How to Apply for the SASSA Grant in 2025
South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) provides financial support to the poor people of South Africa. SASSA offers eight types of grants with different eligibility criteria. These SASSA grants include a Child Support Grant and an Old Age Grant. You can easily apply for any grant via online and offline methods.
In this guide, I will walk you through the complete application procedure to apply for the SASSA grants. I will also discuss its processing time and precautions.
SASSA Grants in South Africa
There are eight types of SASSA grants, each with a different grant amount and eligibility criteria. However, the application process for these grants is completely the same, with minor changes in the required document. These grants are:
- Old Age Grant
- Disability Grant
- SASSA War Veterans Grant
- Child Support Grant
- Care Dependency Grant
- Foster Child Grant
- SRD R370 Grant
- Grant-In-Aid
Please click on the links provided above to open the articles. You can review the detailed eligibility criteria and required documents for SASSA grants there.
What Do You Require to Apply for the SASSA Grants?
If you are fulfilling the eligibility criteria for any SASSA grant, please make sure you have the following documents:
These documents are required for any SASSA grants. Further, these required documents can vary slightly for different grants.
SASSA Forms and EForms
SASSA forms and EForms are important to apply for grants. These forms include SASSA Affidavit forms and Medical Assessment Referral Form. You can easily download and print these SASSA forms from our Download All SASSA Forms and EForms guide. (LINK OF SASSA FORMS AND EFORMS ARTICLE). It reduces the need to stand in long lines for SASSA forms.
Two Methods to Apply for the SASSA Grants
You can easily apply for the SASSA grants offline and online. The following application process is the same for all SASSA grants:
Method 1: Apply for the SASSA Grants Through the SASSA Service Portal
This is the most reliable and convenient method to apply for the grant. It eliminates the need to go anywhere. Before applying through this method, please ensure you have a strong internet connection. Here is the simple process:
Step 1: Go to the SASSA Service Portal
Firstly, go to the SASSA Online Service Portal by clicking https://services.sassa.gov.za/portal/r/sassa/sassa/home.
Step 2: Register a New Account
Now, go to the “Register a new account” box and click the “Register” button. This section is located on the left side of the page.
Step 3: Enter the Required Document
Upon clicking, a form will load on your screen. You have to provide the following information:
Once you enter all this information, please provide an accurate password. Please make sure the password is 8 characters long. It must be a combination of characters, symbols, and digits.
Step 4: Enter Your OTP
Please click the “Register Me” button at the bottom of the form. SASSA will send a one-time PIN to your phone number associated with SASSA. Please enter this OTP on the website. It will remain valid for only 1 minute.
Step 5: Log in to Your SASSA Account
After registering an account, log in to your account by entering your username and password. Please remember your username will be your ID number.
Step 6: Click “Apply for the Grant”
Now, click the “Apply for the grant” button and then choose the grant you want to apply for from any of these:
Please click the “Continue” button to proceed.
Step 7: Enter the Required Details
A grant application form will display on your screen. Please enter these required details accurately. Once you enter, kindly double-check your provided details and click “Submit”.
Step 8: Attach Your Documents
Lastly, attach the required documents in PDF format. These documents include Proof of your income and a copy of your ID Card. Now, click the “Submit” button.
Please ensure your provided documents are certified. SASSA will send a confirmation email to your phone number registered with SASSA.
Method 2: Apply for the SASSA Grants Through the SASSA Office
If you are not satisfied with the online method, you can also visit the nearest SASSA office to apply for the SASSA grants. However, this method is time taking. Firstly, go to the SASSA office in your area. You can easily locate the SASSA office in your area from the official SASSA website or call the helpline to find the office near you.
Once you reach the office, please patiently wait for your turn. Now, explain to the SASSA officer that you are looking to apply for the grant. Please fill out the forms and submit the required documents along with the EForms.
The SASSA officer will conduct a short interview to verify whether you are eligible for the grant or not. A SASSA official will provide you with a receipt with his name on it. Please keep this receipt safe, as it will be required in the future.
Processing Time for SASSA Grants
SASSA usually takes 60 to 90 days to process your grant application. The processing time for the grant can vary with the number of applications that SASSA receives from the day you applied for the grant. Once your application is selected, you will receive the grant payment from the day you applied. In case of rejection, SASSA will send a letter detailing why you were not selected for this grant.
What Happens If Your SASSA Application Is Rejected?
If your application is declined, you can easily apply for reconsideration by following this procedure:
SASSA will again verify your SASSA application and make a final decision. If your reconsideration application is accepted, you will receive a grant payment from the day you applied. However, if your application is declined, SASSA will send a letter explaining why you were not selected.
Appeal for the SASSA Grant
If the SASSA rejects your reconsideration application, you can appeal to the Independent Tribunal for Social Assistance Appeals (ITSAA). You can easily appeal by following the simple steps from our SASSA appeal guide.
Precautions While Applying for the SASSA Grant
There are seven important precautions to follow while applying for the SASSA grant.
If your SASSA application is rejected, please again check your personal details. Sometimes, SASSA rejects your application because the provided information does not match their records.
Conclusion
SASSA provides financial assistance to those who are unable to meet their daily expenses. You can easily apply for the SASSA grant by following any of the two methods that I have explained above. If SASSA rejects your application, you can easily apply for reconsideration.
