How to Apply for a SASSA Grant

📝 How to Apply

How to Apply for a SASSA Grant in 2026

Step-by-step instructions for every grant type. Documents you need, where to go, and what happens after you apply.

🕐 Verified 2026 — this process rarely changes

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Before You Apply — Read This First

The most important thing to know before you start is this: only the SRD R370 grant can be applied for online. If you are applying for the older persons grant, the disability grant, the child support grant, or any other SASSA grant, you must visit a SASSA office in person.

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Jump to your grant type: Click one of the links below to go straight to the section you need.

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Older Persons Grant (Old Age Pension)

Age 60+ — must apply at SASSA office in person

↓♻️Disability GrantAge 18–59 with disability — must apply at SASSA office↓🚪SRD R370 Grant — Apply OnlineUnemployed adults 18–59 — apply at srd.sassa.gov.za↓👶Child Support GrantCaregivers of children under 18 — must apply at SASSA office↓

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Documents You Will Need — Full Checklist

Before going to a SASSA office, collect all your documents. Make photocopies of everything — SASSA keeps copies. Bring your originals to verify.

DocumentOlder Persons & DisabilityChild SupportSRD Online
🕳 SA ID (green book or smart card)RequiredRequiredID number only
💰 Proof of income (or affidavit if none)RequiredRequiredDeclared online
🏦 Bank statement (not older than 3 months)RequiredRequiredBank details entered
🏠 Proof of address (utility bill/rental)RequiredRequiredNot required
📋 Medical assessment form (signed by doctor)Disability onlyNot requiredNot required
👶 Child’s birth certificateNot requiredRequiredNot required
📱 Active cellphone numberRecommendedRecommendedRequired

💡 No bank account? SASSA can give you a Postbank Gold Card — a special card that works like a bank card. It is completely free and SASSA opens a Postbank account in your name. Tell the SASSA official when you apply.

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How to Apply — Older Persons Grant

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You must apply in person at your nearest SASSA office. There is no online option. Call 0800 60 10 11 to find your nearest office.

Who qualifies?

  • South African citizen or permanent resident aged 60 years or older
  • Income below R89,064 per year (single) or R178,128 combined (married)
  • Not living in a government-funded care facility
  • Not already receiving another SASSA grant

Step-by-step application:

  1. Gather your documents: original ID and photocopy, proof of income or affidavit, recent bank statement, and proof of address. Make photocopies of all documents before you go.
  2. Find your nearest SASSA office — call 0800 60 10 11 (free) to get the address and operating hours.
  3. Arrive at the SASSA office. Try to arrive early in the morning — queues are usually shorter before 09:00.
  4. Tell the clerk: “I want to apply for the older persons grant.” They will direct you to the correct queue.
  5. Sit with a SASSA official. They will complete the application form with you — you do not need to fill it in yourself.
  6. The official will take your fingerprints using a fingerprint scanner. This is required for all SASSA applications.
  7. You will receive a receipt with a reference number — keep this safe for follow-ups.
  8. SASSA will process your application within 90 days and contact you with the outcome.

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How to Apply — Disability Grant

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Get the medical form first. Before visiting SASSA, you need a doctor to complete Form DG/B. Collect this form free from any SASSA office. Government clinic doctors can complete it at no charge.

  1. Visit any SASSA office and ask for the medical assessment form (Form DG/B) — this form is free.
  2. Take the form to a doctor or government clinic. The doctor must examine you, complete all sections, and sign and stamp the form.
  3. Return to the SASSA office with: your completed medical form, original ID and photocopy, proof of income or affidavit, bank statement, and proof of address.
  4. Tell the clerk: “I want to apply for the disability grant.”
  5. SASSA will assess your medical information and decide whether to award a temporary grant (6 months to 1 year) or a permanent grant.
  6. If you receive a temporary disability grant, you will need to be re-assessed before it expires. SASSA will notify you when this is due.

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How to Apply — SRD R370 Grant (Online)

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The SRD grant is the only SASSA grant you can apply for online. Apply at srd.sassa.gov.za or via WhatsApp on 082 046 8553.

How to apply online at srd.sassa.gov.za:

  1. Open your internet browser and go to srd.sassa.gov.za
  2. Tap or click “Apply for the SRD grant”
  3. Enter your South African ID number — make sure it is correct
  4. Enter your cellphone number and verify it with the one-time PIN (OTP) sent by SMS
  5. Complete the form — declare that you are unemployed and have no income
  6. Enter your bank account details so SASSA can pay you. If you have no bank account, request a Postbank account.
  7. Review your information and tap Submit
  8. You will receive an SMS confirming your application was received

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Apply via WhatsApp instead

082 046 8553

Send “Apply” to start your SRD grant application on WhatsApp

Open WhatsApp ›

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How to Apply — Child Support Grant

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You must apply in person at a SASSA office. Bring all your documents, including the child’s birth certificate.

Who qualifies?

  • The child must be a South African citizen under 18 years old
  • You must be the primary caregiver
  • Your income below R59,000/year (single) or R118,000 combined (married)
  • You receive R530 for each qualifying child
  1. Gather: your ID, the child’s birth certificate, proof of income or affidavit, bank statement, and proof of address.
  2. Visit your nearest SASSA office. Call 0800 60 10 11 for the address.
  3. Tell the clerk: “I want to apply for the child support grant.”
  4. A SASSA official will help you complete the form. Bring documents for each child you are applying for.
  5. Keep the receipt with your reference number safe.
  6. SASSA will process your application and contact you within 90 days.

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What Happens After You Apply

  1. SASSA will verify your details against government databases — SARS, Home Affairs, and the Department of Labour.
  2. SASSA may contact you by phone or letter if they need additional documents or information.
  3. You will receive a letter or phone call informing you whether your application was approved or declined.
  4. If approved, your first payment will be made within 90 days — often sooner in practice.
  5. If declined, the letter will explain the reason and how to appeal the decision within 90 days.

0800 60 10 11

Call SASSA free to check your application status🔍 Status GuideFull guide to checking your SASSA status

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Frequently Asked Questions — Applying for a SASSA Grant

How do I apply for the SASSA older persons grant?▼

You must apply in person at your nearest SASSA office. Bring your ID, proof of income or an affidavit, a bank statement, and proof of your address. A SASSA official will help you complete the form. Call 0800 60 10 11 for your nearest office address.What documents do I need to apply for a SASSA grant?▼

For most SASSA grants you need: your South African ID (original and photocopy); proof of income or an affidavit if you have no income; a recent bank statement (not older than 3 months); and proof of your address. For the disability grant, you also need a signed medical assessment form. For child support, the child’s birth certificate.How do I apply for the SASSA SRD R370 grant online?▼

Go to srd.sassa.gov.za, click “Apply for the SRD grant”, enter your ID number and cellphone number, verify with the OTP sent by SMS, complete the form, enter your bank details, and submit. You can also apply via WhatsApp on 082 046 8553.How long does a SASSA application take?▼

By law, SASSA must make a decision within 90 days. In practice, most applications are processed within 30 to 60 days. The SRD grant is often processed within 1 to 2 weeks. Keep your receipt with your reference number to follow up with SASSA.Can I apply for a SASSA grant online?▼

Only the SRD R370 grant can be applied for online at srd.sassa.gov.za or via WhatsApp. All other SASSA grants must be applied for in person at a SASSA office.What if I don’t have a bank account?▼

SASSA can give you a Postbank Gold Card — completely free. SASSA opens a Postbank account in your name and links it to the card. You can use it at ATMs, SASSA pay points, and retail stores (Pick n Pay, Boxer, Shoprite, etc.). Tell the SASSA official you need a Postbank card when you apply.Is it free to apply for a SASSA grant?▼

Yes, applying for any SASSA grant is completely free. SASSA does not charge any application fee. If anyone asks you to pay money to apply for a SASSA grant, they are committing fraud. Report them on the SASSA Fraud Hotline: 0800 428 428 (free call).Can someone else apply for a SASSA grant on my behalf?▼

Yes, in limited circumstances — if you are unable to go to a SASSA office due to illness or disability. They must bring a letter from you, their own ID, and all your required documents. SASSA may also arrange for a social worker to visit you at home. Call 0800 60 10 11 to arrange this.

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Warning — Protect yourself from SASSA scams: Applying for a SASSA grant is always FREE. SASSA will never ask you to pay a fee, share your PIN, or give your banking password. Anyone who asks for money to help you apply is a fraudster. Report SASSA fraud free on 0800 428 428.

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Disclaimer: SassaInfo is an independent information website, not affiliated with SASSA. Always verify application requirements at www.sassa.gov.za or call 0800 60 10 11.🏠Home📅Dates💰Amounts🔍Status📝Apply