The South African Social Security Agency (Sassa) distributes more than 18 million permanent social grants every month to financially vulnerable individuals across the country. These grants provide essential support to older persons, people with disabilities, children, and caregivers.
If you’re considering applying for a Sassa grant in May 2025, here’s a complete guide to the eligibility criteria for each grant type and what you need to know before applying.
General Requirements for Most Sassa Grants
While each Sassa grant has its own set of conditions, most share these common eligibility rules:
- You must be a South African citizen, permanent resident, or refugee
- You must live in South Africa
- You must pass a means test, which evaluates your income and assets
- You cannot receive more than one grant for yourself
- You cannot be cared for in a state-funded institution
Older Persons Grant Requirements
To qualify for the Older Persons Grant, you must:
- Be 60 years or older
- Be a South African citizen, permanent resident, or refugee
- Reside in South Africa
- Not receive another personal grant
- Pass the means test
- Not live in a state institution
Child Support Grant Requirements
To qualify for the Child Support Grant, you must:
- Be the primary caregiver of the child
- Be a South African citizen, permanent resident, or refugee
- Live with the child in South Africa
- Ensure the child is under 18 years old
- Pass the means test with your spouse (if applicable)
- Not claim more than six non-biological children
- Not be caring for a child in state care
Foster Child Grant Requirements
To qualify for the Foster Child Grant, you must:
- Be a South African citizen, permanent resident, or refugee
- Reside in South Africa with the foster child
- Have the child legally placed in your care by a court
- Ensure the child remains in your custody during the grant period
Disability Grant Requirements
To qualify for the Disability Grant, you must:
- Be between 18 and 59 years old
- Be a South African citizen, permanent resident, or refugee
- Reside in South Africa
- Provide a medical assessment report (not older than 3 months)
- Pass the means test
- Not be receiving another grant or living in a state-funded institution
Care Dependency Grant Requirements
To qualify for the Care Dependency Grant, you must:
- Be caring for a child under 18 with a permanent, severe disability
- Be a South African citizen, permanent resident, or refugee
- Live in South Africa with the child
- Submit a valid medical assessment
- Pass the means test (foster parent income is excluded)
- Ensure the child is not in a state institution
Grant-in-Aid Requirements
To qualify for the Grant-in-Aid, you must:
- Already be receiving the Older Person’s, Disability, or War Veterans Grant
- Require full-time care due to a physical or mental disability
- Not be living in a state-subsidised institution
Note: This grant is an add-on, not a standalone benefit. It ends if the main grant is cancelled.
How to Apply for a Sassa Grant in May 2025
If you meet the eligibility requirements:
- Visit your nearest Sassa office with your supporting documents
- For select grants, you can apply online at https://services.sassa.gov.za
- Receive a reference number to track your application
Processing can take up to three months, and payments will be backdated to the application date if approved.
Final Word
Whether you’re a senior, caregiver, person with a disability, or supporting a foster child, Sassa grants offer essential monthly support. Make sure your personal details are correct and that you meet the criteria before applying for your May 2025 Sassa grant.
For official updates, visit: https://www.sassa.gov.za