How Old Must You Be to Apply for a SASSA Grant?

By Dave Nyam •  Updated: 10/03/24 •  5 min read

Are you aware of the criteria determining your SASSA grant eligibility? The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) offers different types of grants to help people meet their basic needs. However, eligibility requirements vary depending on the type of grant. This article covers the age criteria for different SASSA grants

, eligibility requirements for the SASSA Relief Grant, and who qualifies for the SASSA Older Person’s Grant. Don’t hesitate to apply if you meet the eligibility criteria. SASSA grants are there to help those in need.

How Old Must You Be to Apply for a SASSA Grant?

If you’re looking to apply for a SASSA grant, age is one of the qualifying criteria you must meet. Millions of South Africans rely on SASSA grants to meet their basic needs and essentials. The age requirement varies depending on the type of grant you’re applying for.

For the SRD grant, you must be between 18 and 60 years old to apply. The child support grant, foster child grant, and care dependency grant all require that the child is under 18 years old. The disability grant requires you to be between 18 and 59 years old to apply. The older person grant, grant-in-aid, and war veterans grant demands that you’re at least 60 years old to apply.

It’s important to note that each grant type has its own requirements. To learn more about each grant type and how to apply, visit the SASSA website. If you have any queries, you can contact SASSA directly through their toll-free call center or email them at Grantsenquiries@sassa.gov.za.

Age Criteria for Each Type of SASSA Grant

SASSA grants have been a lifesaver for many South African people, helping them afford basic necessities such as food, shelter, and healthcare. Age is one of the qualifying criteria that must be met before an applicant can receive a grant, and the age requirement varies depending on the type of grant you are applying for.

For example, if you are applying for the SRD grant, you must be between 18 and 60. If you are applying for the Child Support, Foster Child, or Care Dependency grant, the child you are applying for must be under 18 years old. For the Disability grant, you must be between 18 and 59 years old to apply. For the Older Persons Grant, War Veterans Grant, and Grant-In-Aid, you must be at least 60 years old to apply.

It’s important to note that each type of grant has its eligibility requirements, so it’s essential to research and determine which grants you may qualify for. If you have questions or concerns, contact SASSA directly via their toll-free call center, head office, or email.

SASSA grants are a valuable resource for those who need them, and the age criteria ensure that the grants go to those most in need. Don’t hesitate to apply today if you are eligible for a SASSA grant.

Who Qualifies for a SASSA Grant?

The South African government introduced the SASSA Relief Grant (SRD) in response to the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. This grant is designed to provide financial assistance to individuals in distress who have no source of income or support. To qualify for the SASSA Relief Grant, one must be a South African citizen, permanent resident, refugee, asylum seeker, or holder of special permits. They must also be unemployed and have no other sources of income or other grants. Beneficiaries who previously received the grant must reapply for it and confirm that they still meet the eligibility criteria. Knowing the eligibility criteria before reapplying is crucial to avoid disappointment and unnecessary delays.

SASSA offers grants to eligible South African citizens, permanent residents, refugees, asylum seekers, or holders of special permits. Eligibility criteria vary depending on the grant. For instance, to be eligible for the Child Support Grant, the applicant must be a South African citizen or permanent resident and belong to a lower-income household.

SASSA provides social grants to eligible beneficiaries in South Africa. The eligibility requirements for different types of grants may differ, so potential beneficiaries should consult the relevant SASSA webpage or office to determine whether they meet the eligibility requirements for a particular grant.

Who Does Not Qualify for SASSA?

Everyone deserves to have a comfortable life during their golden years. The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) offers financial aid to seniors who have reached retirement age, stopped working, and are struggling financially. This assistance comes from the SASSA Older Person’s Grant or state pension.

However, only some are eligible for the grant. SASSA has criteria to ensure that grants are given to those who most need them. To qualify, you must be a South African citizen, permanent resident, or refugee currently living in South Africa, aged 60 or older, and not receiving any other social grant for yourself. You must also not live in a state institution and pass the means test, which considers your income and assets.

For a single person, the total monthly income should not exceed R7,190, while married couples should not exceed R14,380. Assets worth over R1,227,600 or combined assets worth more than R2,455,200 will make you ineligible. If you own any property, you must declare it, but if you live on the property, it will not affect the means test.

If you do not qualify for the SASSA Older Person’s Grant, don’t despair. Many organizations offer support for seniors, such as Tafta – The Association for the Aged. They offer seniors accommodation, active ageing, advocacy, and other services. You can also contact the toll-free national elder abuse helpline at 0800 10 11 10 for assistance.

Remember, not qualifying for the grant does not mean the end of the road. You can still enjoy your retirement and lead a fulfilling life with the help of other organizations and support systems.

Keep Reading

How to Find SASSA Reference Number

How to Find SASSA Reference Number

If you have misplaced or lost your SASSA reference number, our handy guide will help you find it again.

No Featured Image

How Do I Apply For SASSA Asylum Seekers?

Asylum seekers can get financial aid. Find out if you qualify for SASSA SRD and how to apply for SASSA asylum seekers and the benefits available to you.

SASSA SRD: How to Apply for SASSA SRD 350 Grant

SASSA SRD: How to Apply for SASSA SRD 350 Grant

SASSA SRD SRD R350 Grant: Kindly go through the instructions below to learn how to apply using each of these methods

What Does “Awaiting Application” Mean on SASSA SRD

What Does “Awaiting Application” Mean on SASSA SRD

Awaiting Application" Meaning. In this post, we will look at the point of having an application awaiting, the timeline for pending SASSA status

The Difference Between UIF And SASSA

The Difference Between UIF And SASSA

In this article, we will look at both UIF and SASSA. We will dive into questions that confuse individuals regarding these institutions' roles.

How To Cancel Sassa In Case Of Death

How To Cancel Sassa In Case Of Death

Today we will walk you through all aspects of canceling a SASSA grant in the case of death, and other supports you may access

How To Apply For Jobs at SASSA

How To Apply For Jobs at SASSA

How Do I Know If My SASSA R350 Is Available?

How Do I Know If My SASSA R350 Is Available?

This article will guide you through checking the availability of your SASSA R350 grant and provide insights into the reasons for delayed payments

What Date Does SASSA Pay?

What Date Does SASSA Pay?

What Date Does SASSA Pay? Read on to learn the dates SASSA pays the beneficiaries.

SASSA Child Grant Application Requirements

SASSA Child Grant Application Requirements

 In this article, we will examine the requirements for the SASSA child grant and the possibility of applying for the SASSA child grant.

How To Check SASSA R350 Grant Reconsideration Status

How To Check SASSA R350 Grant Reconsideration Status

SASSA R350 Grant Reconsideration Status. In this article, we will discuss how to check the status of your SASSA R350 grant reconsideration.

How To Apply For SASSA Foster Child Grant: Comprehensive Guide

How To Apply For SASSA Foster Child Grant: Comprehensive Guide

By the end of this guide, you’ll be able to confidently submit your application for a foster child grant.

SASSA Grant: What Does IRP5 Registered Mean?

SASSA Grant: What Does IRP5 Registered Mean?

This article aims to clarify the meaning of "IRP5 Registered" and explain why SASSA applications are declined due to this status

How Do I Know My SRD Payment Date

How Do I Know My SRD Payment Date

This post will go through a few key points of the SASSA application, both online and offline, SRD Payment Dates for those interested in learning more.

How to Withdraw R350 Grant At Pick n Pay

How to Withdraw R350 Grant At Pick n Pay

SAPO has said that the South African Social Security Agency's SRD R350 grant can now be collected at Pick n Pay across the county