South Africa offers various grants through different government agencies to support citizens in need. SASSA manages social grants while other agencies provide business, education, and development funding. Understanding these grants helps you access the right financial support for your situation.
SASSA Social Grants for Basic Needs
Child Support Grant
The Child Support Grant helps primary caregivers with children under 18 years. The amount changes every year, but the child support grant is currently R530 per month per child. You qualify if you earn less than R61,200 yearly (single) or R122,400 combined income (married). The grant supports basic needs like food, clothing, and school expenses.
Older Persons Grant (Old Age Pension)
SASSA old-age pension (the Older Persons Grant) will increase by R100 for the 2024 year, as follows: from 1 April 2024, the grant increased by R90, which means the new grant amount is R2 180 per month for recipients between 60 and 74 years old, and R2 200 per month, for recipients over 75 years old. Citizens aged 60 and above who pass the means test receive this monthly pension. You must live in South Africa and not receive other government grants.
Disability Grant
The Disability Grant for June 2025 will be paid on Wednesday, 4 June 2025. This grant supports individuals between 18 and 59 who are medically certified as being permanently or temporarily disabled and unable to work. The grant provides R2,180 monthly for those whose disability prevents them from working. A medical assessment determines eligibility.
Foster Child Grant
You will get R1 250 per month per child. Foster parents caring for children placed by the Children’s Court receive this support. The value of the Foster Child Grant is R1 250 per child, as of 1 April 2025. This is an increase of R50 per grant. You need a valid court order and the child must be under 18 years.
Care Dependency Grant
You will get R2 310 per month. Parents or caregivers of severely disabled children under 18 receive this grant. The child must need full-time care due to mental or physical disabilities. A state medical officer assesses the child before approval.
Grant-in-Aid
You will get R560 per month. This additional grant supports people already receiving Older Persons, Disability, or War Veterans grants who need full-time care from someone else. The grant will be paid together with your social grant.
War Veterans Grant
The War Veterans Grant will increase by R100 for the 2024 year, as follows: from 1 April 2024, the grant increased by R90, which means the new grant amount is R2,200 per month. Have served in the Second World War (1939-1945) or the Korean War (1950-1953). Be 60 years or older, or be disabled and unable to work.
Social Relief of Distress (SRD) Grant
The SRD (Social Relief Distress) Grant increased by R20 for the 2024 year, which means that from 1 April 2024, the grant is R370 per month. This temporary grant helps unemployed South Africans aged 18-59 with no income or support. As announced by the President in the State of the Nation Address, the SRD will be used as a basis for the introduction of a sustainable form of income support for unemployed people.
Education Grants and Funding
NSFAS Student Financial Aid
NSFAS is a bursary scheme funded by the Department of Higher Education and Training for those who do not have the financial means to fund their studies and cannot access bank funding, study loans or bursaries. The scheme covers tuition, accommodation, and living allowances for qualifying students at universities and TVET colleges.
Persons living with disabilities with a combined household income not more than R600 000 per annum. NSFAS applications open annually and require South African citizenship or permanent residency. As of 2019, all accrued “loans” from NSFAS prior to 2018 must still be paid back.
Funza Lushaka Teacher Bursary
The Funza Lushaka bursary programme seeks, in line with goal 14 of the action plan to 2030, to identify and recruit youth from all provinces to increase the supply of young teachers in the education system. This bursary supports students pursuing teaching qualifications with full financial support including tuition and allowances.
SETA Bursaries
While NSFAS funds the poorest of the poor, SETAs prioritise the “missing middle”, a term used to refer to students who find it difficult to acquire funding for themselves but are deemed not poor enough to qualify for government funding. Sector Education and Training Authorities offer industry-specific bursaries for skills development.
Business Development Grants
NYDA Grant Programme
Furthermore, an individual or business shall not receive a cumulative grant amount above R 200 000 from NYDA during their lifetime except for cooperatives (for agriculture and technology-related projects the maximum cumulative value is R 250 000). Young entrepreneurs under 35 can access grants from R6,600 to R200,000 for business startup and expansion.
Young people whose business ideas qualify for the Grant Programme, depending on their individual needs, will also receive some of the NYDA’s non-financial support services including mentorship and training.
Black Industrialists Scheme
The scheme offers a cost-sharing grant ranging from 30% to 50% to approved entities, to a maximum of R 50 million. This Department of Trade, Industry and Competition programme supports black-owned businesses in manufacturing sectors including automotive, aerospace, and agro-processing.
Agro-Processing Support Scheme (APSS)
The scheme offers a 20% to a 30% cost-sharing grant to a maximum of R20 million over a two-year investment period for businesses in food processing, beverage manufacturing, and agricultural value addition.
Cooperative Incentive Scheme
Successful applicants are given cash grants so that their cooperative can obtain good quality services that will help them to grow their business. Registered cooperatives across industries including agriculture, textiles, and services can access funding for business development.
Provincial and Municipal Grants
Local Government Support
South African provinces and municipalities offer various grants for community development, infrastructure, and local business support. These include:
- Municipal LED (Local Economic Development) grants for small businesses
- Provincial agriculture development grants
- Tourism development incentives
- Skills development programmes
- Infrastructure development grants for SMMEs
Film and Television Incentives
Film and Television Production Incentives (FTP) (business grants) – This program aims to develop the film industry and attract filmmakers to the country. The grant is calculated as a percentage of the local production expenses and varies between 25% and 50% up to a maximum of R50million.
How to Apply for Grants
SASSA Grant Applications
Visit your nearest SASSA office with required documents including your green ID book, birth certificates, and proof of income. You can apply for the child support grant by filling in an application form at your nearest SASSA Office or counter service point of a Regional Office. Application is free.
For online applications, use the SASSA services website to register and apply for qualifying grants.
Business Grant Applications
Most business grants require detailed business plans, financial projections, and proof of business registration. Work with consultants or agencies like SEDA for application support.
Education Grant Applications
Apply through NSFAS online portal for student financial aid. Applications typically open between August and November each year.
Grant Payment Methods
SASSA grants are paid through:
- Bank transfers to your account
- SASSA gold cards at ATMs
- Cash collection at designated pay points
- Retail outlets like Pick n Pay and Shoprite (mainly for SRD)
Bank Account Deposits: Funds usually reflect in your account on the payment date listed above (or within 1 business day).
Common Grant Scams to Avoid
Be careful of fake grants like the rumoured R500 grant. SASSA has not made any official announcement of any scheme related to the R500 grant for 2025. This is purely a rumour being spread through social media. Always verify information through official SASSA channels.
Never pay fees for grant applications or provide banking details to unofficial sources. Contact SASSA at 0800 601 011 to report suspected fraud.
FAQs about Grants in South Africa
How do I check my SASSA grant status?
Use the SASSA status check portal, WhatsApp 082 046 8553, or dial *120*3210# for SRD status.
Can I receive multiple SASSA grants simultaneously?
Yes, some grants can be combined. For example, you can receive Grant-in-Aid with Older Persons or Disability grants. However, you cannot receive Child Support and Foster Child grants for the same child.
What happens if my grant application is rejected?
SASSA provides written reasons for rejection. You can appeal the decision within 90 days by submitting an appeal to the Minister of Social Development through your local SASSA office.
How long does grant processing take?
SASSA applications typically take up to 90 days to process. Education grants through NSFAS may take longer depending on academic year cycles.
Can permanent residents apply for grants?
Yes, permanent residents qualify for most SASSA grants. Refugees with valid permits can also apply for specific grants. Ensure you have proper documentation.
What documents do I need for SASSA grant applications?
Essential documents include your 13-digit barcoded ID, proof of income, bank statements, birth certificates (for child-related grants), and medical reports (for disability grants).
How do I update my banking details for grant payments?
Visit your nearest SASSA office with your ID, grant card, and new bank details. Banking Details Changes typically take effect within one payment cycle.
Can I work while receiving SASSA grants?
Income limits apply to most grants. Report any income changes to SASSA to avoid overpayments. The SRD grant specifically requires no income or government support.
Conclusion
South Africa provides comprehensive grant support through SASSA social grants, education funding, and business development programmes. Understanding eligibility requirements and application processes helps you access appropriate financial assistance.
Visit www.sassa.gov.za for official information or contact the SASSA helpline at 0800 601 011. For business grants, consult with agencies like NYDA, SEDA, or the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition.
Remember to verify all grant information through official channels and report any suspicious activities to prevent fraud.
