and updated personal details. The goal of these grants is to reduce poverty and help people cover their basic needs, such as food, transport, and daily living costs. SASSA updates the grant amounts every year. 

You can check your status online, through WhatsApp, Moya App, or USSD code. This system helps millions of people live better and safer lives.

SASSA Grants in 2026

The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) has 8 different types of social grants for different groups of people. Each grant served a specific need, like an old-age pension for aged people, a foster child grant for children living without their parents, etc.

Let’s dive deeper and discover the details of each grant type, including the grant amount, eligibility criteria, and distribution details.

1) SASSA SRD Grant R370:

This is one of the most popular and highest-applied-for South African grants in 2026. More than 10 million people are getting this grant in 2026. The SRD grant was started in May 2020 during the first hard lockdown of COVID-19. The payment was R350 at that time, but later in 2024, it was increased to R370.

The grant has strict eligibility criteria to get approval. Applicants can apply only online using their phone number and South African ID number.

2) Older Persons Grant (Previously Old Age Pension):

The Older Persons grant is a pension payment for people who are older than 65 years old. It was renamed from the Old Age Pension. However, the grant payment is set to R2,185 for those up to 75 years old and R2,315 for those older than 75 years.

The purpose of this grant is to help those poor and unable to work people who can not earn due to their old age or retirement. This is a great step towards societal wellness.

3) Disability Grant

SASSA has a Disability Grant program for people who are disabled and can not work due to their disability. This grant was started in 1937 for only white people. However, later it was opened for all citizens who qualify for it.

People who are permanently or temporarily disabled can apply for this grant. However, the disability must be severe so that the person can not work for a living with that disability. The grant payment is set to R2,320 per month.

4) Care Dependency Grant

Parents or guardians who are raising a child with disability and can not afford the expenses should be happy now. The SASSA Care Dependency grant is offering R2,315 per month for one child.

5) Child Support Grant

Child support grant is also for parents or guardians, and even for children above the age of 16 years, to help them with a better living. However, children aged of above 18 years are not allowed for this grant.

The payment is R560 per month for a normal child, and if your child needs extra care, then there is an additional R280 top-up payment.

6) Foster Child Grant

Another grant for children so that every child gets what they deserve. This grant is specific to foster parents who are raising a foster child with a court order. The Foster Child grant payment is R1,250 per month for one child.

7) War Veterans Grant

Our war heroes are not forgotten who fought in either World War II (1939-1945) or the Korean War (1950-1953). If they are still alive and facing financial problems, then SASSA has covered them. They can get R2,330 per month from the SASSA as a grant payment.

8) Grant-in-aid

If you are already receiving an Older Person’s grant, Disability grant, or War Veterans grant, then you can also get a grant-in-aid. This is an extra payment of R560 per month for the beneficiaries of these grants.

What Are the SASSA Grant Payment Dates for 2026?

You can check SASSA grant payment dates for 2025/26 in the table below.

Grant MonthOlder Persons GrantDisability GrantChildren’s Grant
January 2025Tuesday, 6 January 2025Wednesday, 7 January 2025Thursday, 8 January 2025
February 2025Tuesday, 4 February 2025Wednesday, 5 February 2025Thursday, 6 February 2025
March 2025Tuesday, 3 March 2025Wednesday, 4 March 2025Thursday, 5 March 2025
April 2025Tuesday, 2 April 2025Wednesday, 3 April 2025Thursday, 4 April 2025
May 2025Tuesday, 6 May 2025Wednesday, 7 May 2025Thursday, 8 May 2025
June 2025Tuesday, 2 June 2025Wednesday, 5 June 2025Thursday, 6 June 2025
July 2025Tuesday, 2 July 2025Wednesday, 3 July 2025Thursday, 4 July 2025
August 2025Tuesday, 5 August 2025Wednesday, 6 August 2025Thursday, 7 August 2025
September 2025Tuesday, 2 September 2025Wednesday, 3 September 2025Thursday, 4 September 2025
October 2025Tuesday, 3 October 2025Wednesday, 4 October 2025Thursday, 6 October 2025
November 2025Tuesday, 5 November 2025Wednesday, 6 November 2025Thursday, 7 November 2025

F.A.Q

You can update your banking details online on the SASSA SRD website with your ID and phone number.

You should check your status online and submit an appeal if you think the decision is wrong.

SASSA takes about 1 to 3 months to review and approve a new application.

Yes, you can change your mobile number on the SASSA portal by verifying your ID.

Your money stays safe, and you can withdraw it on any day after the payment date.

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