HOW TO APPLY FOR R12 500 YOUTH SUPPORT GRANT
As of 06:33 PM SAST on Wednesday, August 13, 2025, the R12,500 Youth Support Grant in South Africa is set to open for applications on August 15, 2025. This one-time grant, aimed at empowering unemployed youth aged 18-35, will provide financial support to start businesses, pursue vocational training, or launch community projects. Here’s how to apply based on the latest available information:
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify, you must meet the following requirements:
– Be a South African citizen with a valid 13-digit ID or smart card.
– Be aged between 18 and 35 years at the time of application.
– Be unemployed and not receiving other government grants (e.g., SRD, UIF, NSFAS, or Child Support).
– Demonstrate financial need through a means test (no significant income or bank balance over R624).
– Submit a detailed business plan or project proposal showing innovation, feasibility, and impact.
– Reside in South Africa.
– Not be a government employee, have a fraud record, or operate in illegal sectors (e.g., gambling)
Application Process
Follow these steps to apply starting August 15, 2025:
1. **Prepare Documents**:
– Valid South African ID.
– Proof of unemployment (e.g., affidavit from the Department of Labour).
– Detailed business plan or project proposal.
– Bank account details for payment.
2. **Visit the Official Portal**:
– Access the application form on www.gov.za, services.sassa.gov.za, or www.nyda.gov.za starting August 15, 2025.
– Look for the “Youth Support Grant” section.
3. **Register an Account**:
– Create a profile using your ID number, email, and cellphone number for verification.
4. **Complete the Form**:
– Fill in personal details, residency information, and upload your business plan.
– Emphasize how the funds will create jobs or address community needs.
5. **Submit and Track**:
– Review your application for errors, then submit.
– Use sassa-status.web.za or call the helpline (0800 60 10 11) to check your application status.
6. **Await Review**:
– A selection committee will evaluate applications based on innovation and impact.
– Successful applicants will be notified via SMS or email within 30-60 days.
Key Dates
– **Application Opening Date**: August 15, 2025.
– **Application Deadline**: Expected to close by the end of September 2025 (exact date to be confirmed on official portals).
– **Payment Disbursement**: Via direct bank transfer after approval.
Additional Tips
– For rural applicants, government will provide mobile clinics, workshops, and multilingual support through partners like NYDA and NGOs.
– Attend NYDA workshops for free business plan guidance if needed.
– Stay updated via www.gov.za, @OfficialSASSA on X, or the helpline (0800 60 10 11) to avoid missing deadlines or falling for unverified sources.
This grant could be a game-changer for unemployed youth. Prepare your documents and apply early when the portal opens on August 15, 2025!