SASSA Grant for Students 2026: How to Apply for r370 Grant

Students qualify for SASSA grants in 2026 if they meet specific income thresholds and citizenship requirements, with the Social Relief of Distress grant providing R370 monthly to unemployed individuals between 18 and 60 years who do not receive other social assistance.

The South African Social Security Agency operates multiple grant programs that students may access based on individual circumstances, household income levels, and dependent care responsibilities.

SASSA and Available Support for Students

The South African Social Security Agency administers social assistance programs funded by the Department of Social Development. Students can access specific SASSA grants, including the Social Relief of Distress grant at R370 per month, the Disability Grant at R2,090 monthly, and the Child Support Grant at R510 per child for student parents.

The agency processed payments for approximately 18 million beneficiaries across all grant categories as of January 2026, with the Social Relief of Distress program serving over 7 million recipients monthly.

How SASSA Grants Work for Students in 2026

SASSA grants operate through means-tested eligibility criteria that evaluate household income and assets. The income threshold for single applicants applying for the Child Support Grant stands at R61,200 annually, while married applicants must earn below R122,400 per year as of October 2023. Students must provide valid identity documents, proof of residence, bank account details, and supporting documentation specific to each grant type during the application process.

The agency requires all applicants to be South African citizens, permanent residents, or refugees with valid documentation. Students attending universities or Technical and Vocational Education and Training colleges must declare all sources of income and financial support, including funding from the National Student Financial Aid Scheme.

SASSA Social Relief of Distress Grant for Students

The Social Relief of Distress grant provides R370 monthly to unemployed individuals aged 18 to 60 years who do not receive other social grants or sufficient income support. This temporary assistance program targets people facing severe financial hardship who cannot meet basic needs for themselves or their families.

Eligibility Requirements for Student Applicants

Students qualify for the Social Relief of Distress grant when they meet these conditions:

• South African citizenship, permanent residency, or valid refugee status
• Age between 18 and 60 years
• Residence within South African borders
• No receipt of other social grants for themselves
• Household income below the means test threshold
• Not residing in government-funded or subsidized institutions
• Willingness to accept employment or educational opportunities when available

The means test evaluates total household income and financial resources. Students receiving National Student Financial Aid Scheme funding face additional verification requirements, as simultaneous receipt of both forms of assistance requires specific declarations and may trigger eligibility reviews.

Application Process and Required Documentation

Students apply for the Social Relief of Distress grant through the official portal at srd.sassa.gov.za, WhatsApp-based services, USSD codes, or in-person at SASSA offices. The online application process requires:

1. Visit srd.sassa.gov.za and select the application option
2. Enter a valid 13-digit South African identity number
3. Provide a working mobile phone number for verification
4. Submit banking details for electronic payment or select cash collection preference
5. Upload clear images of identity documents and supporting evidence
6. Review and confirm all information before submission
7. Record the reference number provided upon successful submission

The agency processes applications within 30 days of receiving complete documentation. Students must ensure all uploaded documents display clearly, with file sizes under the portal limits and legible text in all scanned images.

SASSA Grant Categories Available to Students

Disability Grant Eligibility and Benefits

The Disability Grant provides R2,090 monthly to individuals aged 18 to 59 years who have medical or functional assessments confirming disability lasting longer than six months. Students with disabilities must undergo medical evaluation by approved healthcare professionals and submit clinical documentation supporting their disability claim.

The application requires:

• Medical assessment report completed by a registered practitioner
• Clinical information or referral forms confirming disability diagnosis
• 13-digit barcoded identity document for the applicant and spouse
• Proof of income for means test evaluation
• Bank account details for payment processing

Single applicants must have an annual income below R97,320 and assets under R1,379,400, while married applicants face thresholds of R194,640 for income and R2,758,800 for assets as of October 2023. The grant operates on a sliding scale, where higher private income reduces the government support amount received.

Child Support Grant for Student Parents

Student parents serving as primary caregivers receive R510 monthly per child under 18 years through the Child Support Grant program. This assistance supports students raising children while pursuing education, with payments continuing regardless of school attendance when documentation confirms the caregiver relationship.

Primary caregivers must:

• Be South African citizens, permanent residents, or refugees
• Reside in South Africa with the child
• Provide birth certificates for all children claimed
• Submit identity documents for the applicant and the spouse
• Meet income thresholds of R61,200 for single applicants or R122,400 for married couples
• Demonstrate primary care responsibility for the child
• Apply for a maximum of six non-biological children

The Child Support Grant Top-Up provides R760 monthly when both parents of a child under 18 years have died, and the caregiver submits death certificates for both parents or an affidavit when one parent’s status cannot be confirmed.

Care Dependency Grant for Students with Disabled Dependents

Students caring for children with severe disabilities receive R2,090 monthly through the Care Dependency Grant when medical assessments confirm the child requires permanent care. The child must be under 18 years old and require full-time care due to physical or mental disability.

Eligibility requirements include:

• Child under 18 years with confirmed disability requiring permanent care
• Parent or caregiver annual income below R250,800 for single applicants
• Married couple’s income under R501,600 annually
• Medical or functional assessment confirming disability
• Child not residing in state-funded institutions
• Birth certificate for the child
• Identity documents for the applicant and the spouse

Foster parents applying for the Care Dependency Grant for foster children face no income means test, recognizing the additional care burden placed on foster families managing children with disabilities.

Student Eligibility: SASSA and NSFAS Funding Interaction

Students cannot automatically receive both National Student Financial Aid Scheme funding and SASSA Social Relief of Distress grants simultaneously, as each program operates with independent eligibility criteria requiring separate declarations.

The National Student Financial Aid Scheme requires applicants to declare all other grants and income sources on funding application forms, while SASSA verification systems check for concurrent receipt of education funding.

How NSFAS Affects SASSA Grant Applications

The National Student Financial Aid Scheme provides comprehensive education funding, including tuition fees, accommodation allowances, meal support, learning materials, and transport costs to students from households earning R450,000 or less annually.

Students receiving NSFAS funding may face Social Relief of Distress application rejection or referral for verification when SASSA systems detect education grant receipt.

Students managing both funding sources should:

1. Complete NSFAS declaration forms accurately, listing any SASSA grants received
2. Upload NSFAS acceptance letters and funding statements to SASSA appeals if applications are rejected
3. Maintain copies of all correspondence from both agencies
4. Respond promptly to verification requests from either organization
5. Provide proof of registration at accredited higher education institutions
6. Submit updated bank statements showing actual funding received

The National Student Financial Aid Scheme concluded all funding decisions for the 2026 academic year by December 31, 2025, processing applications for students enrolled at public universities and TVET colleges.

Resolving SASSA Application Rejections Related to NSFAS

Students whose Social Relief of Distress applications show “NSFAS registered” rejection reasons must lodge appeals through the SASSA reconsideration portal, attaching proof of NSFAS status, registration documents, and financial statements. The appeals process requires:

• Access the status portal at srd.sassa.gov.za
• Select the reconsideration or appeal option
• State the specific decision being challenged
• Upload NSFAS acceptance letters or funding statements
• Include university or college registration confirmation
• Provide bank statements showing actual deposits received
• Submit identity documents and contact information
• Record the appeal reference number for tracking

Appeals lodged with complete supporting documentation receive review within 30 to 60 days. Students should check appeal status weekly through the online portal and respond immediately to requests for additional information.

SASSA Application Methods and Status Verification

Online Portal Application Process

Students apply for SASSA grants through the services portal at services.sassa.gov.za for Older Persons grants, Child Support grants, and Foster Child grants, while Social Relief of Distress applications are processed through srd.sassa.gov.za. The online system operates 24 hours daily, allowing applications from any location with internet connectivity.

The portal requires:

• Valid South African identity number
• An active mobile phone number registered to the applicant
• Email address for correspondence
• Banking details for payment deposits
• Scanned copies of required documents in JPG or PDF format
• Clear photographs of identity documents without shadows or glare

Students experiencing technical difficulties can contact the SASSA toll-free helpline at 0800 60 10 11 for assistance with online submissions, document upload issues, or portal navigation questions.

WhatsApp and USSD Status Checking

Students check Social Relief of Distress grant status using official WhatsApp services or USSD codes by entering their identity number and the phone number used during application. The WhatsApp service provides automated status updates and payment confirmation through government-verified channels.

Sassa Status check methods include:

USSD Option: Dial 1206927# from a mobile phone, select the SASSA option, enter your identity number, and receive status information via SMS

WhatsApp Service: Save the official SASSA WhatsApp number, send a message with your identity number and phone number, and receive automated status responses

Online Portal: Visit srd.sassa.gov.za/status, enter identity number and phone number, and view detailed application status, including payment dates

Status indicators show Approved, Referred, or Declined outcomes. Approved applications proceed to payment processing according to the monthly payment schedule. Referred status requires document verification or identity confirmation before proceeding. Declined applications provide specific rejection reasons that applicants can address through the appeals process.

In-Person Application Support

Students unable to complete online applications can visit local SASSA offices during business hours with all required documentation. Office staff assist with application completion, document scanning, and submission verification at no cost to applicants. Family members or friends can apply on behalf of students who cannot travel to offices due to illness or disability, provided they carry written authorization letters from the applicant.

SASSA regional offices operate in all nine provinces:

Province	Location	Contact Number
Eastern Cape	BKB Building, Quigney, East London	043 707 6300
Free State	Iustitia Building, Bloemfontein	051 410 8339
Gauteng	28 Harrison Street, Johannesburg	011 241 8300
KwaZulu-Natal	1 Bank Street, Pietermaritzburg	033 846 3300
Limpopo	43 Landros Mare Street, Polokwane	015 291 7400
Mpumalanga	18 Ferreira Street, Nelspruit	013 754 9380
Northern Cape	33 Du Toitspan Road, Kimberley	053 802 4900
North West	1st Industrial Site, Mahikeng	018 397 3386
Western Cape	Golden Acre, Adderley Street, Cape Town	021 469 0200

Students should bring original documents and copies for verification purposes. Office visits require patience during peak periods, particularly around payment dates when beneficiary volumes increase significantly.

SASSA Payment Dates and Collection Methods

January 2026 Payment Schedule

SASSA confirmed grant payments for January 2026, beginning Tuesday, January 6, 2026, for Older Persons and War Veterans grants, followed by Disability grants on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, and Children’s grants on Thursday, January 8, 2026. Social Relief of Distress payment windows vary by banking channel and beneficiary verification status.

The standard payment calendar operates:

Grant Type	January 2026 Payment Date
Older Persons (60+ years)	Tuesday, January 6, 2026
War Veterans	Tuesday, January 6, 2026
Disability	Wednesday, January 7, 2026
Child Support	Thursday, January 8, 2026
Foster Child	Thursday, January 8, 2026
Care Dependency	Thursday, January 8, 2026
Social Relief of Distress	Throughout January 2026

Payment processing occurs through banking channels within 24 to 72 hours of the SASSA payment date. Students should allow up to three business days for funds to reflect in bank accounts, particularly when payment dates fall on public holidays or weekends.

Banking and Cash Collection Options

Students choose between direct bank deposits or cash collection at designated pay points when applying for grants. Bank deposits provide immediate access to funds through ATMs, point-of-sale transactions, and online banking services without requiring travel to collection points.

Direct bank deposit requirements:

• Valid bank account in the applicant’s name
• Account must be transactional or savings type
• No shared or third-party accounts accepted
• Bank details submitted during the application must match account ownership
• Electronic permission granted for SASSA deposits

Cash collection occurs at South African Post Office branches and designated pay points using biometric verification. Students must present valid identity documents and undergo fingerprint scanning to receive cash payments.

Students changing banking details after the initial application must:

1. Access the SASSA services portal at services.sassa.gov.za
2. Log in using your identity number and registered phone number
3. Navigate to the banking details update section
4. Enter new bank account information
5. Upload proof of bank account ownership
6. Submit the change request for verification
7. Wait 30 days for processing before the next payment cycle

SASSA Appeals Process and Verification Requirements

When to Lodge an Appeal

Students should appeal SASSA grant rejections when they believe eligibility criteria are met, when system errors cause incorrect decisions, or when new supporting documentation becomes available after initial rejection. Common rejection reasons for students include income verification conflicts, NSFAS registration flags, identity verification failures, and incomplete documentation submissions.

Appeal grounds include:

• Incorrect household income calculations
• System errors show false NSFAS registration
• Identity verification failures due to Home Affairs database mismatches
• Missing documents that were submitted but not recorded
• Changed circumstances since the initial application
• Medical assessments are not properly considered for disability claims

Students must lodge appeals within 90 days of receiving rejection notifications. Appeals submitted after this period require written motivation explaining the delay and demonstrating exceptional circumstances preventing timely submission.

Appeal Submission Process

Students access the appeals portal at srd.sassa.gov.za/appeals, complete the reconsideration request form, and upload supporting documentation addressing specific rejection reasons. The appeal submission requires:

1. Navigate to the SASSA appeals portal
2. Enter the identity number and phone number used in the original application
3. Select the application reference number being appealed
4. Choose the rejection reason being challenged from the dropdown options
5. Write a brief explanation (200 to 500 words) describing why the decision should be reconsidered
6. Upload supporting documents in PDF or JPG format under 5MB each
7. Include NSFAS correspondence, university registration, income proof, or identity documents as relevant
8. Submit the appeal and record the new reference number provided

Supporting documentation should directly address the stated rejection reason. Students appealing NSFAS-related rejections must attach:

• NSFAS funding decision letters showing approved or declined status
• Bank statements demonstrating actual funding received or non-receipt
• University or college registration confirmation
• Student financial aid statements from the institution’s financial aid offices
• Affidavits explaining funding status when official documents are unavailable

Appeals receive review within 30 to 60 days. Students check appeal status through the same portal used for original application status queries.

Electronic Know Your Customer Verification

The Electronic Know Your Customer process verifies applicant identity through Department of Home Affairs database cross-checks and biometric confirmation at designated verification sites. Referred status indicates the system requires additional identity confirmation before processing the application to the payment stage.

Students with referred status must:

• Check the status portal for specific verification instructions
• Visit a SASSA office or designated verification point if biometric capture is required
• Bring original identity documents for physical verification
• Complete fingerprint scanning at verification sites
• Re-upload identity document images if initial scans were unclear or rejected
• Respond to SMS or email requests for additional information within 14 days

Common verification triggers include Home Affairs database mismatches, identity numbers flagged for potential fraud, first-time applicants without prior grant history, and applications showing banking details associated with multiple identity numbers.

Students experiencing persistent verification failures should:

1. Visit the nearest Department of Home Affairs office to confirm identity document validity
2. Request a status letter from Home Affairs confirming identity number and demographic details
3. Submit this letter to SASSA as supporting verification documentation
4. Contact the SASSA fraud hotline at 0800 60 10 11 to report suspected identity theft
5. Lodge police reports if identity fraud is suspected
6. Request SASSA to place security notes on the affected identity number

Grant Amount and Means Test Thresholds

Current SASSA Grant Amounts

SASSA grant amounts as of October 2023 range from R510 monthly for Child Support grants to R2,110 monthly for Older Persons grants for beneficiaries aged 75 years and above. The agency adjusts grant amounts periodically based on inflation rates and government budget allocations.

Grant Type	Monthly Amount (October 2023)
Older Persons (under 75 years)	R2,090
Older Persons (75 years and above)	R2,110
War Veterans	R2,110
Disability	R2,090
Care Dependency	R2,090
Foster Child	R1,130
Child Support	R510
Child Support Top-Up	R760
Grant-in-Aid	R510
Social Relief of Distress	R370

Grant-in-Aid supplements existing Older Persons, Disability, or War Veterans grants for beneficiaries requiring full-time care from another person due to physical or mental disabilities. This additional R510 monthly supports care costs and does not constitute a standalone grant.

Income and Asset Thresholds for Means Testing

The means test evaluates the applicant and spouse’s combined annual income against threshold amounts, with single-person limits at R97,320 and married couple limits at R194,640 for Older Persons, Disability, and War Veterans grants as of October 2023. Asset thresholds exclude primary residence value when calculating total wealth.

Grant Category	Income Threshold (Single)	Income Threshold (Married)	Asset Threshold (Single)	Asset Threshold (Married)
Older Persons/Disability/War Veterans	R97,320 per year	R194,640 per year	R1,379,400	R2,758,800
Child Support	R61,200 per year	R122,400 per year	No asset test	No asset test
Care Dependency (Parents/Primary Caregivers)	R250,800 per year	R501,600 per year	No asset test	No asset test
Foster Child	No means test	No means test	No means test	No means test

Income calculations include salaries, wages, pensions, investment returns, rental income, and other regular monetary receipts. Students declaring part-time employment or stipends must provide payslips, bank statements, or employer letters confirming income amounts. Means test evaluations exclude the value of primary residences, household furniture, and personal clothing from asset calculations.

Grant Suspension and Restoration Procedures

Reasons for Grant Suspension

SASSA suspends grants when beneficiaries fail to collect payments for three consecutive months, do not respond to review requests, experience changed circumstances affecting eligibility, or when verification uncovers fraudulent information. Suspended status differs from lapsed or canceled status, as restoration remains possible within specified timeframes.

Suspension triggers include:

• Non-collection of grants for three consecutive months
• Failure to complete the life certificate verification when requested
• Missing scheduled medical reviews for temporary disability grants
• Admission to state-funded institutions providing care and housing
• Changed marital status not reported to SASSA
• Income increases exceeding the means test thresholds
• Discovery of concurrent grant receipt prohibited by regulations

Students receiving suspension notifications must act within 30 days to prevent permanent lapsing. The notification letter specifies the suspension reason, required actions for restoration, and the final date for submitting restoration applications.

Grant Restoration Process

Beneficiaries restore suspended grants by submitting restoration applications within 30 days of suspension, providing updated documentation addressing the suspension reason, and undergoing verification processes. Restoration applications process through the same channels as initial applications:

1. Visit services.sassa.gov.za or the nearest SASSA office
2. Request a grant restoration application
3. Provide the suspended grant reference number
4. Submit updated identity documents and means test information
5. Upload or present documentation explaining the suspension period
6. Complete life certificates or medical reviews if required
7. Await verification and restoration decision within 30 days

Grants suspended for non-collection restore with payment from the suspension date if restoration occurs within 30 days. Applications submitted after 30 days result in payment from the restoration application date only, losing months during the suspension period.

Students experiencing grant suspension due to NSFAS registration conflicts should include comprehensive NSFAS documentation in restoration applications, demonstrating actual funding received and household income totals, including education grants.

Beneficiary Responsibilities and Fraud Prevention

Required Notifications to SASSA

Beneficiaries must inform SASSA within 30 days of any change in circumstances affecting grant eligibility, including address changes, marital status changes, income fluctuations, or changes in care arrangements for child grants. Failure to report changes can result in suspension, recovery of overpayments, and potential fraud investigations.

Students must report:

• Completion or withdrawal from educational programs
• Changes in NSFAS funding status or amounts
• New employment or income sources
• Marriage or divorce
• Death of spouse or dependent child
• Relocation to new addresses
• Changes in banking details
• Admission to hospitals or institutions for extended periods
• Changes in disability status or care requirements

Update submissions occur through the SASSA services portal, toll-free helpline, or in-person at local offices. Each notification requires supporting documentation such as bank statements, marriage certificates, death certificates, employer letters, or institutional admission records.

Protection Against Fraud and Identity Theft

SASSA implements zero-tolerance policies toward fraudulent activities, conducting regular verification audits, cross-checking beneficiary databases against employment and tax records, and investigating suspicious application patterns. Students must protect identity numbers, banking details, and grant cards from unauthorized access.

Fraud prevention measures include:

• Never share personal identification numbers for grant cards with any person
• Verifying all SASSA communications through official channels before responding
• Reporting lost or stolen grant cards immediately to SASSA and banking institutions
• Checking grant status regularly to detect unauthorized applications using identity numbers
• Maintaining secure storage of identity documents and grant-related paperwork
• Questioning any requests for payment or fees related to grant applications or approvals

Students discovering unauthorized use of identity numbers for grant applications should:

1. Contact the SASSA fraud hotline immediately at 0800 60 10 11
2. Lodge formal complaints at the nearest police station
3. Obtain police case numbers and certified copies of reports
4. Visit the Department of Home Affairs to verify the identity document status
5. Request SASSA to flag the identity number for enhanced verification
6. Submit fraud reports through the SASSA website with supporting police documentation
7. Monitor credit bureaus for fraudulent activities linked to identity theft

The agency recovers overpayments resulting from unreported changes or fraudulent claims through deductions from future grant payments or legal proceedings when necessary.

Frequently Asked Questions About SASSA for Students