Who Qualifies for SASSA Grants 2026 — Eligibility for All Grant Types

Not everyone qualifies for every SASSA grant. Each grant has its own eligibility criteria based on age, income, disability status, or care responsibilities. Use the guide below to find which SASSA grant you may qualify for in 2026.

Quick Eligibility Guide — Which SASSA Grant Could You Get?

SASSA Older Persons Grant — Who Qualifies?

• South African citizen, permanent resident, or refugee
• Age 60 or older
• Annual income below R96,840 (single) or R193,680 (married)
• Assets below R1,227,600 (single) or R2,455,200 (married)
• Not receiving another grant of the same value

SASSA Disability Grant — Who Qualifies?

• South African citizen, permanent resident, or refugee
• Age 18–59
• Mental or physical disability confirmed by a SASSA-designated medical officer
• Disability prevents supporting oneself for 6 or more months
• Income and assets below means test thresholds
• Cannot receive alongside the SRD R370 grant

SASSA Child Support Grant — Who Qualifies?

• The caregiver (not the child) applies
• Primary caregiver of a child under 18
• Child lives with the caregiver
• Caregiver is a South African citizen, permanent resident, or refugee
• Caregiver income below R4,800/month (single) or R9,600/month (married)
• Cannot receive for same child if Foster Child Grant or Care Dependency Grant is already in place

SASSA SRD R370 Grant — Who Qualifies?

• South African citizen, permanent resident, or refugee
• Age 18–59
• Not employed and not self-employed
• Not receiving UIF payments
• Not receiving NSFAS funding
• Not receiving any other SASSA grant
• Income from all sources below R624/month
• Apply online at srd.sassa.gov.za

This is the only SASSA grant with an online application — all other grants require an in-person SASSA office visit.

Can I Receive More Than One SASSA Grant?

The key rule: SRD R370 cannot be combined with any other SASSA grant. All other combinations are assessed on whether the grants are for different people or different purposes.

SASSA Means Test 2026 — Income and Asset Limits

SASSA applies a means test — an income and asset check — to most grants. The full 2026 income limits and asset thresholds are listed in the SASSA Means Test 2026 guide.

Do Foreigners Qualify for SASSA Grants?

Permanent residents and recognised refugees qualify for most SASSA grants under the same conditions as South African citizens. Asylum seekers and undocumented foreigners do not qualify.

You must have a valid South African document — permanent residence permit or Section 24 refugee status — to apply.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if I qualify for SASSA?

Use the eligibility table at the top of this page to find your situation. For grants other than SRD, visit a SASSA office — staff will assess your eligibility at no charge. For the SRD R370, apply online at srd.sassa.gov.za and SASSA will assess you automatically.

Can I apply if I have a part-time job?

For the SRD R370, your total income from all sources — including part-time work — must be below R624/month. For other grants, part-time income is included in the means test calculation but the thresholds are higher. If your income is above the threshold, you will not qualify.

Do foreigners qualify for SASSA grants?

Permanent residents and refugees with recognised status qualify. Asylum seekers and undocumented foreigners do not. You must have a valid permit or status document.

What happens if my income changes after I receive a grant?

You are required to notify SASSA if your circumstances change significantly. For SRD R370, your income is automatically re-assessed each month. For other grants, SASSA conducts periodic reviews. Continuing to receive a grant after you no longer qualify can result in repayment claims.