what sassa grants are there 2024-2025

what sassa grants are there 2024-2025

This article explains the South African social grant program and how to apply for help.

In South Africa, which has a well-developed welfare system, social grants account for a sizable portion of social spending. Every month, more than 18 million social grants are distributed.

In the interest of a more equitable society, Social Grants are in place to raise living standards and redistribute wealth. Sections 24 through 29 of the South African Constitution’s Bill of Rights recognize citizens’ socioeconomic rights, including the right to social security.

The government is obligated to progressively realize these rights, meaning that “the state must take reasonable legislative and other measures, within its available resources, to achieve the progressive realization of the right.”

The South African Social Security Agency oversees the administration of social grants (SASSA). The South African Social Security Agency Act of 2004 entrusts SASSA with the responsibility of “ensuring the provision of comprehensive social security services against vulnerability and poverty within the constitutional legislative framework.”

The Social Assistance Act of 2004 and its implementing regulations offer the legal foundation for the management of seven social grants. Grants are intended for groups of people who are at risk of poverty and require government assistance. These include the elderly, the disabled, and young children. Additionally, the Social Relief of Distress award offers three months’ worth of vouchers, food packages, or cash to people who are in immediate need of temporary financial assistance.

Social grant applicants must be citizens, permanent residents, or refugees who are presently residing in South Africa.

Social grants in South Africa are currently “means tested” with the exception of the Foster Child Grant and the Grant in Aid. The process of evaluating the worth of your assets and income is known as the means test. Your income and assets must be below a specific threshold in order for you to qualify for a grant. Whether or not you are married will determine the threshold, which varies for each grant. The SASSA means test also determines the amount of your Old Age Grant and Disability Grant, so you might not always get the maximum amount available.

You can still apply for a grant even if you work or have another source of income but still really need social assistance. All of your assets and income must be disclosed to SASSA. Your monthly payment will be reduced if you receive a disability grant, old-age grant, or war veterans grant based on your income.

The value of your Old Age Grant, Disability Grant, or War Veteran’s Grant will be reduced to 25% of its value if you are admitted to a state institution for an extended period of time starting in the fourth month after your admission and continuing until you are discharged.

SASSA Hotline 0800 601 011

The grants are:

• Older person’s grant (old age pension)
• Child support grant
• Care dependency grant
• Grant in aid (if you live on a social grant but need someone to take care of you)
• War veteran’s grant
• Foster child grant
• Disability grant