Sassa SRD Application R370 2026

Many South Africans struggle to find accurate, up-to-date information about SASSA grants. Online guides are often outdated, incomplete, or written without understanding how SASSA actually processes applications.

This guide is written to solve real problems people face in 2026, explain every valid way to apply, clarify eligibility rules, and answer the most common questions netizens ask.

The grants are administered by SASSA, a government institution responsible for social assistance in South Africa. 

What Is a SASSA Grant?

A SASSA grant is financial assistance paid monthly to eligible individuals who cannot meet their basic living needs due to age, disability, unemployment, or caregiving responsibilities.

Grants are:

• Needs-based
• Means-tested (for most grants)
• Paid monthly
• Reviewed periodically

Not everyone qualifies, and each grant has its own rules.

SASSA Grants That Are Active in 2026

Only the following grants are confirmed as active and paid in 2026.

1. Social Relief of Distress (SRD R370 Grant)

For unemployed adults aged 18–59.

• Temporary relief grant
• Subject to monthly review
• Amount: R350 per month
• Still active in 2026
  Amount (2026): R2,200 per month
  

2. Older Persons Grant (Old Age Pension)

For people aged 60 years and older.

• Ages 60–74: R2,180 per month
• Ages 75+: R2,200 per month

3. Disability Grant

For adults unable to work due to a physical or mental disability.

• Can be temporary or permanent
• Requires medical assessment
• Amount (2026): R2,180 per month

4. Foster Child Grant

For children placed in foster care by a court order.

• Paid to foster parent
• Court review affects continuation
• Amount (2026): R1,180 per child per month

5. Care Dependency Grant

For caregivers of children with severe disabilities.

• Child must require full-time care
• Medical confirmation required
• Amount (2026): R2,180 per month

6. War Veterans Grant

For veterans who served in World War II (1939–1945) or the Korean War.

7. Child Support Grant (CSG)

Very limited eligibility

For primary caregivers of children under 18.

• Paid per child
• Paid to the caregiver, not automatically to parents
• Amount (2026): R530 per child per month

General Eligibility Requirements (All Grants)

Although each grant has unique rules, these general conditions apply:

• Must be a South African citizen, permanent resident, or recognized refugee
• Must live in South Africa
• Must not receive another SASSA grant for the same purpose
• Must meet the means test, where applicable
• Married applicants are assessed jointly with their spouse

Important clarification about the means test

The means test does NOT apply to:

• Child Support Grant
• Foster Child Grant
• Care Dependency Grant
• SRD R350 Grant

Documents Required for SASSA Applications

Incomplete documents are the number one reason for delays and rejections.

Documents required for most grants

• Certified copy of South African ID
• Proof of income (if applicable)
• Bank statements (when requested)
• Proof of residence
• Spouse’s ID (if married)
• Affidavit if any document is missing

Grant-specific documents

Child Support Grant

• Child’s birth certificate
• Proof that you are the primary caregiver

Foster Child Grant

• Child’s birth certificate
• Valid court order placing the child in your care

Care Dependency Grant

• Child’s birth certificate
• Medical assessment confirming severe disability

Disability Grant

• Medical report from a certified medical practitioner

Older Persons Grant

• Marriage certificate (if married)
• Divorce decree (if divorced)
• Death certificate (if spouse is deceased)

War Veterans Grant

• Proof of military service in qualifying wars

All Official Ways to Apply for SASSA Grants in 2026

SASSA allows multiple application methods. Choosing the correct one prevents delays.

Method 1: Apply Online via the SASSA Services Portal

Best for: Permanent grants and applicants with internet access.

Process

1. Visit the official SASSA services portal
2. Register or log in
3. Accept terms and conditions
4. Enter personal and financial details
5. Upload required documents
6. Submit the application
7. Receive SMS confirmation

Method 2: Apply via GovChat

Best for: SRD R350 and selected grant interactions.

• Available through WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, and the website
• ID number and phone verification required
• Faster for SRD applications

Method 3: Apply via the Moya App

Best for: SRD R350 Grant.

• Data-free access
• Android devices only
• Suitable for users without mobile data

Method 4: Apply at a SASSA Office

Best for:

• Older persons
• Disability and care dependency cases
• Applicants without digital access

Bring original documents when visiting an office.

What Happens After You Apply?

After submission, SASSA:

1. Verifies identity details
2. Checks income and eligibility
3. Validates documents
4. Reviews compliance with grant rules

Processing time varies:

• SRD: Usually faster
• Permanent grants: Several weeks

Applicants are notified via SMS.

How to Know If Your Application Is Approved

1. Visit the official SASSA website
2. Select Track Application
3. Enter your ID number and phone number
4. View application status

Old Age Homes for SASSA Pensioners

In South Africa, every elderly person has the right to a pension, and old-age homes are also available to senior citizens. Old age homes are institutions where older people get residence and assistance for extra care due to their frail state. There you are ensured that your comfort and care are guaranteed.

All about old age homes

How to apply for an older person’s residential facility?

You can apply through any nearest department of social development or social workers’ office. You can also get help from Sassa officials if you do not know anything about how to apply for an older person’s home. Without your permission, no one can forcefully admit you to the residential facility without your consent unless your medical report proves you are unfit or the court orders you to be admitted to a residential facility. You can apply for the residential facility by filling out the application form. You can apply for an older person’s residential facility if

• You are 60 years or older
• Full-time attendance is required
• You must be a South African citizen.
• You must receive the old age pension or fund. Check this, if you want to know how to apply for sassa old age pension?

Note: You will also go through the Screening and verification process if you are eligible for an application and a subsidy.

Document Required for Application:

The documents needed for the application of Choosing the Right Old Age Home for the Elderly are:

You only have to submit

• ID documents (as a South African Citizen)
• The report issued about a medical condition

Where can you apply?

You can apply through any residential facility or the nearest office of the Social Development Department. If you are too old or sick and are unable to visit the office, then your family members, friends, or relatives can also apply on your behalf. After applying, you will receive a stamped receipt. You have to keep it safe as it is the proof of your application. In order to get information about your current living conditions, the social workers also arrange a home visit. So, they can get to know about your living situation.

After submission of the application, you will be informed whether your application is rejected or approved. If your application is rejected, then there is also a reason for rejection in writing. You also have the right to object to the reason through an appeal to the Minister of Social Development.

Considerations for choosing an old-age home

One of the most important tasks for you is to select the most suitable old-age home for you. Your choice of home ensures your comfort and guaranteed care as it all depends upon your need. When finding a good old age home, amongst other factors, you should keep in mind the following things:

• Quality of accommodation
• meal and dietary schedule that suits you
• Amenities that you can easily access (like wheelchairs or walkers to move around, etc)
• Medical care facilities that you avail
• Trained Medical staff consideration
• A place that suits you(city or outside the city that contains nature)

Benefits Of Old age homes:

Old age homes are the best options when you think about “How best to deal with the problems of getting older?” Everyone has to face old age once in life, and old age homes are places where you can live with the highest standards of care, even when you grow old. Here are some of the reasons which compel everyone to consider old age homes an excellent choice for elderly persons.

• Assist with Day-to-Day Living: Staff are always on hand to help with dressing, bathing, eating, drinking, and even keeping an eye on following daily routine activities.
• Safety: staff are there for safety and security at all times, especially for those who have memory problems and may forget to lock doors and windows, etc. They even protect elders from fraudsters and victims of violent crime.
• Social Engagement: Loneliness is the scourge of old age, but staff always engage people with their peers, sharing life experiences, social activities, and outings to keep them active and mentally stimulated.
• Regular Meal Times: The staff is responsible for providing a selection of healthy and nutritious meals at regular intervals in the day, especially for those who suffer from Alzheimer’s or dementia.
• Housekeeping Services: The older person’s laundry and keeping the house clean and up to date are also staff responsibilities.
• Relieving the Strain on Family Members: It is also relieving for family members to know that your loved one is safe and well looked after.
• Specialized Healthcare: Older people get assistance through trained and experienced nursing home staff in case of poor health conditions.
• Access to Resources: Staff are always on hand to offer help and assistance with phone calls or sending emails.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I apply for more than one SASSA grant?

No. You may only receive one grant for the same purpose. However, a caregiver may receive grants for different children.