The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) supports millions of citizens through monthly social grants targeting low-income individuals, older persons, children, people with disabilities, caregivers and unemployed youth. In 2025, several improvements and modifications have been introduced to improve service delivery including revised payment dates, online application upgrades, biometric verification, and new SRD R370 approval rules.
This article explains all SASSA grant programs, payment dates, amounts, who qualifies, how to apply, how to check status, appeal process, required documents, and official contact channels.
Table of Contents
- What is SASSA & Who Benefits From It?
- SASSA Grant Types in 2025
- Grant Amounts for 2025
- SASSA Payment Dates 2025
- Eligibility Criteria for Each Grant
- How to Apply (Step-by-Step Guide)
- Required Documents
- How to Check SASSA Status
- SRD R370 Reconfirmation & Appeal Process
- Payment Collection Methods
- Avoiding Suspensions & Declines
- Offices, Helpline & Official Website
- FAQs
- Conclusion
1. What is SASSA?
SASSA is a government agency that provides financial assistance to vulnerable citizens to help cover essential needs such as food, transport, medical care and childcare. Grants are paid monthly and do not need to be repaid.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Organization | South African Social Security Agency |
| Type | Social Welfare Grant |
| Payout Frequency | Monthly |
| Target Groups | Elderly, Disabled, Children, Unemployed, Caregivers |
| Website | https://www.sassa.gov.za |
2. SASSA Grant Types in 2025
SASSA offers various grants based on age, income and vulnerability category.
Available Grants
- Older Persons Grant (Old Age Pension)
- Disability Grant
- Child Support Grant
- Care Dependency Grant
- Foster Child Grant
- Grant-in-Aid
- War Veterans Grant
- Social Relief of Distress (SRD) Grant – R370/month
3. 2025 Monthly Grant Amounts
| Grant Type | Monthly Amount (2025) |
|---|---|
| Older Persons (60–74) | R2,180 |
| Older Persons (75+) | R2,200 |
| Disability Grant | R2,180 |
| War Veterans | R2,200 |
| Foster Child Grant | R1,180 |
| Care Dependency Grant | R2,180 |
| Child Support Grant | R530 + R250 top-up (optional) |
| SRD Grant | R370 |
Amounts may increase during annual budget review.
4. SASSA Payment Dates for 2025
Regular social grants follow fixed monthly dates:
| Month | Older Persons | Disability | Child Support | SRD (R370) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January 2025 | 3 Jan | 4 Jan | 5 Jan | 6–10 Jan |
| February 2025 | 3 Feb | 4 Feb | 5 Feb | 6–10 Feb |
| March 2025 | 3 Mar | 4 Mar | 5 Mar | 6–10 Mar |
| …continues monthly | Same pattern | Same pattern | Same pattern | 6–10 monthly |
SRD payments are not issued on fixed day but within 6–10th monthly.
5. Eligibility Criteria
Every grant has its own conditions.
Older Persons Grant
- Age 60+
- South African resident
- Income & asset means-test applies
Disability Grant
- Permanent disability confirmed by doctor
- Age 18–59
- Not receiving UIF/other income above limit
Child Support Grant
- For children under 18
- Primary caregiver must earn below threshold
SRD R370 (Unemployed Youth Grant)
- Age 18–59, unemployed
- Income below R624/month
- Must reconfirm every 90 days online
6. Application Process (Step-by-Step)
A) Offline Application
- Visit nearest SASSA office
- Take application form and fill with black pen
- Submit documents + fingerprints
- Receive receipt & reference number
- Application processed in 1–3 months
B) Online Application
- Visit: https://srd.sassa.gov.za
- Register with phone & ID
- Upload documents
- Submit & complete biometric verification
- Track status online monthly
7. Required Documents Checklist
| Document | Needed For |
|---|---|
| South African ID | All grants |
| Proof of Residence | All grants |
| Proof of Income | Means-tested grants |
| Medical Assessment Report | Disability grant |
| Birth Certificate of Child | Child Support |
| Bank Account Details | Grant payments |
| Affidavit (if caregiver) | Child-related grants |
Make sure documents are valid and clearly readable.
8. How to Check SASSA Status
Three methods available:
Online Portal
- Visit: https://srd.sassa.gov.za/sc19/status
- Enter ID + Phone number
- View approval/pay date
WhatsApp Status Check
Send “Status” to 082 046 8553
USSD Method
Dial 1347737#
Follow the steps.
9. SRD R370 Appeal Process
If rejected, appeal within 30 days.
How to Appeal Online:
- Visit: https://srd.sassa.gov.za/appeals
- Enter ID & mobile number
- Select month & reason for appeal
- Submit supporting documents if needed
Appeal results take 30–60 days.
10. Payment Collection Options
SASSA now supports multiple payout channels:
| Method | Usage |
|---|---|
| Bank Transfer | Most recommended |
| Post Office | Limited availability |
| Retail Stores | Shoprite, Pick n Pay, Boxer |
| Cash Send | For users without bank account |
Bank deposit is fastest & most secure.
11. Avoiding Suspension/Rejection
- Reconfirm SRD every 90 days
- Update bank details when changed
- Ensure phone number remains active
- Report misuse or fraud immediately
12. Contacts & Official Platforms
| Channel | Details |
|---|---|
| Website | https://www.sassa.gov.za |
| Helpline | 0800 601 011 |
| grantenquiries@sassa.gov.za | |
| SRD Portal | https://srd.sassa.gov.za |
| SASSA Official | |
| Twitter/X | @OfficialSASSA |
13. FAQs
Q1. How long does approval take?
Usually 1–3 months, depending on application load.
Q2. Can I apply for more than one grant?
You may receive child grant + old age grant, but not multiple personal grants.
Q3. Can SRD be collected without a bank account?
Yes, via cash send/retail pick-up.
Q4. Why is my payment pending?
Bank verification, fraud checks or monthly reconfirmation delay.
Q5. Do grants stop automatically?
If income increases or user passes away, grant is cancelled.
14. Conclusion
SASSA remains one of the most impactful socio-economic programs in South Africa, providing financial support to vulnerable individuals and families. With updated 2025 grants, biometric verification, new online systems and predictable payment schedules, accessing and tracking grants has become more efficient than before. Applicants are advised to apply early, keep documents updated, and monitor status regularly to avoid delays or suspension.