SASSA Online Application

To apply for a social grant, you must submit your SASSA online application with the required information. The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) online services platform enables millions of eligible individuals, including families, permanent residents, special permit holders, refugees, and asylum seekers, to apply for various social grants such as old age, child support, disability, and care dependency. Once approved, your SASSA application qualifies you for monthly financial support from the government.

Required Documents for Your SASSA Application

Before starting your SASSA grant application, ensure you have the required documents ready. SASSA requirements vary depending on the specific grant type.

1. Your South African ID document. SASSA’s acceptable ID document includes.
   • 13-digit bar‑coded RSA ID card or smart ID
   • Green barcoded ID book
   • Smart ID card
   • Temporary ID Certificate (issued by Home Affairs while waiting for a new ID)
   • Refugee ID/Permit (Section 24 for refugees)
   • Asylum Seeker Permit (Section 22 for asylum seekers)
2. Your personal cell phone number that is registered in your name and ID.
3. Proof of residence (e.g. utility bill or lease agreement).
4. Proof of income or assets (e.g. payslip or recent bank statement for the means test).
5. Consent form for bank payment for receiving the monthly grant.
6. Proof of employment termination letter (if unemployed).
7. Marriage certificate (if married).
8. Child’s birth certificate (for child-related grants).
9. Medical Assessment Referral Form (for disability-related grants).
10. Relevant SASSA affidavit for Old Age, Disability, Care Dependency, Child Support, Foster Child, Grant-in-Aid.

Important Declaration and Consent by Applicant

If your ID document is unavailable, a certified SASSA affidavit from a Commissioner of Oaths is required. You can also bring a sworn statement signed by a reputable person (like a councillor, traditional leader, social worker, minister of religion or school principal) who can verify your identity, name and age.

• Download and print the required SASSA-generated affidavit and the consent form for bank payment in PDF format here. All necessary SASSA forms are available through the SASSA online services link to support your application.

Registration on the SASSA Services Portal

New account registration is important, as it serves as your SASSA online application login to apply for SASSA grant online. Here is the step-by-step guide to help you register at services.sassa.gov.za, so you can log in and submit your application for any SASSA social grant.

1. To register your account on the SASSA services portal. https://services.sassa.gov.za
2. Click “Register A New Account” to create a personal profile for the SASSA account.
3. Click ‘Agree’ to South Africa’s Personal Information Act (POPIA).
4. Complete your account registration form with the required details.
   • Enter your Citizenship (South African citizen/permanent resident/refugee).
   • Provide your South African Identity Number (ID document/temporary ID).
   • Choose your User Title (Mr/Mrs/Miss).
   • Write your Surname and your Full name in Capital.
   • Add your active Email address (if available).
5. Create a password and remember it for your login.
6. Provide your cell phone number to register, which SASSA also uses for verifications.
   • Select your country code: +27 for South Africa and +264 for Namibia.
7. Provide your Residential address for verification of your SASSA profile.
8. Click the “Register Me” button to complete your SASSA account registration.

SASSA OTP code sent to your mobile number to confirm registration. Type the PIN in the provided space to complete your registration. You can now easily apply for a SASSA grant under the social grant programme.

Note: Your identity document and cell phone number are used for SASSA verification. Remember, your ID number is also your SASSA account login username.

SASSA Online Application: Apply for SASSA Grant

1. Visit the SASSA Online Services portal. https://services.sassa.gov.za
2. Login to your account using your Username and Password.
3. Click on the “Apply for a Grant” button and choose the SASSA social grant type.
   • Older Person’s Grant
   • War Veterans’ Grant
   • Child Support Grant
   • Foster Child Grant
   • Disability Grant
   • Care Dependency Grant
   • Grant-in-Aid
4. Fill out your Sassa grant application form with the correct information.
5. Upload the required supporting documents in certified PDF format, which include.
   • Your South African ID or other acceptable ID document copy.
   • Marriage certificate and a copy of your spouse’s ID (if married).
   • Proof of residence (e.g. utility bill or lease agreement).
   • Proof of income or a letter confirming employment termination (for means test).
   • SASSA-generated affidavit, signed and certified by a Commissioner of Oaths.
   • Signed consent form for bank payments, submitted with your affidavit.
6. If you don’t have a bank account, select the SASSA card as your grant payment method.
   • SASSA Card (new Postbank Black Card)
7. Once selected bank payment, choose your Bank name from the listed South African banks.
   • Add your bank account number, branch code, and account type.
   • You can change banking details for grant payments in future when you switch your account.
8. Recheck the information and ensure no documents are missing before completing your application.
9. To complete your SASSA online application, click the “Submit” button.
10. You will now receive an SMS and email confirmation for successful grant application submission.

The confirmation message from SASSA includes your reference number, also known as the Application ID, which serves as your official proof of application. This number is used for future enquiries and to track your application. Remember, the official date of application is when SASSA receives all the required supporting documents.

Note: If any documents are still outstanding after submission, you will be required to submit a SASSA reapplication to complete the process.

Processing Time for SASSA Application Outcome

After submitting your application to SASSA, the processing time can take up to three months (90 days). During this period, your details are checked and verified. Once a decision is made, SASSA will notify you of the outcome by sending an SMS to your registered phone number. The message will clearly state whether your application for the SASSA grant is approved, pending, or declined, along with any relevant reasons. If approved, you’ll begin receiving your monthly grant on the scheduled SASSA payment dates.

Check Your SASSA Application Status

You can check your application outcome online by using the official SASSA status checker. The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) regularly update the online system for current beneficiaries and new applicants to view their SASSA application status without visiting a local office and waiting in long queues.

To check your application status for the social grant, enter your South African ID number and the cellphone number used to submit your application to SASSA. The SASSA online services database will show your grant application status and let you know when to expect payment after approval.

When Applying for SASSA Old Age Grant

For the old age grant, applicants must submit the following documents.

• Your 13-digit bar-coded identity document (ID card).
• If you don’t have an ID, a SASSA affidavit certified by an Oaths Commissioner is required.
• Copy of the spouse’s ID document (if applicable).
• Proof of marital status: marriage certificate (if applicable).
• Proof of residence: Proof of where you live (address).
• Proof of your income and/or dividends (if any).
• Proof of your private pension (if any).
• Proof of your assets, including the value of the property you own (if applicable).
• Your bank statements for the previous three months (if applicable).
• If you’re employed, proof of UIF membership (‘blue book’) or a discharge certificate.
• Banking details for your grant payments if you have a bank account.

When Applying for SASSA Disability Grant

For the disability grant, applicants must submit the following documents.

Your South African ID document or Refugee status permit (13-digit refugee ID).
If you don’t have an ID, a SASSA affidavit certified by an Oaths Commissioner is required.
Your Medical report and functional assessment report confirm your disability.

• Print and upload your medical assessment referral form.
• Proof of marital status, your marriage certificate (if applicable).
• Proof of residence with address.
• Proof of income or dividends (if any).
• Proof of assets, including the municipal value of your property.
• Proof of private pension (if any).
• Your bank statements for the past three months.
• UIF registered document or discharge certificate from the employer (if employed).
• Banking details for your SASSA payments if you have a bank account.

Note: To be eligible for the SASSA disability grant, your medical report must be dated within the past three months.

When Applying for SASSA Child Support Grant

For the child support grant, applicants must submit the following documents.

• Your South African ID and the child’s birth certificate.
• If you don’t have an ID or the child’s birth certificate, a certified SASSA affidavit is required.
• Mention proof for an applied ID or birth certificate at the DHA.
• A temporary ID issued by the Department of Home Affairs is also acceptable.
• Your child’s baptismal certificate (if available).
• Road to health clinic card (if available).
• School report (if available).
• Proof of any maintenance you receive for the applicant’s child.
• Proof of your earnings (if any).
• Your marriage certificate (if applicable).
• If you are divorced, the court order says that you have custody of the child. (if applicable).
• For dead or missing parents, a death certificate or a missing person’s report from the police is required.
• Banking details for your child’s grant payments if you have a bank account.

Important Reminder for SASSA Applicants

For your SASSA application status declined or rejected, you have the right to appeal within 90 days if you believe the decision was unfair.

Your SASSA appeal will only be considered if your circumstances meet the eligibility criteria and you provide a valid reason in your appeal.

If your status only shows “Pending,” it means your application is still being processed, and SASSA needs more time to review your details. You’ll need to wait a few more days for the final outcome.

If you receive a SASSA application status showing “Pending for banking details.” This means your payment information is missing or incorrect in your submission.

Update 2025: From 7 June 2025, all new SASSA social grant applicants must complete biometric verification as part of the application process. If your status shows “Pending for Biometric ID Verification,” you must visit your nearest SASSA office. This step is now mandatory to help prevent fraud and ensure identity accuracy.