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.
The most common grant is the R350 Social Relief of Distress Grant, which is also known as the R350 Grant – because that is how much you will receive each month.
If you are between 18 and 59 and do not have any other form of income, you are eligible to receive the R350 SRD grant. You can receive it for the months you have no other income. If you get a job at a later stage then you will stop receiving the monthly grant.
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.
However the easiest way to apply for the grant is by using the online methods.
Applying For Other Sassa Grants
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.
You can apply for any of the Sassa grants at the offices mentioned above.
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.