R1200 Grocery Voucher Scheme – South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) beneficiaries have just received encouraging news – a new R1200 Grocery Voucher Scheme has officially been launched to offer direct food support to low-income families. This initiative is part of the government’s broader relief efforts to ease the rising cost of living, especially among social grant recipients. If you are a SASSA beneficiary, this could be your opportunity to receive an additional R1200 food voucher — but you must act fast as the deadline to apply is July 7, 2025. The R1200 voucher scheme is available only to selected qualifying grant recipients and is aimed at covering essential grocery needs such as maize meal, cooking oil, rice, and other daily-use items. This limited-time programme, introduced in collaboration with several major national supermarket chains, allows SASSA users to redeem vouchers through their registered mobile numbers or SASSA cards. This article gives you a complete breakdown of how the voucher works, who can apply, what documents are needed, where and how to redeem, and key dates you must not miss. Whether you’re on an Old Age Grant, Disability Grant, or Child Support Grant, here’s everything you need to know about securing your R1200 grocery benefit.
Who Is Eligible for the R1200 Grocery Voucher Scheme?
Only selected SASSA grant holders meeting specific criteria can apply for this temporary relief voucher.
- Must be a current recipient of a valid SASSA grant
- Monthly income must not exceed the income threshold
- Must not be receiving UIF or any other government food assistance
- Should have an active cellphone number linked to their SASSA account
- Must not have received any food voucher or parcel in the last 3 months
- Available only for South African citizens or permanent residents
- One voucher per household only
- Voucher is non-transferable and must be used by the approved beneficiary
Types of SASSA Grants That Qualify for the R1200 Grocery Voucher Scheme
The following types of SASSA beneficiaries are eligible to apply under this scheme:
| Grant Type | Eligible? | Voucher Value | Special Conditions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Old Age Grant | Yes | R1200 | Must be 60+ years |
| Disability Grant | Yes | R1200 | Must provide latest medical report |
| Child Support Grant | Yes | R1200 | One per household only |
| Foster Child Grant | Yes | R1200 | Only biological guardian allowed |
| Care Dependency Grant | Yes | R1200 | Supporting documents required |
| SRD R350 Grant | No | Not eligible | Excluded from this voucher round |
| War Veteran’s Grant | Yes | R1200 | Must be active recipient |
| Grant-in-aid | No | Not eligible | Separate support already provided |
How to Apply for the R1200 Grocery Voucher Scheme Before July 7
Applicants must follow the correct process to ensure their application is recorded before the cut-off date.
- Visit the official SASSA website or your nearest SASSA office
- Fill out the Grocery Voucher Scheme application form
- Submit a copy of your SASSA card or grant reference number
- Provide a certified copy of your ID
- Attach recent proof of income (not older than 3 months)
- Submit your mobile number used for receiving SASSA updates
- Receive SMS confirmation within 72 hours of applying
- Wait for approval confirmation message from SASSA
Documents Required to Complete the Application for R1200 Grocery Voucher Scheme
Make sure these documents are ready when applying to avoid delays or rejection.
- Valid South African ID or smart card
- Proof of SASSA grant receipt (statement or card)
- Bank statement or proof of income
- Utility bill or proof of residence
- Declaration form stating you are not receiving other food support
- Cellphone number verification
- Foster or child-related grants: legal guardianship letter or proof of care
- Medical proof for disability grant applicants
How Will You Receive and Redeem the R1200 Grocery Voucher Scheme ?
Once approved, the R1200 voucher will be sent digitally through your registered phone number.
- Voucher SMS will include a unique code and expiry date
- Can be redeemed at participating grocery stores: Shoprite, Boxer, Pick n Pay, Spar
- Must show SASSA ID or card at checkout
- Can be used only once – no split payments allowed
- Valid for 30 days from issue date
- Cannot be exchanged for cash
- Must be used by the named beneficiary only
Important Dates and Deadlines to Remember
Missing these dates could result in loss of eligibility. Mark them now.
| Activity | Date |
|---|---|
| Application Opens | 17 June 2025 |
| Final Date to Apply | 7 July 2025 |
| Voucher Approval SMS Begins | From 18 June 2025 |
| Voucher Expiry (for July round) | 7 August 2025 |
| In-Store Redemption Starts | 20 June 2025 |
| Last Redemption Window | 6 August 2025 |
| Next Round Announcement Expected | September 2025 |
Where Can You Use the Voucher and What Can You Buy?
The voucher is limited to essential groceries at selected major retailers.
| Store | Products You Can Buy |
|---|---|
| Shoprite | Maize, rice, flour, oil, beans, soap |
| Boxer | Eggs, bread, tinned food, tea |
| Pick n Pay | Sugar, milk, noodles, porridge |
| Spar | Fresh vegetables, fruits, hygiene kit |
| Checkers | Dairy, juice, cooking essentials |
| U-Save | Bulk food combos, baby items |
| Selected Spaza | Basic dry goods only |
What If Your Application Gets Rejected?
If your application is declined, there are steps you can take to contest it.
- You’ll receive an SMS stating the reason for rejection
- You have 7 days to file an appeal
- Submit your appeal via the SASSA website or at the nearest office
- Include supporting documents and written explanation
- Appeal decision is final and takes up to 10 working days
Top Mistakes to Avoid While Applying
Ensure your application doesn’t get rejected by avoiding these common errors.
- Submitting an incorrect or inactive cellphone number
- Failing to attach proof of income or residence
- Using someone else’s SASSA grant number or ID
- Providing documents older than 3 months
- Applying after the July 7 deadline
This R1200 Grocery Voucher Scheme is a timely intervention by the South African government aimed at providing real support to struggling families. If you or someone you know is a SASSA grant recipient, make sure the application is completed before July 7, 2025. Remember, this is a limited-time opportunity and may not be renewed in the same form in future rounds. Apply early, follow the steps, and make sure your documents are in order to avoid disappointment.
FAQs of R1200 Grocery Voucher Scheme
Q1: Can I apply for the voucher if I receive the SRD R350 grant?
No, the SRD R350 grant recipients are excluded from this round of grocery voucher distribution.
Q2: Will I get cash or physical items with this voucher?
No, the R1200 voucher is redeemable only for groceries, not for cash.
Q3: Can I share or transfer the voucher to someone else?
No, the voucher is strictly non-transferable and must be used by the verified beneficiary.
Q4: Can I use the voucher in multiple visits?
No, the voucher must be used in a single transaction and cannot be split.
Q5: How will I know if my application is approved?
You will receive an SMS from SASSA confirming your voucher code and participating stores