Social Security Grants in South Africa
In South Africa, over 15 million individuals rely on some form of Social Security grants. The Constitution states that South Africans have the right to Social Security. The introduction of the social grant system was brought about by the government in order to target categories of people who are vulnerable to poverty and in need of state support.
Considering that South Africa is a young democracy, it has quite a well-established social welfare system.
What types of grants are available in South Africa?
- Child Support Grants
- Older Person’s Grant
- Disability Grant
- Grant-in-Aid
- Care dependency grant
- War veterans’ grant
- Foster Child Grant
Who can apply for Social grants?
Applicants need to be South African citizens, permanent residents or refugees and they must currently live in South Africa.
When individuals apply, they will be subjected to a Means Test, which is a process of assessing the value of your assets and income.
To apply, individuals need to provide proof of identity and a birth certificate for children.
Following the application process, individuals can expect to wait at least 90 days for the process to be complete. Once the process has been completed, individuals will receive a SASSA card and bank account which can be used as a debit card.
How much can you get for your specific grant?
- Child Support at R330 per month
- Foster Child Grant at R860 per month
- Disability Grant at R1420 per month
- Grant-in-aid at R330 per month
- Older person’s grant at R1420 or R1430
- War veterans’ grant at R1430
Funds are administered by the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA). Some of the responsibilities of SASSA include:
- To administer, finance and pay social security transfers
- Develop and implement policies for efficient and effective social assistance benefits administration system
Individuals can apply by visiting their nearest SASSA office. To contact SASSA, call: 08600 601 011
