Social grants serve as a lifeline for millions of South Africans every month. There are several ways people can apply for the social grants distributed in by the South African Social Security Agency.
The South African Social Security Agency (Sassa) distributes more than 18 million permanent grants to vulnerable people living in South Africa. These grants allow beneficiaries to purchase basic goods and necessities monthly.
Permanent grants distributed by Sassa include the Older Persons grant, Disability grant, War Veterans grant, Foster Child grant, Child Support grant, Child Support Grant top-up and the Grant-in-aid.
If you believe you are deserving of a Sassa grant, then you can begin your Sassa grant applications.
Where You Can Apply For A Sassa Grant
You can apply for one of the grants distributed by the Sassa office nearest to where you live. There are 9 regional Sassa offices and 46 district offices to assist grant applicants around the country.
Individuals who are too old or sick to travel to the office to apply for a grant can instruct a family member or friend to apply on your behalf. You must provide them with a letter from you authorising the grant application.
Applications for several grants can be completed online. Applications for Older Person grants, Child Support grants or Foster Child grants can be done online at the Sassa services website.
When your Sassa grant application is completed, you will be given a receipt or a reference number confirming the Sassa application. You are urged to keep your receipt/reference safe as it is your only proof of application.
It’s important to note that it is completely free of charge to apply for a Sassa grant. You do not have to pay any money to apply for a grant.
If Sassa approves your grant applications, you will be paid from the date on which you submitted a complete application, unless you have applied for a foster child grant. Foster child grants are paid from the date of the court order.
If your application is not approved by Sassa, you must be informed in writing as to why your application was unsuccessful. If you do not agree with the decision, you have the right to appeal the decision.
The staff at the local office will advise on the process to follow for your Sassa grant appeal.
