Social grants

1. Admission of Older Persons to Residential Facilities
This service allows older persons (usually 60 years and older) to be admitted into state-subsidised residential care facilities. These homes offer various services including frail care, assisted living, meals, health care, and recreational activities.

• Eligibility: Must be an older person needing care or supervision. Voluntary admission is preferred unless a court or doctor deems the person unfit to consent.

• Application Process: Submit a valid South African ID, medical assessment, and income details. Screening is conducted by the facility to determine need and eligibility for subsidies.

• Fees: Subsidies may reduce costs, but some facilities charge additional fees depending on income and care level.

2. Care Dependency Grant
This grant supports caregivers of children with severe disabilities who need permanent care at home.

• Who can apply: Primary caregivers of children under 18 with a disability certified by a medical officer.

• Income threshold: R223,200/year (single) or R446,400/year (married). Foster parents are not means-tested.

• Grant amount: R2,190 per month (as of October 2024).

• Other info: Child must not be permanently cared for in a state institution. Renewals and periodic assessments are required.

3. Child Support Grant
Helps low-income caregivers cover basic needs for children under 18.

• Eligibility: SA citizens or permanent residents; caregiver must live with the child and not earn above R61,200/year (single) or R122,400/year (married).

• Number of children: Maximum of 6 non-biological children for grant purposes.

• Grant amount: R530/month per child; additional R270 top-up possible (total of R800).

• Other info: Not meant to replace full financial care of a child, but to supplement basic needs.

4. Disability Grant
Provides income for adults (18–59 years) with a long-term or permanent disability preventing employment.

• Types:

  • Temporary: 6–12 months (renewable).

  • Permanent: For long-term or lifelong disabilities.

• Eligibility: Valid SA ID, citizen/resident/refugee, not in a state institution, must undergo a medical assessment.

• Income limit: R86,280/year (single) or R172,560/year (married).

• Asset limit: R1,227,600 (single) or R2,455,200 (married).

• Grant amount: Up to R2,090 per month.

5. Foster Child Grant
Financial support for children legally placed in foster care through the courts.

• Eligibility: Child must be under 18 and placed by a court order.

• Status: Both the foster parent and child must be legal residents in South Africa.

• Grant amount: R1,180/month (as of October 2024).

• Other info: Foster parents can also receive a care dependency grant if the child is disabled.

6. Grant-in-Aid
This grant is an addition to existing social grants (not a standalone benefit).

• Purpose: For people already receiving a disability, old age, or war veteran’s grant who need permanent, full-time care from another person.

• Eligibility: Must provide medical proof of needing daily assistance.

• Not eligible: If you live in a government-funded institution.

• Grant amount: R560/month.

7. International Social Services
Provides cross-border social work and family services, including:

• Use cases: Inter-country adoptions, migrant family support, child protection, reunification of separated families.

• Eligibility: South Africans abroad or foreign nationals residing in South Africa with social issues needing cross-border coordination.

• Access: Request help through a social worker or provincial Department of Social Development office.

• Fees: Free inside South Africa; costs may apply if dealing with foreign authorities.

8. Old Age Pension (Older Persons Grant)
Monthly pension for South Africans aged 60 and older.

• Eligibility: Must be a South African citizen or permanent resident, reside in SA, and meet financial means test.

• Income threshold: R86,280/year (single) or R172,560/year (married).

• Asset limit: R1,227,600 (single) or R2,455,200 (married).

• Grant amount:

  • R2,310/month (ages 60–74)

  • R2,330/month (75 and older)

• Note: Not available to those living in state institutions.

9. Social Relief of Distress (SRD)
Temporary assistance for people facing extreme hardship due to unemployment, loss of income, disaster, or family crisis.

• Includes: Food parcels, vouchers, or temporary cash assistance.

• Eligibility: Must prove distress and lack of other income or grants.

• COVID-19 SRD Grant: R350/month for unemployed individuals (additional criteria apply).

• Duration: Usually for up to 3 months, with possible extension by another 3 months.

10. War Veterans Grant
Grant for veterans of World War II or the Korean War who are 60 years or older and not receiving any other social grant.

• Eligibility: South African citizenship, verified military service, and means-tested.

• Income and asset limits: Same as the old age grant.

• Grant amount: Around R2,110/month.

• Extras: Eligible for the Grant-in-Aid if they require full-time care.