In the year 2025, the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) is providing much-needed social grants for the low-income earners, aged, disabled, and caregivers. Even though there is no officially recognized “R1370 Grant,” it may refer to one or another amount updated or in combination with amounts from other grants or increased rates.
Here is an extensive overview of the major SASSA grants, qualification criteria, application procedure, and the significant updates in 2025.
Understanding SASSA’s Main Grants
Child Support Grant
This grant is aimed at providing caregivers with the means to care for children younger than 18 years. The grant is currently valued at R530 per month for each child. The applicant must be the primary caregiver, reside in South Africa, and comply with certain income requirements. Both the applicant and child must be South African citizens, lawful permanent residents, or refugees with official status. The child has to not be living in a government institution.
Applications may be lodged at any nearest SASSA office, or one can apply online through the SASSA portal. The applicants will have to fill a form with the assistance of a SASSA officer and submit required documentation, including the child’s birth certificate and income proof.
Older Persons Grant
This grant assists elderly South Africans aged at least 60. In 2025, recipients between 60 and 74 years old get R2,190 a month, and those aged 75 years and above receive R2,210. In order to be eligible, one must be a South African citizen, permanent resident, or refugee, pass the means test, and not be residing in an institution.
Applications may be made at SASSA offices or online. Required documentation includes a valid South African ID and income proof.
Disability Grant
R2,190 per month is paid by the Disability Grant to persons between ages 18 and 59 who cannot work because of a permanent disability. A medical assessment confirming the disability is required. The applicant must meet requirements in terms of income and residence and must not be receiving medical assistance in a state institution. Application involves going to a local SASSA office, or alternatively applying online while submitting the medical and personal documentation required.
Grant-in-Aid
This grant is intended for people who already receive a grant under the Older Persons, Disability, or War Veterans Grant category and, by reason of a physical or mental condition, require constant care. The grant provides an additional R350 a month.
To qualify, a medical report confirming the need for constant care be required. The applicant should also not be residing in a state-paid home. Application is possible at any SASSA office with documentation supporting the need for full-time care.
Important Things to Note-or-Remind in 2025
All grants are subject to a means test, which checks all income and assets to ensure assistance is granted to those who need it the most. Processing may take anywhere from 30-90 days, depending on the type of grant and the documents submitted.
It is important to remember that all grants are subject to review from time to time. If a recipient’s financial or medical status changes, this can affect eligibility or an assigned grant amount.
SASSA has gone a long way towards making its services accessible digitally, with many applications now doable online using their secure services portal. In the event that they need assistance and have no access to the internet, applicants are advised to visit the closest office.