The South African government provides social assistance to those who need it, with the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) managing the distribution of social grants in the country. Social grants are financial aid provided to individuals who are struggling to meet their basic needs, including those who are at risk of going hungry or who require government assistance to improve their standard of living. Such aid is primarily aimed at vulnerable groups such as the elderly, people with disabilities, and those who are unable to support themselves financially.

• To qualify for social grants, one must be a South African citizen, a legally admitted permanent resident, or a refugee. However, not all South Africans are eligible, as social grants are subject to a means test, which takes into account one's income and assets to determine eligibility. Means tests are used to assess eligibility for a variety of social benefits, including child support, disability aid, caregiver comfort, and the alleviation of social suffering.
• SASSA is responsible for ensuring that social grants are disbursed efficiently and effectively, using a variety of payment methods such as CashSend, SASSA cards, the Post Office, or bank accounts. The SASSA R350 grant, which was introduced as part of the Covid-19 relief efforts, has prompted a surge in applications for social relief through the SASSA website. In addition to applying for the R350 grant, the SASSA website also provides information on checking the status of social relief applications and accessing other social benefits.
• If an application for social grants is rejected, applicants can appeal the decision through the SASSA appeals website. Once approved, recipients of social grants can expect to receive payments on a regular basis, and SASSA will conduct periodic checks to ensure that beneficiaries continue to meet eligibility criteria. Social grants play a critical role in alleviating poverty and promoting social welfare in South Africa.