SASSA Grant-in-Aid: Eligibility & How It Works
The Grant-in-Aid is a lesser-known SASSA benefit for people who already receive certain grants and need full-time care from someone else. This guide explains who can qualify and how it generally works. This is general information only — always confirm your personal eligibility with SASSA.
Quick answer: The Grant-in-Aid is extra financial support added on top of an existing SASSA grant — the Older Persons Grant, Disability Grant, or War Veterans Grant — for someone who needs full-time care from another person due to a physical or mental disability.
Quick Facts
- You must already receive the Older Persons Grant, Disability Grant, or War Veterans Grant
- You must require regular attendance by another person for daily living, due to a physical or mental disability
- You must not be cared for in an institution that receives a state subsidy for housing or care
- According to SASSA, the Grant-in-Aid cannot stand on its own — if the primary grant lapses, so does the Grant-in-Aid
Who Can Get the Grant-in-Aid
According to SASSA, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Be in receipt of a grant for Older Persons, a Disability grant, or a War Veteran’s grant
- Require regular attendance by another person for activities of daily living, owing to physical or mental disability
- Not be cared for in an institution that receives a subsidy from the State for the care or housing of the applicant
How to Apply
- Confirm you already receive the Older Persons Grant, Disability Grant, or War Veterans Grant.
- Arrange a medical or functional assessment confirming that you need full-time care from another person.
- Visit your nearest SASSA office with your South African ID and supporting documents.
- Complete the Grant-in-Aid application form with a SASSA official.
- Wait for SASSA to assess and confirm your application.
Exact required documents can change, so confirm the current list with your nearest SASSA office before you go.
Important Things to Know
- The Grant-in-Aid cannot be claimed on its own — it is only available alongside a qualifying primary grant
- If your primary grant (Older Persons, Disability, or War Veterans) stops, your Grant-in-Aid stops too
- It is not separately listed on the general payment schedule, so confirm with SASSA how it is added to your existing grant payment
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply for the Grant-in-Aid on its own?
No. The Grant-in-Aid is only available to people who already receive the Older Persons Grant, Disability Grant, or War Veterans Grant.
Does the Grant-in-Aid have its own payment date?
It generally isn’t listed separately on the payment schedule. Confirm with SASSA or your local office how it is added to your existing grant payment.
What if my primary grant is cancelled?
The Grant-in-Aid cannot stand on its own, so if your primary grant lapses or is cancelled, your Grant-in-Aid will lapse as well.
Related Pages
Disclaimer: SA Grant Dates is an independent information resource and is not affiliated with SASSA or the South African government. Eligibility rules, amounts and processes are determined by SASSA and may change. Always verify current details on the official SASSA website. This page was last reviewed in August 2026.