R1,370 Social Grant in South Africa 2025 – Who Qualifies and How to Apply

The R1,370 Social Grant in South Africa plays a vital role in helping millions of people meet basic living needs. With rising food prices, high unemployment, and ongoing economic stress, this financial assistance isn’t just a benefit—it’s survival for many families. Whether you’re applying for yourself or helping someone else, this guide covers everything you need to know to get started.

Overview

The R1,370 Social Grant often refers to general support payments available through SASSA, including the Old Age Grant and other types of financial aid. These grants are tailored to different groups, like the elderly, children, people with disabilities, and unemployed individuals in distress.

As of 2025, more than 18 million South Africans receive social grants. In many communities, especially rural and informal areas, grants are the only consistent income.

Let’s look at the major grants and what they offer.

Types

Here’s a breakdown of the key social grants available:

Grant Type	Monthly Amount (R)	Who It’s For
Old Age Grant (60–74)	R2,180	Seniors not receiving other pensions
Old Age Grant (75+)	R2,200	Seniors aged 75 and above
Disability Grant	R2,080	Adults (18–59) with disabilities
Foster Child Grant	R1,180	Foster parents with court orders
Care Dependency Grant	R2,080	Children with severe disabilities
Child Support Grant	R530 + R250 top-up	Low-income caregivers
SRD Grant (temporary)	R370	Unemployed adults with no other aid

Each grant targets a specific need—whether it’s caring for a child, supporting a senior, or helping someone with a disability manage day-to-day life.

Eligibility

Before applying, check if you qualify:

• Citizenship: Must be a South African citizen, permanent resident, or legal refugee
• Income: You must pass a means test showing limited financial resources
• Age: Varies by grant—over 60 for Old Age, 18–59 for Disability
• Employment: Unemployed individuals can apply for the SRD grant
• Medical: Disability and care grants require a certified medical report
• Legal: Foster grants require a court placement order

You can’t receive multiple grants for the same person, and some benefits (like NSFAS or UIF) may make you ineligible for others.

Apply

Follow these steps to apply for the R1,370 Social Grant or others through SASSA.

Step 1

Double-check your age, income, legal status, and health condition.

Step 2

Here’s what you’ll need:

• Valid South African ID (green book or smart card)
• Proof of address (utility bill, lease, or sworn affidavit)
• Bank statements (last 3 months)
• Medical documents (for disability or care-related grants)
• Court order (for foster child grants)

Step 3

You can apply using one of the following:

• Online: srd.sassa.gov.za
• WhatsApp: Send “Hi” to 082 046 8553
• In-Person: Visit your nearest SASSA office with originals of all required documents

Step 4

After applying, you’ll get a reference number. This is your key to tracking your grant application, so write it down and keep it safe.

Step 5

• Use the SASSA status tracker online
• Call the SASSA helpline at 0800 60 10 11 for updates

Why This Grant Matters

The R1,370 figure is part of a broader effort to support low-income individuals who might not qualify for the maximum Old Age or Disability grants. With inflation and unemployment still high in 2025, these funds often help cover:

• Grocery bills
• Basic utilities
• Childcare needs
• Transport costs

For many, these grants provide the only income to maintain a stable home or continue accessing education and healthcare.

If you or someone you know could benefit from this support, don’t delay. Gather your documents, check your eligibility, and start the process to receive what you’re entitled to.

FAQs