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SASSA Grants

Every SASSA grant explained with 2026 amounts: Old Age Pension, Child Support, Disability, Foster Care, Care Dependency, Grant-in-Aid and more.

Beyond the SRD R370, SASSA pays several permanent monthly grants. The main ones in 2026 are the Old Age Pension (R2,400 up to age 74; R2,420 from 75), the Child Support Grant (R580 per child), the Disability Grant (R2,400), the Foster Care Grant (R1,290), the Care Dependency Grant (R2,400), Grant-in-Aid (R580 add-on for full-time care needs), and the War Veterans Grant (R2,420). Each grant has its own eligibility test, medical assessment (where applicable), and documentation requirements. This section covers the exact 2026 amounts, means-test income thresholds, application steps, expected processing times, and how a permanent grant status differs from the monthly SRD re-verification. If you are unsure which grant applies to your situation, start with the comparisons hub. If you have applied and need to track your file, the applications hub covers status codes for permanent grants specifically.

All guides in this cluster

Related deep-dive guides

Specific problems SASSA beneficiaries hit most often in this area.

What's inside SASSA Grants

The SASSA Grants cluster is the reference for every permanent social grant paid by the agency in 2026. Unlike the monthly SRD R370, permanent grants pay the same amount every month once approved, subject to annual reviews (Old Age, Child Support), medical re-assessment (temporary Disability), or court-order renewal (Foster Care). This hub organises the eligibility rules, exact 2026 amounts, required documents, and payment cycles for each grant type so you can decide which one to apply for and prepare correctly before your SASSA office visit.

The people who benefit most are caregivers turning 60 who need to switch from a private income to Old Age Pension, parents claiming Child Support for a newborn, foster parents completing court paperwork before Foster Care activation, families supporting a child with a disability who qualifies for Care Dependency, and adults needing full-time care who can add Grant-in-Aid on top of their Disability or Old Age grant. Each grant page lists the specific means test, medical or court proof required, and the typical processing time from application to first payment.

2026 updates that matter

National Treasury approved a small permanent-grant increase from April 2026: Older Persons and Disability Grants moved to R2,400 (with an extra R20 for beneficiaries aged 75 and over, giving R2,420). The Child Support Grant increased to R580 per child. Foster Care remains at R1,290 per court-order-approved foster child, and Grant-in-Aid stays at R580 as an add-on for beneficiaries who need full-time care. War Veterans receive R2,420.

The SRD R370 grant itself stayed at R370 and was extended to March 2027 so unemployed adults on the R624 monthly means test continue to receive it while permanent grant applications are being processed. Payment cycle rules did not change: Older Persons first, Disability second, Children's grants third, and SASSA never pays on the 1st. If a public holiday or weekend absorbs those days (Easter, Workers' Day, Heritage Day, festive season) the cycle shifts forward and the payment date is published in advance on sassa.gov.za.

Frequently asked questions

How much is the Old Age Pension in 2026?

R2,400 per month for beneficiaries aged 60 to 74, and R2,420 for those aged 75 and over. Paid first in each month's cycle, on the date SASSA publishes for that month.

How much is the Child Support Grant?

R580 per child per month in 2026. The primary caregiver receives it, not the child. Paid third in each month's cycle, after pensions and disability grants.

How much is the Disability Grant?

R2,400 per month in 2026. A state-appointed doctor must confirm the disability, and temporary grants are re-assessed every 6 to 12 months.

Can I get more than one SASSA grant?

Adults can hold only one primary grant (Old Age or Disability, not both). Caregivers can hold Old Age plus Child Support for grandchildren. Grant-in-Aid at R580 adds on top of Disability or Old Age when full-time care is needed.

How long does a Foster Care Grant application take?

Between three and six months while the Children's Court order is verified. The grant pays R1,290 per foster child per month once approved.

What is Grant-in-Aid?

A R580 monthly add-on for beneficiaries already receiving Old Age, Disability, or War Veterans who need full-time care from another person because of a medical condition.

Can permanent grants be declined and appealed?

Yes. All grant declines go through the Independent Tribunal for Social Assistance Appeals (ITSAA) within 90 days. Permanent grant appeals are filed at your SASSA local office, not the SRD portal.