Eligibility Criteria
SASSA social grants are designed to support vulnerable citizens. Although the eligibility criteria may vary slightly between the different grant types, the following are the general requirements:
General Requirements
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Must be a South African citizen, permanent resident, or refugee residing in South Africa.
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Income levels and asset thresholds must fall below specified limits – these limits may vary depending on the grant type.
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Applicants should not be receiving another social grant that disqualifies them from additional support.
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Specific grants require additional criteria such as medical assessments.
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Age requirements apply: for instance, the Old Age Grant is generally for individuals 60 years and older.
Means Test
Most SASSA grants are subject to a means test that evaluates your financial situation:
- Your income and assets are assessed
- Different thresholds apply for different grants
- Joint income is considered for married applicants
Ineligibility Factors
You may not qualify if you:
- Are cared for in a state institution
- Receive another social grant (with exceptions)
- Exceed the income/asset threshold limits
- Submit fraudulent information
How to Apply
Check Your Eligibility
Use our eligibility checker tool to verify if you qualify for a specific grant.
Pro Tip: Consider both income and assets when checking eligibility criteria. Different grants have different requirements.
Gather Required Documents
Prepare your ID, proof of residence, bank statements, and any additional documents such as a medical certificate if applying for a disability or care dependency grant.
Pro Tip: Ensure all documents are certified copies not older than 3 months.
Complete the Application Form
Fill out the online application form or visit your nearest SASSA office to apply in person.
Pro Tip: Double-check all information before submitting. Incorrect details may delay processing.
Submit Your Application
Ensure that all your documents are complete and accurate before submitting the form.
Pro Tip: Keep your application reference number safe for future tracking.
Track Your Application
Use the SASSA Status Checker to monitor the progress of your application and payment schedule.
Pro Tip: Applications typically take up to 90 days to process. You'll receive SMS notifications about status changes.
Important Notice
SASSA services are completely FREE. You should never pay anyone to help you apply for a grant.
Report any person who asks for payment to process your application by calling the SASSA fraud hotline at 0800 701 701.
Required Documentation
Before applying, make sure you have the following documents ready:
Identity Document
Valid 13-digit South African ID or passport for refugees
Proof of Residence
Utility bills, lease agreement, or affidavit confirming residence
Bank Details
Recent bank statement or proof of account (not older than 3 months)
Medical Reports
Medical assessment or doctor's reports (if applying for disability-related grants)
Birth Certificates
Birth certificates for children (required for Child Support Grant)
Marriage Certificate
Marriage certificate or proof of partnership status (if applicable)
Additional Documents
Depending on your specific circumstances, you may also need to provide:
- Proof of unemployment or UIF registration
- School attendance confirmation for children
- Proof of refugee or asylum seeker status
- Death certificate (for Foster Child Grant)
- Court order documents when applicable
Document Checklist
For all documents, please ensure:
- All copies are certified (by SAPS or Commissioner of Oaths)
- Documents are not older than 3 months
- All documents are legible and complete
- Foreign documents are properly translated if applicable
- You bring originals for verification when submitting
Application Tips
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Double-check information
Ensure all details are accurate to avoid delays in processing
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Use certified documents
All copies must be certified within the last 3 months
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Apply early in the day
Visit SASSA offices early to avoid long queues
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Keep your receipt
Store your application receipt safely for future reference
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Update contact details
Ensure your phone number is current to receive SMS updates