About the Grant-in-Aid
The Grant-in-Aid is an additional grant paid to people who are already receiving an Older Person's Grant, Disability Grant, or War Veteran's Grant, and who require full-time care due to their physical or mental condition. This grant is intended to help cover the costs of hiring a caregiver.
Current Grant Amount
R510 per month
Amount valid from April 1, 2025 to March 31, 2026
This amount is paid in addition to your primary social grant.
Who Can Apply?
To qualify for the Grant-in-Aid, you must meet the following criteria:
- Already be receiving an Older Person's Grant, Disability Grant, or War Veteran's Grant from SASSA
- Require full-time care due to your physical or mental condition (you cannot be left alone to care for yourself)
- Not be cared for in an institution that receives a subsidy from the government for your care
- Have a medical assessment confirming that you require full-time care (the assessment must not be older than 3 months when you apply)
Understanding Full-Time Care
"Full-time care" means that you require assistance with daily activities such as:
Eating and drinking
Assistance with preparing food, feeding, and drinking
Personal hygiene
Help with bathing, grooming, and toileting
Dressing
Assistance with putting on and removing clothing
Mobility
Help with moving around, getting in and out of bed, or using a wheelchair
Medication management
Assistance with taking prescribed medications at the correct times
Safety supervision
Continuous monitoring to prevent injury or harm
Medical Assessment
A key part of the Grant-in-Aid application is the medical assessment. This assessment:
- Must be conducted by a medical officer appointed by the state
- Evaluates your need for full-time care due to your physical or mental condition
- Determines the extent of assistance you require with daily activities
- Must be completed on the official SASSA medical assessment form
- Is valid for 3 months from the date of assessment
Required Documents
Identity Document
Your South African ID, smart ID card, or valid refugee permit
Medical Assessment Report
Completed by a state medical officer, not older than 3 months
Proof of Primary Grant
Proof that you are receiving an Older Person's Grant, Disability Grant, or War Veteran's Grant
Proof of Caregiver
Details of the person who provides you with full-time care (if applicable)
How to Apply
- 1Get a medical assessment from a state medical officer (at a government hospital or clinic)
- 2Visit your nearest SASSA office with all required documents
- 3Complete the application form with the assistance of a SASSA official
- 4Your fingerprints will be taken and your information verified
- 5You will receive a receipt as proof of application
- 6Your application will be processed, which may take up to 3 months
Important Information
- The Grant-in-Aid is always paid together with your primary social grant
- If your primary grant is suspended or lapses, the Grant-in-Aid will also be suspended or lapse
- The Grant-in-Aid is not means-tested separately from your primary grant
- You do not need to have a formal caregiver or pay someone to qualify - the grant is to assist with the costs of care, whether provided by a family member or hired caregiver
Frequently Asked Questions
How is the Grant-in-Aid paid?
The Grant-in-Aid is paid together with your primary social grant (Older Person's Grant, Disability Grant, or War Veteran's Grant) using the same payment method you have chosen for your primary grant.
Can I apply for a Grant-in-Aid if I'm receiving a Child Support Grant?
No, the Grant-in-Aid is only available to recipients of the Older Person's Grant, Disability Grant, or War Veteran's Grant. It is not available to recipients of the Child Support Grant, Foster Child Grant, or Care Dependency Grant.
How long does it take to process a Grant-in-Aid application?
The processing time for a Grant-in-Aid application is typically 3 months from the date of application. This includes the time needed for verification of your information and assessment of your need for full-time care.
Do I need to hire a professional caregiver to qualify for the Grant-in-Aid?
No, you do not need to hire a professional caregiver. The Grant-in-Aid is provided to assist with the costs of care, whether that care is provided by a family member, friend, or hired caregiver.
How often do I need to renew my Grant-in-Aid?
The Grant-in-Aid is linked to your primary grant. If you have a Permanent Disability Grant or Older Person's Grant, the Grant-in-Aid will continue for as long as your primary grant is active. If you have a Temporary Disability Grant, you will need to reapply for both grants when your Temporary Disability Grant expires.
What if my condition improves and I no longer need full-time care?
If your condition improves and you no longer require full-time care, you must inform SASSA as you may no longer qualify for the Grant-in-Aid. Continuing to receive the grant when you no longer qualify is considered fraud and may result in legal action.