Eligibility Criteria for SASSA Grants: Who Qualifies?

Understanding the eligibility criteria for SASSA grants is the first step toward accessing the financial support you or your family might need. Each grant has specific requirements based on age, income, residency, and other factors. Let’s break down who qualifies for each type of SASSA grant and what documents you’ll need.

1. Old Age Grant

• Who qualifies?
  • South African citizens or permanent residents aged 60 or older .
  • Must have no income or income below SASSA’s threshold (varies yearly).
  • Not receiving a pension from the South African Social Security Fund (SASF).
• Key Documents :
  • ID or passport.
  • Proof of income (if applicable).
  • Proof of address (e.g., utility bill).

2. Disability Grant

• Who qualifies?
  • Permanent residents or citizens with a medical certificate confirming disability.
  • Must be unable to work due to the disability.
  • No income or income below SASSA’s threshold.
• Key Documents :
  • Medical certificate from a registered doctor or hospital.
  • ID and proof of address.

3. Child Support Grant

• Who qualifies?
  • Primary caregiver of a child under 18 (or 19–21 if in school).
  • Household income must be under R75,000 per year (for one child; less for multiple children).
• Key Documents :
  • Child’s birth certificate or ID.
  • Proof of income (e.g., payslips, bank statements).
  • Proof of address.

4. Foster Care Grant

• Who qualifies?
  • Caregiver of an orphaned or abandoned child under 18.
  • Must have legal custody or a foster care order from a court/social worker.
• Key Documents :
  • Foster care order or court documentation.
  • Child’s birth certificate and ID.
  • Proof of address.

5. Care Dependency Grant

• Who qualifies?
  • For individuals who require constant care due to illness or disability (e.g., Alzheimer’s, severe chronic conditions).
  • Caregiver must be a family member or legal guardian.
• Key Documents :
  • Medical certificate confirming the need for care.
  • Proof of caregiver’s relationship to the recipient.

6. War Veterans Grant

• Who qualifies?
  • Veterans who served in South Africa’s military conflicts (e.g., World War I, II, or Border War).
  • Must be over 60 or disabled due to service.
• Key Documents :
  • Military service records.
  • Proof of disability (if applicable).

7. Presidential Grant

• Who qualifies?
  • Families where a member was killed in a violent crime (e.g., murder, assault).
  • Must apply within 12 months of the incident .
• Key Documents :
  • Police docket or court order.
  • Proof of family relationship to the deceased.

Your Next Steps

Whether you’re applying for the first time or resolving an issue, these posts provide everything you need to navigate SASSA grants confidently:

👉 SASSA Grants 101: A Beginner’s Guide to Social Security in South Africa

👉 Eligibility Criteria for SASSA Grants: Who Qualifies?

👉 How to Apply for a SASSA Grant: Step-by-Step Guide

👉 Common SASSA Grant Issues and How to Fix Them

👉 Tracking Your SASSA Grant Application: Is There an Online Portal?

👉 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About SASSA Grants

👉 Protecting Yourself from SASSA Grant Fraud: Tips and Tricks

Comparison Table: At a Glance

Eligibility criteria exist to ensure grants reach those who need them most. If you’re unsure about your qualifications, visit your nearest SASSA office or clinic for guidance.