Available grants (2024/25)
Child Support Grant
R530/month
Caregivers of children under 18
Old Age Grant
R2,180/month
South Africans aged 60+
Disability Grant
R2,180/month
People unable to work due to disability
SRD Grant
R370/month
Unemployed adults 18–59 with no income
Foster Child Grant
R1,180/month
Foster parents with a court order
Care Dependency
R2,180/month
Caregivers of children with severe disability
How to apply — step by step
1Check if you qualify
⏱ 5 minGo to sassa.gov.za and read the requirements for your specific grant. Income limits vary per grant.
🔗 Check eligibility at sassa.gov.za →2Get your documents ready
⏱ 10 minYou will need: SA ID (green barcoded or Smart ID), proof of income or bank statement, birth certificate of child (for Child Support Grant), medical certificate (for Disability Grant).
⚠️Make sure your ID is not expired. Home Affairs can help if you need a new one.
3Apply — SRD Grant (online)
⏱ 10 minFor the R370 SRD Grant only: apply at srd.sassa.gov.za using your phone number and ID number. Takes about 10 minutes.
🔗 Apply for SRD Grant online →4Apply — All other grants (SASSA office)
⏱ 2–3 hoursVisit your nearest SASSA office or South African Post Office. Take all your documents. Arrive early — queues can be long.
⚠️Never pay anyone to apply for you. SASSA applications are always 100% free.
5Wait for approval (2–3 months)
SASSA will send you an SMS when your application is approved or declined. You can check your status online or call 0800 60 10 11 (free call).
🔗 Check SRD status online →6Choose how to receive your money
⏱ 5 minOptions: SASSA card (collect at Post Office or ATM), direct bank deposit, or cash payment point. Set this up when you apply.
2024/25 tax brackets (under age 65)
| Annual Income | Tax Rate |
|---|---|
| R0 – R95,750 | 0% |
| R95,751 – R237,100 | 18% |
| R237,101 – R370,500 | 26% |
| R370,501 – R512,800 | 31% |
| R512,801 – R673,000 | 36% |
| R673,001 – R857,900 | 39% |
| Above R857,900 | 41–45% |
How to register for tax — step by step
1Register on SARS eFiling
⏱ 15 minGo to efiling.sars.gov.za, click "Register", and follow the steps. You need your SA ID number, personal details, and a bank account.
🔗 Register at efiling.sars.gov.za →2Get your tax reference number
⏱ 5 minSARS will give you a 10-digit income tax reference number. Save this — you will use it for the rest of your life.
3Wait for tax season (July–November)
⏱ AnnualEach year between July and November, SARS opens tax season. You log into eFiling and submit your income details for the previous year.
4Complete your ITR12 return
⏱ 20–30 minMost salary earners are "auto-assessed" — SARS pre-fills your return using IRP5 data from your employer. You just check it and accept.
🔗 File your return on eFiling →5Pay or receive a refund
If you paid too much PAYE during the year, SARS refunds you automatically within 7 days. If you owe, pay before the deadline to avoid penalties.
⚠️Never miss the November filing deadline — late submission can result in penalties of R250+/month.
How much will I receive?
UIF pays approximately 38–58% of your salary, for 1 day for every 4 days you worked, up to a maximum of 365 days. The higher your salary, the lower the percentage — UIF is designed to support lower-income workers more.
How to claim UIF — step by step
1Check that you qualify
⏱ 5 minYou must have worked for at least 13 weeks and contributed to UIF. Domestic workers and part-time workers also qualify.
2Get your UI-2.7 form from your employer
⏱ 1–2 daysYour employer must give you this form when you leave. It confirms your employment history and UIF contributions.
⚠️If your employer refuses to give this form, contact the Dept of Labour at 0800 843 843.
3Gather all documents
⏱ 30 minYou need: SA ID, UI-2.7 form from employer, UI-19 form, last 6 months payslips, 3 months bank statements, and proof of registration at a Labour Centre.
4Apply online or at a Labour Centre
⏱ 1–2 hoursApply online at uifecc.labour.gov.za or visit your nearest Department of Employment and Labour office in person.
🔗 Apply online at labour.gov.za →⚠️Apply within 6 months of losing your job or you may lose your claim entirely.
5Register as a work seeker
⏱ MonthlyYou must register as a work seeker at your nearest Labour Centre every month to continue receiving UIF payments.
What does PAYE look like on your payslip?
Give your employer your tax number
When you start a new job, give your SARS income tax number to your employer. No number yet? Register free at efiling.sars.gov.za.
Your employer deducts PAYE each month
They calculate how much tax you owe for the year, divide by 12, and deduct it from your monthly salary.
Get your IRP5 at year end
Your employer gives you an IRP5 showing total income earned and tax paid. Use this to file your annual tax return — SARS may owe you a refund!
The 50/30/20 rule — simple budgeting
Needs
Rent, food, transport, electricity, school fees
Wants
Eating out, entertainment, clothing, data
Savings & debt
Emergency fund, savings, debt repayment, stokvels
Smart ID Card
Apply at Home Affairs or online at dha.gov.za. Cost: R140. Bring your birth certificate.
🔗 Apply at dha.gov.za →⏱ 2–4 weeksBirth Certificate
Apply at Home Affairs within 30 days of birth (free). Late registration requires proof of age and witnesses.
⏱ 2–4 weeksProof of Address
Banks accept: utility bill, affidavit from police station (if no bills), bank statement, or municipal rates account.
⏱ ImmediateOpen a Bank Account
You need your SA ID + proof of address. Capitec, Tymebank, and FNB eWallet are easiest for first-time account holders. Tymebank is completely free to open.
⏱ 15–30 minImportant: This platform provides free educational guidance only — not financial, tax, or legal advice. For major financial decisions, always consult a qualified professional.