If you are caring for an adult with a disability in South Africa, you may be looking for a “SASSA Caregiver Grant for Adults.” While no grant by that exact name exists, there are two real SASSA grants that directly support adult caregivers and the people they care for:
Grant-in-Aid (GIA) — R560/month paid to a person already receiving a Disability, Old Age, or War Veterans grant who needs full-time care from another person. This is the closest equivalent to a caregiver support payment for adults.
Disability Grant — R2,315/month paid directly to an adult (18–59) who is medically unable to work due to a physical or mental disability.
This guide explains who qualifies for each, what documents you need, and how to apply.
What Is the SASSA Grant-in-Aid?
The Grant-in-Aid (GIA) is a supplementary monthly payment of R560 for people who are already receiving a SASSA Disability Grant, Old Age Grant, or War Veterans Grant and require full-time care and assistance from another person due to their physical or mental condition.
It is not a standalone grant — it is added on top of an existing grant. The payment goes to the grant recipient, not the caregiver directly. However, in practice it is used to help cover the costs of the care they receive, including paying a family member or helper.
As of April 2025, the Grant-in-Aid pays R560 per month.
Who Qualifies for the Grant-in-Aid?
To qualify for the Grant-in-Aid, the person requiring care must:
- Already be receiving a SASSA Disability Grant, Old Age Grant, or War Veterans Grant
- Require regular, full-time attendance and care from another person due to their physical or mental disability
- Not be cared for in a state-subsidised institution
The caregiver themselves does not apply separately — the application is made by or on behalf of the grant recipient.
What Is the SASSA Disability Grant?
The Disability Grant is a monthly payment of R2,315 (as of April 2025) for adults aged 18–59 who are medically assessed as unable to support themselves through work due to a physical or mental disability.
If the adult you are caring for does not yet have a Disability Grant, applying for this should be the first step — because once they are receiving it, they may also qualify for the Grant-in-Aid top-up.
Who Qualifies for the Disability Grant?
To qualify, the applicant must:
- Be a South African citizen, permanent resident, or refugee
- Be between 18 and 59 years old
- Be assessed by a SASSA-appointed medical officer as unable to work due to a disability
- Not be receiving any other SASSA grant
- Not be cared for in a state institution
- Meet the means test — annual income must not exceed R112,296 if single, or R224,592 if married (as of 2025)
The grant is available on a temporary basis (6–12 months) or permanently, depending on the nature of the disability.
Documents Required
For the Grant-in-Aid, bring:
- Valid South African ID of the grant recipient
- Proof of the existing SASSA grant (Disability, Old Age, or War Veterans)
- Medical or functional assessment report (less than 3 months old) confirming the need for full-time care
- Proof of residence
For the Disability Grant, bring:
- Valid South African ID (13-digit barcoded ID or smart card)
- Medical assessment or report confirming the disability (less than 3 months old)
- Proof of residence
- Proof of income — payslip, bank statements (3 months), or a sworn affidavit if no formal income
- If married: spouse’s ID and proof of marital status
- Bank account details for payment
How to Apply
Both grants must be applied for in person at your nearest SASSA office. Application forms are not available online.
- Locate your nearest SASSA office at www.sassa.gov.za
- Bring all required documents listed above
- Request the relevant application form from SASSA staff — Grant-in-Aid form or Disability Grant form
- Complete the form in the presence of a SASSA officer (only you or a SASSA official may complete it)
- Submit your documents and receive a reference number as proof of application
- A SASSA medical officer will assess the applicant if required — SASSA will arrange this
- You will be notified of the outcome within 90 days
If approved, your first payment is backdated to the date you applied. The service is completely free — do not pay anyone to apply on your behalf.
What Happens After You Apply?
- Processing takes up to 90 days from the date of application
- You will be notified by letter or SMS of the outcome
- If approved, payments are made monthly via direct bank deposit or SASSA card
- If declined, you have 90 days to appeal by contacting your nearest SASSA office with your reference number
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a SASSA Caregiver Grant for adults? There is no standalone grant called the “Caregiver Grant for Adults.” The closest real equivalent is the Grant-in-Aid — a R560/month top-up for people already receiving a Disability, Old Age, or War Veterans grant who need full-time care. The Care Dependency Grant exists only for caregivers of children under 18.
How much is the Grant-in-Aid in 2025? R560 per month, effective from April 2025. It is paid as a supplement to an existing SASSA grant.
Can I get paid as a caregiver for a family member? The Grant-in-Aid goes to the person being cared for, not the caregiver directly. There is no separate SASSA payment specifically for adult caregivers. The grant recipient can use the R560 however they choose, including to support a family member providing care.
What is the difference between the Grant-in-Aid and the Care Dependency Grant? The Care Dependency Grant (R2,315/month) is for parents or caregivers of children under 18 with severe disabilities. The Grant-in-Aid (R560/month) is a top-up for adults already on a disability or old age grant who need full-time care. They are separate grants with different eligibility rules.
Can the adult I care for get both a Disability Grant and the Grant-in-Aid? Yes — if they qualify for both, they can receive the Disability Grant (R2,315) plus the Grant-in-Aid (R560), totalling R2,875/month.
How do I find my nearest SASSA office? Visit www.sassa.gov.za or call the SASSA toll-free helpline on 0800 60 10 11.
What if the Disability Grant application is declined? You can appeal within 90 days of receiving the rejection notice. Visit your nearest SASSA office with your reference number and any additional supporting medical documentation.
How long does the Disability Grant last? It is granted on either a temporary basis (6–12 months) or permanently, depending on the nature of the disability. Temporary grants must be reapplied for when they expire if the person has not recovered.
