Eligibility
Who qualifies for each grant and benefit — age, residence, income, status and the conditions that exclude an applicant.
Also searched as: qualify, who qualifies, requirements, criteria, do i qualify.
Guides on eligibility
Frequently asked questions
Is there an asset test for SRD?
No — unlike the permanent grants, SRD tests only monthly income/means, not assets. Owning a phone, furniture or even a car does not disqualify you.
Do I qualify if I live with family who support me?
Regular money from family that exceeds R624/month into your account will fail the means test for that month. Support in kind (food, housing) is not counted.
Will applying for other help hurt my appeal?
No. The appeal is decided on the databases for the declined month. Food parcels, indigent status and child grants have no effect on it.
Read the full guide: Declined for SRD? Everything you can still claim
I have literally nothing today. What's fastest?
Same-day: a food bank or community kitchen — no application. This week: the food parcel assessment at your SASSA office. This month: appeal + CSG + indigent registration.
Read the full guide: Declined for SRD? Everything you can still claim
Can I get UIF and SRD at the same time?
No — active UIF payments disqualify SRD for those months (why). Claim UIF first (it pays more); move to SRD when UIF ends.
Read the full guide: Unemployed: every benefit you can claim
I do occasional piece work. Am I 'unemployed' for SRD?
The test is monthly income under R624, not a label — months below the line qualify. How the means test works.
Read the full guide: Unemployed: every benefit you can claim
Is a terminal illness handled differently?
The route is the same Disability Grant, but assessments for terminal and severe conditions should be prioritised — say so when booking, and ask your clinic to state prognosis clearly in the file.
Read the full guide: Can't work due to illness or disability: your support path
Can I work part-time on a Disability Grant?
Limited earnings are possible within the means test, but the assessment is about capacity for work — get advice before taking on regular work, as reviews check payroll data (grant reviews).
Read the full guide: Can't work due to illness or disability: your support path
Being written
- Can you receive two SASSA grants? (Grants — phase 2)
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