Grant-in-Aid is an extra monthly payment for people who already receive a SASSA grant but need full-time care from another person because of a physical or mental condition. This guide covers the amount, who qualifies, the documents you need, the payment dates, and how to apply.

Amount
Extra R580/mo
Who
Existing grant holders needing full-time care
Requirement
Must already get a qualifying grant
Paid
With your main grant
Means test
Tied to your main grant
Cost to apply
Free

Grant-in-Aid Amount (2026)

Grant-in-Aid pays an extra R580 per month, confirmed in the SASSA media statement of 23 March 2026 (the April 2026 increase added R20). It is paid on top of your existing Older Persons, Disability or War Veterans Grant - not instead of it.

Who Qualifies (Eligibility)

  • Be a South African citizen or permanent resident with a valid ID
  • Already receive an Older Persons Grant, Disability Grant or War Veterans Grant from SASSA
  • Need regular, full-time care from another person because of a physical or mental disability
  • Not live in a state institution that already receives funding to care for you

Required Documents

  • Your South African ID
  • Proof that you already receive an Older Persons, Disability or War Veterans Grant
  • A medical report or assessment confirming that you need full-time care

Grant-in-Aid Payment Dates (2026/2027)

Grant-in-Aid is paid together with your main grant. Because it tops up the Older Persons, Disability or War Veterans Grant, it follows the same payment date as that grant - in most months the 2nd for Older Persons and War Veterans, and the 3rd for Disability. If the date falls on a weekend or public holiday, payment moves to the next working day.

Month Paid with Older Persons / War Veterans Paid with Disability
April 2026 02 April 2026 07 April 2026
May 2026 05 May 2026 06 May 2026
June 2026 02 June 2026 03 June 2026
July 2026 02 July 2026 03 July 2026
August 2026 04 August 2026 05 August 2026
September 2026 02 September 2026 03 September 2026
October 2026 02 October 2026 05 October 2026
November 2026 03 November 2026 04 November 2026
December 2026 02 December 2026 03 December 2026
January 2027 05 January 2027 06 January 2027
February 2027 02 February 2027 03 February 2027
March 2027 02 March 2027 03 March 2027

Official source: SASSA media statement, 23 March 2026 - verify on SASSA News (Facebook).

How to Apply (Application Process)

  1. Check that you already receive an Older Persons, Disability or War Veterans Grant.
  2. Visit your nearest SASSA office and bring your ID, proof of your grant, and your medical report.
  3. Complete the application form in front of a SASSA officer - the staff will help you.
  4. Wait for SASSA to review your application. If approved, Grant-in-Aid is added to your monthly grant.

Keep SASSA updated if anything in your situation changes so you continue receiving the support.

Good to know: applying is completely free. Never pay anyone to "help" you apply.

๐Ÿ’ก Tips & common mistakes (from experience)
  • You must already receive an Older Persons, Disability or War Veterans Grant to qualify.
  • It is a separate application even though it is paid together with your main grant.
  • Bring a medical report proving you need regular full-time care from another person.
  • Many people miss out simply because they do not know this add-on exists - ask about it.

Explore other SASSA grants

Old Age Grant · Disability Grant · Child Support Grant · Foster Child Grant · Care Dependency Grant · War Veterans Grant · SRD R370 Grant
← Back to the SASSA Grants hub

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions