SASSA Grant-in-Aid - Eligibility, Amount & How to Apply
The Grant-in-Aid is a supplementary grant of R580 per month paid in addition to an existing SASSA social grant. It is available to people who already receive the Older Persons Grant, Disability Grant, or War Veterans Grant and who need regular care or assistance from another person. The grant increased by R20 in April 2026, up from R560. Unlike other grants, the Grant-in-Aid cannot be received on its own - it is always an addition to a primary grant.
Quick Facts - Grant-in-Aid
Monthly Amount
R580
Paid in addition to your existing grant
Who Qualifies
Existing grant recipients needing regular care
How to Apply
In person at any SASSA office
Next Payment Date
Thursday, 2 April 2026
Prerequisite
Must already receive another SASSA grant
2026 Increase
+R20/month
Supplementary Grant
The Grant-in-Aid is not a standalone grant. You must already be receiving the Older Persons Grant, Disability Grant, or War Veterans Grant to qualify. The R580 is paid on top of your existing grant each month.
Combined Payment Examples
When you receive the Grant-in-Aid, the additional R580 is added to your existing grant. Here is what your total monthly payment would be:
| Primary Grant | Grant Amount | + Grant-in-Aid | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Older Persons (60–74) | R2,400 | R580 | R2,980 |
| Older Persons (75+) | R2,420 | R580 | R3,000 |
| Disability Grant | R2,400 | R580 | R2,980 |
| War Veterans Grant | R2,420 | R580 | R3,000 |
Who Qualifies for the Grant-in-Aid?
Requirements
- Must already be receiving another social grant
- Must require regular attendance by another person
- Must not be cared for in a state institution
"Regular attendance by another person" means you need someone to help you with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, eating, mobility, or taking medication. This does not mean you need 24-hour care - it means you need assistance on a regular basis and cannot manage entirely on your own.
Qualifying Primary Grants
You can only receive the Grant-in-Aid if you already receive one of these grants:
- Older Persons Grant (R2,400/month or R2,420/month for over 75)
- Disability Grant (R2,400/month - temporary or permanent)
- War Veterans Grant (R2,420/month)
No Separate Means Test Required
Because the Grant-in-Aid is a supplementary grant, you do not need to undergo a separate means test. You have already been means-tested through your primary grant (Older Persons, Disability, or War Veterans Grant). SASSA only needs to confirm that you require regular attendance by another person and that you are not already receiving full-time care in a state institution.
Key Point
The Grant-in-Aid does not have its own income or asset thresholds. Your eligibility is based on your existing grant status and your need for regular care from another person.
Who Typically Qualifies for the Grant-in-Aid?
The Grant-in-Aid is designed for people who, due to their physical or mental condition, need another person to help them with daily tasks. Common situations where people qualify include:
- Elderly persons who are frail and need help with bathing, dressing, or cooking
- People with physical disabilities that affect their mobility or ability to perform daily tasks
- People with progressive conditions such as Parkinson's disease, severe arthritis, or dementia
- People recovering from strokes who need ongoing assistance
- People with severe chronic illnesses that limit their independence
The person providing care does not need to be a professional caregiver. They can be a family member, friend, or neighbour who assists on a regular basis. However, the care arrangement must not be provided by a state institution.
How to Apply for the Grant-in-Aid
Confirm Your Existing Grant
Ensure your Older Persons, Disability, or War Veterans Grant is currently active. If your existing grant has been suspended, resolve that issue first before applying for the Grant-in-Aid.
Gather Supporting Documents
Collect your ID, proof of your existing grant (payment advice), medical reports confirming your need for care, and proof of residence.
Visit Your SASSA Office
Go to your nearest SASSA office. If you are unable to travel, your caregiver can apply on your behalf with a signed letter of authorisation and their own ID.
Complete the Application
A SASSA official will help you fill in the Grant-in-Aid application form. They may schedule a medical assessment to confirm your care needs.
Receive Outcome
SASSA will process your application and notify you. If approved, the Grant-in-Aid amount will be added to your existing grant payment from the next payment cycle.
Required Documents
- South African ID document (original and copy)
- Proof of existing SASSA grant (payment advice or bank statement showing grant payment)
- Medical report confirming need for regular care (from your treating doctor)
- Proof of residence (utility bill, lease, or affidavit)
- Letter of authorisation (if someone is applying on your behalf)
- Caregiver's ID document (if applying through a representative)
Grant-in-Aid Payment Dates 2026
The Grant-in-Aid is paid on the same day as your primary grant. Since most Grant-in-Aid recipients have the Older Persons, Disability, or War Veterans Grant, payments are typically at the beginning of each month.
Next Grant-in-Aid Payment
Thursday, 2 April 2026
For the full payment schedule, visit our payment dates page.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Grant-in-Aid?
Who can apply for the Grant-in-Aid?
Is the Grant-in-Aid paid separately or with my existing grant?
Do I need a medical assessment for the Grant-in-Aid?
Can my caregiver apply on my behalf?
Related Grants
The Grant-in-Aid is linked to these primary grants: