How Do I Apply for a Social Grant in South Africa?
Social grants provide vital financial assistance to millions of South Africans every month. These grants are administered by the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA), and they help individuals and families who need support with basic living expenses.
If you are wondering how to apply for a social grant, here’s everything you need to know.
Types of Social Grants Available
South Africans can apply for different types of social grants depending on their circumstances:
- Older Person’s Grant (old age pension)
- Child Support Grant
- Care Dependency Grant (for children with severe disabilities)
- Grant-in-Aid (for those who already receive a grant but need full-time care)
- War Veteran’s Grant
- Foster Child Grant
- Disability Grant
- Social Relief of Distress (temporary assistance in emergencies)
Where to Apply for a Social Grant
Applications must be submitted through SASSA offices. These offices are located nationwide, and staff are available to help you complete the required forms.
👉 You can also find more information about each grant in the Services section of the official gov.za website, available in all South African official languages.
What You Need to Apply
When visiting your nearest SASSA office, you should bring:
- Your South African identity document (ID)
- Supporting documents specific to the grant you are applying for
(such as a birth certificate for a child support grant, or medical records for a disability grant) - Proof of income, if required
SASSA officials will help you fill in the application form if you need assistance.
Contact SASSA for Enquiries
If you have questions about your application or eligibility, you can reach SASSA through the following contact details:
- Toll-Free Number: 0800 60 10 11
- Alternative Number: 0800 60 01 60 (CPS)
- Email: GrantEnquiries@sassa.gov.za
Final Thoughts
Applying for a social grant in South Africa is straightforward once you know the steps and have the right documents. SASSA remains the official channel for all applications, whether you are seeking an older person’s grant, a child support grant, or temporary social relief of distress.
If you’re ready to apply, visit your nearest SASSA office or check the Services section of the official government website for more details.