About the care dependency grant

Get a grant to take care of a child who has a severe disability and is in need of full-time and special care.

The care dependency grant covers disabled children from birth until they turn 18.

How do you know if you qualify?

You must:

be a parent, primary caregiver or a foster parent appointed by the court
be a South African citizen or permanent resident
not earn more than R223 200 a year if you are single. Your combined income should not be above R446 400 a year if you are married.
Note: This income limit does not apply to foster parents.


The child must:

be younger than 18 years
not be cared for permanently in a state institution
have a severe disability and need full-time and special care.
Both you and the child must live in South Africa.
Note: A state medical officer must assess the child before the grant will be approved.



How much will you get?

You will get R2 180 per month.

How will you be paid?

The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) will pay the grant to you through one of the following methods:

cash at a specific pay point on a particular day
electronic deposit into your bank or Postbank account (the bank may charge you for the service)
an institution acting as administrator of the grant (e.g. welfare organisations).
Note: If you are unable to collect the money yourself, you can appoint a procurator at the SASSA office, or give someone power of attorney to collect the grant on your behalf.


When may the child’s grant be reviewed?

SASSA can decide if your grant must be reviewed. Your income as declared when you apply for the grant will form the basis for this decision. You will be notified three months in advance of the date when the review will take place or the date on which the life certificate (document to prove that you are still alive) is due. If you receive your money through the bank, an institution or procurator, you are required to fill in a life certificate at the SASSA offices every year.

When may the child’s grant be suspended?

The following may result in the suspension of the grant:

when the child’s circumstances change the outcome of a review if you fail to co-operate when the child’s grant is reviewed when you commit fraud or misrepresent the child if there was a mistake when the child’s grant was approved. When will your grant lapse?

The grant will lapse when the

child passes away child is admitted to a state institution beneficiary who is the caregiver does not claim the grant for three consecutive months child is absent from the country child turns 18. What you should do

Go to the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) office nearest to where you live and bring the following:

Go to the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) office nearest to where you live and bring the following:
your 13-digit bar-coded identity document (ID) and birth certificate. If you don't have an ID or birth certificate:
Complete an affidavit on a standard SASSA format in the presence of a Commissioner of Oaths who is not a SASSA official.
Bring a sworn statement signed by a reputable person (such as a councillor, traditional leader, social worker, minister of religion or school principal) who can verify your name and age.
The SASSA official will take your fingerprints and refer you to the Department of Home Affairs to apply for the ID while your application is processed. If you don’t get an ID, your grant will be suspended.
Proof that you have applied for an ID and/or birth certificate at the Department of Home Affair

A temporary ID issued by the Department of Home Affairs (if applicable).
Baptismal certificate if available.
Road to health clinic card if available.
School report if available.
A medical/assessment report that confirms the child’s disability.
Proof of your marital status.
Your salary slip, bank statements for the previous three months, or pension slips, and any other proof of income. (Note: this does not apply to refugee foster parents.)

If you are:
not the child's parent, proof that you are the child’s primary caregiver through an affidavit from a police official, a social worker’s report, an affidavit from the biological parent or a letter from the school principal from the school attended by the child the biological parent of the child and the sole provider and caregiver, proof that you have tried to get the other parent to pay maintenance unemployed, proof from the Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) or a discharge certificate from your previous employer a refugee foster parent, refugee status permit and refugee ID the child’s foster parent, the court order placing the child in your care.
Please note: If you are too old or sick to travel to the office to apply, a family member or friend can apply on your behalf. The person should take a letter from you and/or a doctor's note saying why you cannot visit the office.
SASSA will refer the child for a state medical officer’s assessment before the application is made.
Complete an application form in the presence of the SASSA officer (note that only you as the applicant or a SASSA official can complete the application form).
You will be given a receipt. Keep it as proof that you applied. What if your application is not approved?

If your application is not approved, SASSA will inform you in writing why it was unsuccessful.

If you disagree with the decision, you can appeal to the Minister of Social Development at the national office of the Department of Social Development, explaining why you disagree. You must appeal within 90 days of being notified that your application was unsuccessful.

How long does it take

It may take up to three months to process your application

How much does it cost

The service is free.

Forms to complete

The application form is not available online, but you can get it at your nearest (SASSA) office.

Who to contact

South African Social Security Agency (SASSA)

About the child support grant

If you are needy, you can get a grant to help you raise the child you look after.

How do you know if you qualify?

You must:

Be the child’s primary caregiver (e.g. parent, grandparent or a child over 16 heading a family). Note: If you are not the child's parent, you must provide proof that you are the child’s primary caregiver through an affidavit from a police official, a social worker’s report, an affidavit from the biological parent or a letter from the principal of the school attended by the child. Be a South African citizen or permanent resident. Not earn more than R52 800 per year if you are single. If you are married, your combined income should not be above R105 600 per year. The child must:

be under the age of 18 years not be cared for in a state institution live with the primary caregiver who is not paid to look after the child. Both you and the child must live in South Africa.

Note: You cannot get this grant for more than six children who are not your biological or legally adopted children.

How much will you get?

You will get R530 a month per child. (Top-up R530 + R260)

How will you be paid?

The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) will pay the grant to you through one of the following methods:

cash at a specific pay point on a particular day electronic deposit into your bank or Postbank account (the bank may charge you for the service) an institution acting as administrator of the grant. Note: If you are unable to collect the money yourself, you can appoint a procurator at the SASSA office, or give someone power of attorney to collect the grant on your behalf.

When may the child’s grant be reviewed?

SASSA can decide if the child’s grant must be reviewed. Your income as declared when you apply for the grant will form the basis for this decision. You will be notified three months in advance of the date on which the review will take place or the date on which the life certificate (proof that you are still alive) is due. If you receive your money through the bank, an institution or procurator, you are required to fill in a life certificate for the child at the SASSA offices every year.

When may the child’s grant be suspended?

The following may result in the suspension of the child’s grant:

a change in your circumstances the outcome of a review if you fail to co-operate when the child’s grant is reviewed when you commit fraud or misrepresent the child if there was a mistake when the child’s grant was approved if the child is no longer in your care.

When will the child’s grant lapse?

The grant will lapse:

if the child passes away if the child is admitted to a state institution if the caregiver doesn’t claim it for three consecutive months if the child is absent from the country at the end of the month in which the child turns 18.

What you should do

Go to the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) office nearest to where you live and bring the following: your 13 digit-bar-coded identity document (ID) and the child’s birth certificate. If you don’t have an ID or the child’s birth certificate: you must complete an affidavit in a standard SASSA format in the presence of a Commissioner of Oaths who is not a SASSA official. Bring the following documents: a sworn statement by a reputable person (e.g. councillor, traditional leader, social worker, minister of religion) who knows the applicant and child proof that you have applied for an ID and/or birth certificate at the Department of Home Affairs a temporary ID issued by the Department of Home Affairs (if applicable) baptismal certificate if available road to health clinic card if available school report if available. Proof of any maintenance you receive for the child. Proof of your earnings. Your marriage certificate (if applicable). If you are divorced, the court order saying that you have custody of the child. If one or both parents are dead or missing, the death certificate of the deceased or proof that the parent is missing, e.g. a missing person's report from the police. Complete the application form in the presence of the SASSA official (note that only you as the applicant or a SASSA official may complete the application form). You will be given a receipt. Keep it as proof that you applied.

What if your application is not approved?

If your application is not approved, SASSA will inform you in writing why your application was unsuccessful.

If you disagree with the decision, you can appeal to the Minister of Social Development at the national office of the Department of Social Development. You must appeal within 90 days of being notified that your application was unsuccessful.

How long does it take

It may take up to three months to process your application. If your grant is approved, you will be paid from the date on which you applied.

How much does it cost

The service is free.

Forms to complete

Application forms are not available online, but you can get them from your nearest (SASSA) office.

Who to contact South African Social Security Agency (SASSA)

About a disability grant

If you have a physical or mental disability which makes you unfit to work for a period of longer than six months, you can apply for a disability grant.

You get a permanent disability grant if your disability will continue for more than a year and a temporary disability grant if your disability will last for a continuous period of not less than six months and not more than 12 months. A permanent disability grant does not mean you will receive the grant for life, but that it will continue for longer than 12 months.

How do you know if you qualify?

To qualify, you must:

be a South African citizen or permanent resident or refugee and living in South Africa at the time of application be between 18 and 59 years old
not be cared for in a state institution
have a 13-digit, bar-coded identity document (ID)
not earn more than R86 280 if you are single or R172 560 if married.
not have assets worth more than R1 227 600 if you are single or R2 455 200 if you are married
undergo a medical examination where a doctor appointed by the state will assess the degree of your disability
bring along any previous medical records and reports when you make the application and when the assessment is done.
The doctor will complete a medical report and will forward the report to South African Social Security Agency (SASSA).


The report is valid for three months from the date you are assessed.

Note: If you are under 18 and need permanent care due to your disability, your primary caregiver can apply for a Care Dependency Grant. If you don’t have an ID, you will be required to complete an affidavit and provide proof of having applied for the document from the Department of Home Affairs. If you have not applied for an ID, you must do so within three months of applying for the grant.

How much will you get?

The maximum is R2 180 per month.

How will you be paid?

A grant will be paid to you through one of the following methods:

cash at a specific pay point on a particular day
electronic deposit into your bank account, including Postbank (the bank may charge you for the service)
an institution not funded by the State – e.g. home for people with disabilities.
When may your grant be suspended?

The following may result in the suspension of your grant:

when your circumstances change
the outcome of a review
if you fail to co-operate when your grant is reviewed
when you commit fraud or misrepresent yourself
if there was a mistake when your grant was approved.
When may your grant lapse?

The grant will lapse when you:

pass away
are admitted to a state institution
do not claim for three consecutive months
are absent from the country.
Please note: If you are admitted to an institution that has a contract with the state to care for you, the grant is reduced to 25% of the maximum amount of the grant. That will be done with effect from the fourth month following your admission to that institution. The reduced grant is re-instated immediately from the date you are discharged from the institution.
More disability grant information

What you should do

Complete a disability grant application form at your nearest South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) office in the presence of a SASSA officer.
Submit the following:
Your 13-digit bar-coded identity document (ID). If you don't have an ID:
You must complete an affidavit on a standard SASSA format in the presence of a Commissioner of Oaths who is not a SASSA official.
You must bring a sworn statement signed by a reputable person (like a councillor, traditional leader, social worker, minister of religion or school principal) who can verify your name and age.
The SASSA official will take your fingerprints.
You will be referred to the Department of Home Affairs to apply for the ID while your application is processed. If you don’t get an ID, your grant will be suspended.
A medical report and functional assessment report confirming your disability.
Proof of marital status (if applicable).
Proof of residence.
Proof of income or dividends (if any).
Proof of assets, including the municipal value of your property.
Proof of private pension (if any).
Your bank statements for the past three months.
Refugee status permit and 13-digit refugee ID.
Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) document ('blue book') or discharge certificate from your previous employer if you were employed.
A copy of the will and the first and final liquidation and distribution accounts, if your spouse died within the last five years.
After submitting your application you will be given a receipt to keep as proof of application.


What if your application is not approved?

The social security office will inform you in writing whether or not your application was successful.

If your grant is not approved, the social security office will state the reasons why your application was unsuccessful. You can then appeal to the Minister of Social Development in writing, explaining why you disagree. Appeal within 90 days of receiving notification about the outcome of your application. How long does it take

It may take up to three months to process your application.

If your grant is approved, you will be paid from the day you applied.

How much does it cost

The service is free.

Forms to complete

Application forms are not available online, but you can get them from your nearest (SASSA) office.

Who to contact

South African Social Security Agency (SASSA)

Grant in aid

About the grant-in-aid

If you are living on a social grant but can’t look after yourself, you can get an additional grant to pay the person who takes full-time care of you.

How do you know if you qualify?

You must:

already get a disability grant, war veteran’s grant or grant for older persons not be able to look after yourself owing to your physical or mental disability, and therefore need full-time care from someone else not be cared for in an institution that receives a subsidy from the government for your care or housing. How much will you get?

You will get R530 per month.

How will you be paid?

The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) will pay the grant to you through one of the following methods:

cash at a specific pay point on a particular day electronic deposit into your bank or Postbank account (the bank may charge you for the service) an institution acting as administrator of the grant (e.g. welfare organisation). The grant will be paid together with your social grant. Note: If you are unable to collect the money yourself, you can appoint a procurator at the SASSA office, or give someone power of attorney to collect the grant on your behalf.

When may your grant be reviewed?

Your grant may be reviewed when the social grant to which it is attached is reviewed.

What you should do

Go to the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) office nearest to where you live and bring the following: your 13-digit bar-coded identity document (ID) proof of your marital status and spouse’s identity where applicable medical report or assessment report (less than three months old) that shows that you need full-time care. Note: If you are too old or sick to travel to the office to apply, a family member or friend can apply on your behalf. The person should take a letter from you and/or a doctor's note saying why you can't visit the office.

Complete the application form in the presence of the SASSA officer (note that only you as the beneficiary or a SASSA official may complete the application form). The officer will interview you and tell you if you qualify for the grant. You will be given a receipt. Keep it as proof that you applied.

What if your application is not approved?

If your application is not approved, SASSA will inform you in writing why your application was unsuccessful. If you disagree with the decision, you can appeal to the Minister of Social Development. You must appeal within 90 days of being notified that your application was unsuccessful.

How long does it take

It may take up to three months to process your application. If your grant is approved, you will be paid from the date on which you applied.

How much does it cost

The service is free.

Forms to complete

Application forms are not available online, but you can get them from your nearest SASSA office.

Who to contact

South African Social Security Agency (SASSA)

International social services

About applying for International Social Services

Inter-country assistance is offered to foreign nationals who experience personal or social problems as a result of international migration or displacement.

The Department of Social Development renders inter-country social services in collaboration with the International Social Service (ISS).

The ISS is an international not-for-profit organisation which pays particular attention to vulnerable expatriate children. It is active in around 140 countries through a network of national branches, social workers, affiliated bureaus and correspondents.

What you should do

If you are a foreign national living in South Africa:
Apply at your nearest social worker’s office.
Compile a case summary according to the format prescribed by the ISS. This case summary will set out the circumstances and the request for services needed from the foreign country.
Forward the completed case summary to the provincial representative of the ISS at the head office of the provincial department of social development.
The provincial representative will forward your request to the ISS of South Africa (ISS SA) which is situated within the national Department of Social Development.
If you are a South African citizen living outside South Africa:
Apply at the ISS Affiliated Bureau or correspondent in the foreign country where you live.
The bureau will send your request to ISS SA.
How long does it take

The provincial department of social development deals with requests on receipt. On receiving a referral from a provincial department, ISS SA will refer the request for services to the ISS Affiliated Bureau or correspondent in the foreign country. Their response will depend on their local circumstances. When it receives a referral from a foreign country, ISS SA refers the matter to the local provincial representative who will arrange with a local social worker to investigate the matter and provide a report to the provincial department. Once received, the report is forwarded to ISS SA, which studies and forwards the report to the stakeholders, together with comments, questions and/or queries. The level of service quality is ensured by the local and provincial social workers as well as by the social worker responsible for the matter at the office of ISS SA. Government employees follow the protocol procedures prescribed by the ISS: General Secretariat. How much does it cost

The services are free in South Africa, but in some countries you may be required to pay for certain services. These fees vary among countries.

Forms to complete

There are no forms to complete.

Who to contact

Department of Social Development provincial offices contact list

Old age pension

About the older persons grant

You can get a grant to see you through your old age. An older person's grant is paid to people who are 60 years or older. This grant used to be called the old age pension.

How do you know if you qualify?

You must:

be a South African citizen, permanent resident or refugee
live in South Africa
not receive any other social grant for yourself
not be cared for in a state institution
not earn more than R86 280 if you are single or R172 560 if married.
not have assets worth more than 1 227 600 if you are single or R2 455 200 if you are married.
How much will you get?

The maximum amount that you will get is R 2 180 per month. If you are older than 75 years, you will get R2 200.

How will you be paid?

The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) will pay the grant to you through one of the following methods:

cash at a specific pay point on a particular day
electronic deposit into your bank or Postbank account (the bank may charge you for the service)
institutions (e.g. old age home).
Note: If you are unable to collect the money yourself, you can appoint a procurator at the SASSA office, or give someone power of attorney to collect the grant on your behalf.
When may your grant be reviewed?

SASSA can decide if your grant must be reviewed. Your income as declared when you apply for the grant will form the basis for this decision. You will be notified three months in advance of the date when the review will take place or the date on which the life certificate (proof that you are still alive) is due. If you receive your money through the bank, an institution or procurator, you are required to fill in a life certificate at the SASSA offices every year.

When may your grant be suspended?

The following may result in the suspension of your grant:

when your circumstances change
the outcome of a review
if you fail to co-operate when your grant is reviewed
when you commit fraud or misrepresent yourself
if there was a mistake when your grant was approved.
When will your grant lapse?

The grant will lapse when you:

pass away are admitted to a state institution do not claim for three consecutive months are absent from the country. Please note: If you are admitted to an institution that has a contract with the state to care for you, the social grant is reduced to 25% of the maximum amount of the grant. This will start from the fourth month following your admission to that institution. The reduced grant is re-instated immediately from the date you are discharged from the institution. More information on older person's grant

What you should do

Go to the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) office nearest to where you live and bring the following:
Your 13-digit bar-coded identity document (ID). If you don't have an ID:
you must complete an affidavit on a standard SASSA format in the presence of a Commissioner of Oaths who is not a SASSA official
you must bring a sworn statement signed by a reputable person (like a councillor, traditional leader, social worker, minister of religion or school principal) who can verify your name and age
the SASSA official will take your fingerprints. You will be referred to the Department of Home Affairs to apply for the ID while your application is processed. If you don’t get an ID, your grant will be suspended.

Proof of your marital status (if applicable).
Proof of residence.
Proof of your income and/or dividends (if any).
Proof of your assets, including the value of the property you own.
Proof of your private pension (if any).
Your bank statements of the previous three months.

If you were employed, proof of your Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) membership ('blue book') or discharge certificate from your previous employer.
If your spouse died within the last five years, a copy of the will and the first and final liquidation and distribution accounts where applicable.
Please note: If you are too old or sick to travel to the office to apply, a family member or friend can apply on your behalf. The person should take a letter from you and/or a doctor's note saying why you cannot visit the office.
Complete the application form in the presence of the SASSA officer (note that only you as the applicant or a SASSA official may complete the application form). The officer will interview you and tell you if you qualify for the grant.
You will be given a receipt. Keep it as proof that you applied.

What if your application is not approved?

If your application is not approved, SASSA will inform you in writing why your application was unsuccessful. If you disagree with the decision, you can appeal to the Minister of Social Development at the national Department of Social Development. You must appeal within 90 days of being notified that your application was unsuccessful. How long does it take

It may take up to three months to process your application.

If your grant is approved, you will be paid from the date on which you applied.

How much does it cost

The service is free.

Forms to complete

Application forms are not available online, but you can get it at your nearest SASSA office.

Who to contact

South African Social Security Agency (SASSA)

About applying for social relief of distress

Social relief of distress is temporary provision of assistance intended for persons in such a dire material need that they are unable to meet their families’ most basic needs.

This could be due to any of the following factors:

you need help while you wait for your children’s grants to be processed
a crisis or disaster has occurred (e.g. your house has burnt down)
you do not qualify for a grant, and you are in a desperate situation
you are unable to work for a period of less than six month because you are medically unfit
you are unable to get maintenance from the other parent of your child or children
the breadwinner in the family has died
the breadwinner has been sent to prison for a short time (less than six months)
you have been affected by a disaster, but the area or community in which you live has not been declared a disaster area.
What do you get?

The Social Relief of Distress may be in the form of a food parcel or a voucher to buy food. Some provinces give this assistance in the form of cash. Social Relief of Distress is given for a short time only – usually for up to three months, which may be extended for another three months.

What you should do

Apply for social relief of distress at your nearest South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) office or visit https://srd.sassa.gov.za/.
Submit your application with the following documents:
your 13-digit bar-coded identity document and your children’s birth certificates.
if your identity document and/or a birth certificate are not available:
an affidavit commissioned by a Justice of the Peace. The affidavit must contain a clause which indicates that provision of incorrect or inaccurate information will result in prosecution in terms of Section 21 of the Social Assistance Act, 2004.
a sworn statement by a reputable person who knows the applicant and the child. This may be from a councillor, traditional leader, social worker or minister of religion.
proof that an application for a birth certificate or identity document has been lodged with the Department of Home Affairs.
where applicable, a temporary identity document issued by the Department of Home Affairs.
a baptismal certificate.
a road to health clinic card.
a school report.
please note: No application can be processed without the sworn statement/affidavit.
If you do not have an identity document and birth certificates, an affidavit from your local police station, chief, councillor or religious leader may be enough proof.
Show proof that you:
have applied for a grant
have had an emergency (e.g. provide a police report that your house burnt down)
have tried to get maintenance
have no other support
are married, divorced, or single
have no income
have a short-term medical disability.
How long does it take

Your application will be processed immediately.
Once your application is submitted, it will be assessed for credibility and your genuine need for the service.
Even if you do not have all the documents, you will get your first month’s food parcel, voucher or cash.
Remember to take all the documents to the officer before the second month’s payment is due. If you do not, you may not get your second and third month’s food parcel, voucher or cash.
If there is no change in your circumstances after you have received the grant for three months, you may apply to have the grant extended for another three months.


How much does it cost

The service is free.

Forms to complete

The application form is not available online, but you can get it at your nearest SASSA office.

Who to contact

South African Social Security Agency (SASSA)

About a war veteran's grant

If you are a former soldier who fought in the Second World War (1939-1945) or the Korean War (1950-1953) and are unable to support yourself, you can apply for a war veteran’s grant.

How do you know if you qualify?

You must:

be a South African citizen or permanent resident
live in South Africa
be 60 years of age or older or be disabled
have fought in the Second World War or the Korean War
not receive any other social grant for yourself
not be cared for in a state institution
not earn more than R 86 280 if you are single or R172 560 if married
not have assets worth more than R 1 227 600 if you are single or R 2 455 200 if you are married.
Note: If you live in the house that you or your spouse own, the value is not taken into account for the purpose of the means test.

How much will you get?

You will get R 2 200 per month.

How will you be paid?

The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) will pay the grant to you through one of the following methods:

cash at a specific pay point on a particular day
electronic deposit into your bank or Postbank account (the bank may charge you for the service)
an institution acting as administrator of the grant e.g. a welfare organisation.
Please note: If you are unable to collect the money yourself, you can appoint a procurator at the SASSA office, or give someone power of attorney to collect the grant on your behalf.

When may your grant be reviewed?

SASSA can decide if your grant must be reviewed. Your income as declared when you apply for the grant will form the basis this decision. You will be notified three months in advance of the date on which the review will take place or the date on which the life certificate (a document to prove that you are still alive) is due. If you receive your money through the bank, an institution or procurator, you are required to fill in a life certificate at the SASSA offices every year. When may your grant be suspended?

The following may result in the suspension of your grant:

when your circumstances change
the outcome of a review
if you fail to co-operate when your grant is reviewed
when you commit fraud or misrepresent yourself
if there was a mistake when your grant was approved.

When will your grant lapse?

The grant will lapse in the case of:

death
admission to a state institution
if the grant is not claimed for three consecutive months
when you are absent from the country.
What you should do

Go to the SASSA office nearest to where you live and bring the following:
Your 13-digit bar-coded identity document (ID). If you don't have an ID:
You must complete an affidavit on a standard SASSA format in the presence of a Commissioner of Oaths who is not a SASSA official.
You must bring a sworn statement signed by a reputable person (like a councillor, traditional leader, social worker, minister of religion or school principal) who can verify your name and age.
You must bring proof that you have applied for an at the Department of Home Affairs.
A temporary ID issued by the Department of Home Affairs (if applicable)

Proof of your war service, e.g. certificate of service.
If you are under 60, a medical assessment or report stating that you cannot work.
Proof of your marital status. If:
you are single, an affidavit stating that you are single
you are married, your marriage certificate and your spouse’s identity document
you are divorced, your divorce order
your spouse is dead, your spouse’s death certificate.
If you or your spouse is employed, your pay slips.
If you are unemployed, your Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) blue book or discharge certificate from your previous employer.
If you have a bank account, your bank statements for the last three months.
If you have investments, information on the interest and dividends you earn.
Please note: If you are too old or sick to travel to the office to apply, a family member or friend can apply on your behalf. The person should take a letter from you and/or a doctor's note saying why you cannot visit the office.

Complete the application form in the presence of the SASSA officer (note that only you as the applicant or a SASSA official may complete the application form).
You will be given a receipt. Keep it as proof that you applied.
If you want to enrol for cash payments, the SASSA officer will give you a date when you need to come back and what you need to bring with you.
What if your application is not approved?


If your application is not approved, SASSA will inform you in writing why your application was unsuccessful.
If you disagree with the decision, you can appeal to the Minister of Social Development at the national office of the Department of Social Development. You must appeal within 90 days of being notified that your application was unsuccessful.


How long does it take

It may take up to three months to process your application.

If your grant is approved, you will be paid from the day you applied.

How much does it cost

The service is free.

Forms to complete

Application forms are not available online, but you can get them from your nearest SASSA office.

Who to contact

South African Social Security Agency (SASSA)