In short: Which SASSA grant you can get depends on your age, your income and who you care for. From April 2026 the Older Persons and Disability Grants pay up to R2,400 a month, the Child Support Grant pays R580, and the COVID-19 SRD pays R370 (it runs to 31 March 2027). Permanent grants are applied for at a SASSA office or on services.sassa.gov.za; the COVID-19 SRD is only on srd.sassa.gov.za. December 2026 grants are paid on 2, 3 and 4 December. Call SASSA free on 0800 60 10 11 to confirm your case.
Which SASSA Grants Am I Eligible For?
Complete eligibility guide for South African residents
Last checked: 11 November 2026
Quick Facts
- SASSA pays 8 permanent grant types plus the temporary COVID-19 SRD
- Government budgeted for about 26.5 million grant beneficiaries in 2026/27, including the SRD
- All grants require SA citizenship, permanent residency, or refugee status
- Every grant except the Foster Child Grant has a means test
Table of Contents
Quick Eligibility Checker
Answer these questions to find which grants you might qualify for:
Are you…
- Under 18 years old? → Your parent/guardian can apply for Child Support Grant
- 18-60 years old with little or no income? → You may qualify for COVID-19 SRD (R370 a month)
- 18-59 years old with a disability? → You may qualify for Disability Grant (up to R2,400 a month)
- 60 years or older? → You may qualify for Older Persons Grant (up to R2,400 a month)
- Caring for a foster child? → You may qualify for Foster Child Grant (R1,300 a month per child)
- Caring for a disabled child? → You may qualify for Care Dependency Grant (up to R2,400 a month)
- A war veteran? → You may qualify for War Veterans Grant (up to R2,420 a month)
✅ Basic Requirements for All Grants
Before looking at specific grants, you must meet these basic requirements:
Identity Requirements
- South African citizen, permanent resident, or refugee
- Valid 13-digit ID document or asylum documents
- Must be living in South Africa
Financial Requirements
- Must pass a means test (income and asset limits)
- Cannot receive another social grant (except Grant-in-Aid)
- Not maintained in a state institution
All 8 SASSA Grant Types Explained
1. COVID-19 Social Relief of Distress (SRD): R370
Who can apply:
- Age 18-60 years
- Unemployed or earning under the SRD income threshold (check on srd.sassa.gov.za)
- Not receiving another social grant for yourself, and not living in a state-funded institution
- Apply only on srd.sassa.gov.za (it is an online-only grant)
Payment: See the amounts table below.
2. Child Support Grant: R580
Who can apply:
- Primary caregiver of a child under 18 years
- Child must be your biological child, adopted child, or child in your care
- Both you and child must live in South Africa
- Must have child’s birth certificate
- You cannot apply for more than six children who are not your biological children
Payment: See the amounts table below.
3. Older Persons Grant: up to R2,400
Who can apply:
- Age 60 years or older
- Not cared for in a state institution
- Meet income and asset limits
Payment: See the amounts table below.
4. Disability Grant: up to R2,400
Who can apply:
- Age 18-59 years
- Medical assessment confirming disability
- Medical report not older than 3 months
- Includes the means test for you and your spouse
Payment: See the amounts table below.
5. Foster Child Grant: R1,300
Who can apply:
- Legal foster parent with court order
- Foster child under 18 years
- Must have been placed by Children’s Court
Payment: See the amounts table below.
6. Care Dependency Grant: up to R2,400
Who can apply:
- Primary caregiver of disabled child under 18
- Child needs permanent care or support
- Medical assessment required
- Child not cared for in state institution
Payment: See the amounts table below.
7. Grant-in-Aid: R580
Who can apply:
- Already receiving Older Persons, Disability, or War Veterans Grant
- Need full-time care from another person
- Medical report confirming need for care
Payment: See the amounts table below.
8. War Veterans Grant: up to R2,420
Who can apply:
- Served in the Second World War or the Korean War
- Aged 60 or older, or living with a disability
- Means test for you and your spouse
Payment: See the amounts table below.
Grant Amounts 2026/27
| Grant | Maximum per month |
|---|---|
| Older Persons Grant (60 to 74) | R2,400 |
| Older Persons Grant (75 and older) | R2,420 |
| War Veterans Grant | R2,420 |
| Disability Grant | R2,400 |
| Care Dependency Grant | R2,400 |
| Foster Child Grant | R1,300 (from 1 October 2026; R1,290 from April to September 2026) |
| Child Support Grant | R580 |
| Child Support Grant Top-Up | R870 (R580 plus R290) |
| Grant-in-Aid | R580 |
| COVID-19 SRD | R370 (extended to 31 March 2027) |
Source: Government Gazette notice R.7287 (23 March 2026) for the permanent grants, and the Department of Social Development statement of 17 February 2026 for the COVID-19 SRD. These are maximum amounts. Older Persons, War Veterans and Disability Grants are means tested on a sliding scale, so SASSA can pay less if you have other income.
✅ How to Apply for SASSA Grants
Online Applications
Available for:
- COVID-19 SRD Grant – srd.sassa.gov.za
- Child Support Grant
- Older Persons Grant
- Disability Grant
SASSA lists services.sassa.gov.za as its online application portal for grants. The COVID-19 SRD uses srd.sassa.gov.za.
In-Person Applications
Visit your nearest SASSA office with:
- ID document
- Proof of income/bank statements
- Medical reports (if applicable)
- Birth certificates (for child grants)
- Proof of address
Find offices at www.sassa.gov.za
SASSA Payment Dates: December 2026 to March 2027
| Month | Older Persons | Disability | Children’s grants |
|---|---|---|---|
| December 2026 | Wednesday 2 December | Thursday 3 December | Friday 4 December |
| January 2027 | Tuesday 5 January | Wednesday 6 January | Thursday 7 January |
| February 2027 | Tuesday 2 February | Wednesday 3 February | Thursday 4 February |
| March 2027 | Tuesday 2 March | Wednesday 3 March | Thursday 4 March |
Source: SASSA’s 2026/2027 payment schedule as published by the Department of Social Development. Children’s grants are the Child Support, Foster Child and Care Dependency Grants. Grant-in-Aid is paid with the grant it is attached to.
If your grant is under review, SASSA may pay it on a separate fourth payment day after the three normal days, as it explained in its 8 July 2026 statement. The COVID-19 SRD is not on this calendar: check your own pay date on srd.sassa.gov.za. Dates can change (November 2026 moved because of the local government elections), so confirm on SASSA’s media statements page before you travel to collect.
🚨 Beware of SASSA Scams
SASSA will NEVER ask you to pay to apply for grants or check your status!
Common Scams to Avoid:
- Fake “new grant” or “bonus” messages: real increases are announced by government and SASSA, not in forwarded links
- SMS phishing – Fake messages asking for banking details
- Application fees – All SASSA applications are completely free
- Fraudulent agents – Only apply at official SASSA offices or websites
- Status check fees – Checking your status is always free
Report Scams:
- SASSA anti-fraud line: 0800 701 701
- Email: GrantEnquiries@sassa.gov.za
- Visit your nearest SASSA office
Getting Help and Support
SASSA Contact Details
- Toll-free call centre: 0800 60 10 11
- Email: GrantEnquiries@sassa.gov.za
- WhatsApp (reviews and life certification): 082 601 0111, from SASSA’s 24 August 2026 statement
Online Resources
- Main Website: www.sassa.gov.za
- SRD Applications: srd.sassa.gov.za
- Status Checks: services.sassa.gov.za
- Office Locator: Available on main website
Checking Your Application Status
Common Status Messages:
- Pending: Your application is being reviewed – no action needed
- Approved: You qualify and will receive a payment date
- Declined: Your application was rejected – you can appeal
- Referred: Additional verification needed – update your details
How to check: Use srd.sassa.gov.za for the COVID-19 SRD. For other grants, call 0800 60 10 11, email GrantEnquiries@sassa.gov.za, or visit your SASSA office, which is how SASSA’s grant booklet says to follow up on an application.
⚠️ Understanding Income Limits
Most SASSA grants have income and asset limits. Here’s what you need to know:
What Counts as Income:
- Salary or wages from employment
- Pension payments
- Investment income
- Rental income
- Business profits
- Other social grants
What Counts as Assets:
- Cash savings and bank balances
- Property (excluding main residence)
- Vehicles
- Investments and shares
- Valuable items
Important: The means test looks at your income and assets and, if you are married, your spouse’s too. The limits differ by grant, so ask SASSA for the current limit for the grant you want before you apply.
Our Final Recommendations
Finding the right SASSA grant depends on your age, family situation, and financial needs. Start by checking which grants match your circumstances using our eligibility checker above.
Apply online when possible for faster processing, and keep all your documents ready. Remember that SASSA applications are completely free – never pay anyone to apply for you.
If you’re struggling financially, don’t wait – apply for the grants you qualify for today. These benefits are designed to help South Africans during difficult times.
Disclaimer: Last checked 11 November 2026 against the Government Gazette, the Department of Social Development and SASSA’s own statements and grant booklet. Grant amounts, payment dates and rules can change, so confirm with SASSA before you act. This is general information, not financial or legal advice.
For complaints or disputes, call SASSA on 0800 60 10 11 or visit your nearest SASSA office.