South Africa’s R1,370 Social Grant – Updated List, Age Limit Changes and Application Process

South Africa’s R1,370 social grant is a vital financial aid program supporting individuals and families in need. Recent updates have introduced changes to age limits, eligibility criteria, and the application process, making it essential to stay informed.

This guide breaks down everything you need to know, including who qualifies, how to apply, and how to check your application status. Whether you’re a first-time applicant or an existing beneficiary, knowing these updates can help you access the financial support you need.

Overview

Feature	Details
Grant Amount	R1,370 per month
Eligibility	South African citizens, permanent residents, and legal refugees meeting income and age requirements
Age Limit Updates	Adjustments to qualifying age categories
Application Methods	Online, in-person, and mobile applications
Official Source	South African Social Security Agency (SASSA)

R1,370 Social Grant

The R1,370 social grant is a monthly financial aid administered by the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA). It is designed to provide economic relief to low-income individuals who meet specific financial and personal criteria.

Who Qualifies?

To qualify for the grant, applicants must meet the following eligibility requirements:

• Be a South African citizen, permanent resident, or legally recognized refugee.
• Meet the income threshold to ensure only those in financial need receive assistance.
• Comply with the updated age limits, which have recently changed.

New Age Limit Changes

SASSA has updated the age requirements for several grant categories:

• Older Persons Grant: Previously available to individuals aged 60 and above. There are discussions to lower the threshold to 55 for certain categories.
• Disability Grant: Available to individuals with a medically certified disability. Updates may impact reassessment frequency and required documents.
• Child Support Grant: Expanded to ensure more vulnerable children receive assistance, particularly those raised by single parents or guardians.

How to Apply

Applying for the R1,370 grant is simple, but you must ensure accuracy and completeness to avoid delays or rejections.

Check Your Eligibility

Before applying, confirm that you meet the income, age, and residency requirements.

Gather Required Documents

You’ll need:

• South African ID book or card (or refugee permit for eligible applicants).
• Proof of income or unemployment status.
• Medical assessment report (for disability grants).
• Bank account details for direct deposit payments.

Choose an Application Method

There are three ways to apply for the R1,370 social grant:

Online Application

• Visit the official SASSA website.
• Navigate to the Online Grants Application portal.
• Complete the digital form and upload scanned copies of your documents.

In-Person Application

• Visit your nearest SASSA office.
• Fill out the grant application form with assistance from an official.
• Submit physical copies of the required documents.

Mobile Application (Pilot Program)

• Some regions allow applications via SASSA’s mobile app.
• This method is currently being tested and may become widely available soon.

Submit & Await Confirmation

Once your application is submitted, SASSA will process it.

• You’ll receive a receipt as proof of submission.
• Processing takes 2 to 8 weeks.
• You’ll be notified via SMS, email, or mail about your application status.

Common Reasons

Many applicants face rejections due to errors or missing documents. Here are some common reasons and how to prevent them:

Reason for Rejection	Solution
Incomplete documents	Double-check all required documents before submission.
Exceeding income limit	Ensure your financial status meets SASSA’s updated requirements.
Incorrect personal details	Provide accurate information matching your official ID.
Not meeting age or residency rules	Confirm you meet the updated eligibility criteria.

If your application is denied, you can appeal the decision through SASSA’s official appeals process.

How to Check

To track your application, you can:

• Visit the SASSA website and enter your ID number.
• Call the SASSA helpline at 0800 60 10 11.
• Check via SMS (if you provided a mobile number).

Staying updated on your application status ensures that you receive timely assistance and can act quickly if additional steps are needed.

South Africa’s R1,370 social grant continues to provide crucial financial relief for those in need. With new eligibility updates and expanded application options, it’s important to stay informed and apply correctly to avoid delays. Whether applying online, in-person, or through the mobile system, ensuring accurate documentation and eligibility will improve your chances of approval.

FAQs