VerifiedSASSA does not run a grant called General Assistance. The term comes from welfare systems in other countries and is not one of South Africa’s social grants. If you are unemployed and have little or no income, the help SASSA actually offers is below.
The SRD grant
The Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant pays R370 a month to unemployed people aged 18 to 59 who have no other grant and very little income. It has been extended to 31 March 2027. You apply online at srd.sassa.gov.za or through SASSA’s WhatsApp line, and SASSA checks your income against bank data every month. See how to apply for the R370 SRD grant.
Social Relief of Distress in kind
Separate from the R370 grant, SASSA can give short-term help in a crisis, such as after a disaster, the death of a breadwinner or while a grant application is being processed. It is usually given as food parcels or vouchers for up to three months, at a SASSA office. See what Social Relief of Distress is and how to apply for food parcels.
Other grants to check
- If you cannot work because of illness or disability: the disability grant.
- If you care for a child under 18: the Child Support Grant.
- If you are 60 or older: the older persons grant.
For help choosing, call SASSA toll-free on 0800 60 10 11 or visit your nearest SASSA office.
Update (September 2026): an earlier version of this page described a SASSA “General Assistance” benefit with an online application. SASSA has no such grant, so the page now points to the help that does exist.