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SASSA Grants Compared: SRD vs Old Age vs Disability vs Child Support (2026)

Not sure which SASSA grant you qualify for? Compare all grants side by side — amounts, eligibility, age limits, means test thresholds, and how to apply.

Side-by-side comparison chart showing different grant options
ZA

Themba Phakathi

South African Benefit Specialist

Updated: 7/7/2026
10 minutes

Guide Contents

Grant Comparison at a Glance (2026)Who Should Apply for the SRD R370 Grant?Who Should Apply for the Old Age Grant?Who Should Apply for the Disability Grant?Who Should Apply for Child Support Grant?Which Grant Should You Choose? Decision Guide

Step-by-Step Instructions

1

Grant Comparison at a Glance (2026)

SASSA administers eight main grant types in 2026. The SRD R370 is for unemployed 18-59 year olds with income under R624/month. The Old Age Grant pays R2,400 (60-74) or R2,420 (75+) for seniors who pass the means test. The Disability Grant pays R2,400 for adults with a medical disability. The Child Support Grant pays R580 per child for caregivers earning under R5,800 (single) or R11,600 (couple). The Foster Child Grant pays R1,295 per foster child. Each grant has different rules and application processes.

Pro Tip

  • You can only receive one SASSA grant at a time — choose the highest one you qualify for.
  • The SRD is the only grant that is reassessed every single month.
2

Who Should Apply for the SRD R370 Grant?

The SRD grant is best for unemployed South Africans aged 18 to 59 who have no income, no other social grant, and are not receiving UIF or NSFAS. It is the easiest grant to apply for — entirely online, no office visit needed. However, it pays the least (R370) and is not guaranteed month to month. If you are eligible for a permanent grant instead, apply for that. The SRD should be your option only if you do not qualify for any other grant.

Pro Tip

  • The SRD is the only grant that does not require a SASSA office visit.
  • If you are over 60, apply for the Old Age Grant instead — it pays R2,400.
3

Who Should Apply for the Old Age Grant?

The Old Age Grant is for South African citizens or permanent residents aged 60 and older who pass the means test. The income threshold is R7,190 per month (single) or R14,380 (married couple). The asset threshold is R1,227,600 (single) or R2,455,200 (married). You must apply in person at a SASSA office. If you are already receiving SRD and turn 60, you must switch to Old Age Grant — you cannot receive both.

Pro Tip

  • Apply three months before your 60th birthday to avoid a gap in payments.
  • The grant increases to {{old_age_pension_amount_over75}}/month when you turn 75.
4

Who Should Apply for the Disability Grant?

The Disability Grant is for adults aged 18 to 59 who have a permanent or long-term medical disability that makes them unable to work. You need a medical report from a government doctor confirming the disability. The grant pays R2,400 per month — same as Old Age. The means test thresholds are the same as Old Age. Your disability is reviewed every 6 to 12 months to confirm it still prevents you from working.

Pro Tip

  • Temporary disabilities (less than 6 months) do not qualify — apply for SRD instead.
  • If you are assessed as permanently disabled, the grant is not reviewed annually.
5

Who Should Apply for Child Support Grant?

The Child Support Grant (CSG) is for primary caregivers of children under 18 who pass the means test. The income threshold is R5,800 per month (single caregiver) or R11,600 (married couple). The grant pays R580 per child per month. You can claim for multiple children. If you are a caregiver for an orphaned child, you may qualify for the R280 top-up on top of the standard R580.

Pro Tip

  • The grant is paid to the primary caregiver, which can be a grandparent, aunt, or older sibling.
  • You do not need to be the biological parent to receive the Child Support Grant.
6

Which Grant Should You Choose? Decision Guide

Follow this decision tree: If you are over 60, apply for Old Age Grant. If you are 18-59 with a medical disability, apply for Disability Grant (R2,400 > R370). If you are caring for a child under 18, apply for Child Support Grant. If you are a foster parent, apply for Foster Child Grant. If none of the above apply and you are unemployed with no income, apply for SRD R370. You cannot receive two grants simultaneously, so choose the highest-value one you qualify for.

Pro Tip

  • If you qualify for both Disability and Old Age (over 60 with a disability), take Old Age.
  • The Foster Child Grant can overlap with other grants — it is the only exception to the one-grant rule.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I receive two SASSA grants at the same time?

No. You can only receive one SASSA grant at a time, with one exception: a foster parent can receive the Foster Child Grant for a foster child and also receive another grant for themselves.

Which SASSA grant pays the most in 2026?

The War Veterans Grant pays the most at R2,420 per month, followed by the Old Age Grant (75+) and Disability Grant at R2,400. The SRD pays the least at R370.

Official Resources

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