SASSA offers a variety of social assistance programs, including grants specifically designed for individuals who are unemployed and meet the eligibility requirements. However, as of April 2023, the COVID-19 Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant, which aimed to provide financial aid to those affected by the pandemic, has been discontinued.

To qualify for an unemployment grant from SASSA, individuals need to fulfill certain criteria. These include being a South African citizen or permanent resident, aged between 18 and 59, actively seeking employment, and not receiving any other forms of social assistance such as disability grants or old age pensions. The specific eligibility requirements and criteria may vary depending on the particular grant being applied for.

SASSA offers various types of unemployment grants, including the government-managed Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF), which provides temporary financial relief to eligible individuals who have lost their jobs. Additionally, the temporary disability grant offers short-term financial assistance to those who are unable to work due to a temporary disability. For caregivers of children with severe disabilities, the care dependency grant is available.

Individuals can apply for these grants and other forms of social assistance by either visiting their local SASSA office or applying online through the SASSA website, depending on the specific grant they wish to apply for. It is important to note that each grant may have different eligibility criteria and application procedures, so it is advisable to familiarize oneself with the requirements for the desired grant before applying.