Social aid is available to those in need through the South African government. The SASSA is responsible for regulating social grants in the country. Social grants may be provided to individuals who are at risk of hunger or who require government assistance to improve their quality of life, particularly the elderly, those in their later years, or those with disabilities. To be eligible for a social grant, applicants must be citizens of South Africa, legally admitted permanent residents, or refugees.

Various social benefits, such as child support, disability aid, caregiver relief, and social relief of distress, are subject to a means test. SASSA utilizes the means test to determine applicants' eligibility for social grants based on their income and assets. An individual's eligibility for a grant intended to assist those who cannot afford to live independently is determined by the means test.