Unlock Your R870 Free School Transport Benefit: South African families face mounting financial challenges, with transport costs often preventing children from attending school regularly. To address this, the South African government, through the Department of Basic Education (DBE) and in partnership with the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA), has launched an R870 For qualified students, a monthly school transportation subsidy will be provided starting in July 2025.
This initiative aims to ensure that all children, regardless of economic background or geographic location, can access quality education by alleviating the burden of commuting expenses. With over 12 million learners in public schools and 20% facing transport-related absenteeism (per a 2024 DBE report), this subsidy is a critical step toward equitable education.
Why the R870 School Transport Benefit Matters
Transport barriers significantly impact school attendance, particularly in rural and peri-urban areas where public transport is scarce or unreliable. The cost of private vehicles, taxis, or hired transport can consume a substantial portion of household budgets, especially for low-income families. With South Africa’s poverty rate at 55.5% and unemployment at 32.9% in 2025 (World Bank), many parents struggle to afford daily school commutes. The R870 transport subsidy addresses these challenges by:
- Reducing Financial Strain: Covering up to R870 monthly per learner for transport costs, freeing up funds for essentials like food, uniforms, or stationery.
- Improving Attendance: Ensuring children can travel to school consistently, addressing the 20% absenteeism rate linked to transport issues.
- Supporting Rural and Underserved Communities: Targeting areas with limited infrastructure, where commuting costs are highest.
- Complementing Existing Grants: Enhancing support for families receiving SASSA grants like Child Support (R530) or Disability (R2,315).
- Promoting Educational Equity: Aligning with the DBE’s mission to uphold the constitutional right to basic education for all children.
A post on X by @EduUpdatesZA describes the subsidy as a “lifeline for parents in remote areas,” while @careersportal1 notes its integration with SASSA’s payment systems for efficiency. This guide provides all the steps to access the benefit, ensuring you don’t miss the July–August 2025 rollout.
Understanding the R870 Transport Subsidy
What Is the R870 Subsidy?
The R870 school transport benefit is a monthly payment provided to parents or guardians of public school learners to cover commuting costs. Administered by the DBE and facilitated by SASSA, the subsidy targets families facing transport barriers due to distance or lack of public transport options. Key features include:
- Monthly Payment: R870 per eligible learner, deposited into a parent’s or guardian’s bank account or SASSA-linked account.
- Scope: Covers learners in public primary, secondary, or Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions (Grades R–12 or equivalent).
- Pilot Program: Launched as a six-month pilot from July 2025, with potential extension based on funding and impact evaluation.
- Payment Channels: Disbursed via Postbank accounts, approved banks, or pay points like Shoprite or Checkers, aligning with SASSA’s infrastructure.
The subsidy can be used for private vehicle fuel, taxi fares, or contracted school transport services, ensuring flexibility for families.
Why July–August 2025?
The program begins in July 2025 to coincide with the second half of the school year, when families face increased financial pressures from term-related expenses. August 7, 2025, marks the first major payout date, aligning with SASSA’s core grant schedule (August 5–7) for streamlined administration. The early start allows the DBE to assess the program’s impact before the 2025/26 budget review, as noted by the National Treasury.
Who Qualifies for the Subsidy?
Eligibility is designed to prioritize families with limited resources and significant transport challenges. You may qualify if you meet these criteria:
- South African citizen, permanent resident, or refugee with a valid ID.
- Parent or guardian of a learner enrolled full-time in a public school (Grades R–12) or TVET institution.
- Reside more than 3.2 km from the nearest public primary school or 4.8 km from the nearest secondary school/TVET institution.
- Lack access to reliable public transport (e.g., no bus or train routes within 1 km of home or school).
- Use private vehicles, taxis, or hired transport for at least two return trips per week to school.
- Household income does not exceed R350,000 annually (approximately R29,167 monthly), aligning with SASSA and NSFAS thresholds.
- Have an active bank account in the applicant’s name or access to a SASSA-approved pay point.
August 2025 Payment Schedule
The R870 Free School Transport Benefit subsidy is integrated with SASSA’s payment system for efficiency. Below is the confirmed payment schedule for August 2025, based on DBE and SASSA announcements and verified by X posts from @OfficialSASSA and @careersportal1:
| Payment Type | Payment Date | Amount | Payment Method | Notes |
| School Transport Subsidy | August 7, 2025 | R870 per learner | Bank account or SASSA pay point | Paid to parent/guardian per eligible child |
| Older Persons Grant | August 5, 2025 | R2,315 (60–74), R2,335 (75+) | Bank account or SASSA card | For reference; aligns with subsidy timeline |
| Disability Grant | August 6, 2025 | R2,315 | Bank account or SASSA card | Includes R400 transport allowance for eligible youth |
| Child Support Grant | August 7, 2025 | R530 | Bank account or SASSA card | Complements subsidy for eligible families |
| Social Relief of Distress (SRD) | August 25–30, 2025 | R370 | Bank account or pay point | No September payment due to early disbursement |
How to Apply for the R870 Transport Subsidy
To unlock the R870 subsidy by August 7, 2025, follow these steps to ensure your application is complete and approved.
Step 1: Verify Eligibility
Confirm that you meet the criteria outlined above:
- Measure the distance from your home to the school using Google Maps or a GPS tool (must be >3.2 km for primary, >4.8 km for secondary/TVET).
- Verify the lack of public transport within 1 km of your home or school. An affidavit or school letter can support this.
- Calculate household income (payslips, SASSA grants, or affidavit if unemployed) to ensure it’s below R350,000 annually.
Step 2: Gather Required Documents
Prepare the following documents to support your application:
- South African ID card/book or temporary ID certificate of the parent/guardian.
- Child’s birth certificate or ID (for learners over 16).
- Proof of school enrollment (e.g., school letter, report card, or registration confirmation).
- Proof of residence (e.g., utility bill, affidavit, or bank statement not older than three months).
- Proof of transport need (e.g., affidavit stating no public transport, taxi fare receipts, or vehicle registration for private cars).
- Proof of household income (e.g., payslips, SASSA grant confirmation, or affidavit for unemployed households).
- Bank statement or letter confirming an active account in the applicant’s name.
Step 3: Submit Your Application
Applications can be submitted through multiple channels to ensure accessibility:
Online
- Visit the DBE’s transport subsidy portal (to be launched by July 1, 2025) or srd.sassa.gov.za (if integrated with SRD systems).
- Enter your South African ID and the learner’s ID or birth certificate number.
- Upload scanned copies of all required documents.
- Complete the online application form and submit by July 25, 2025, to meet the August 7 payout deadline.
- Await SMS or email confirmation (processing takes 5–10 working days).
In-Person
- Locate the nearest SASSA office or Postbank branch via sassa.gov.za or by calling 0800 60 10 11.
- Bring physical copies of all documents.
- Complete the School Transport Subsidy Application Form provided by staff.
- Submit by July 25, 2025, to ensure timely processing.
School-Based Application
- Contact your child’s school to confirm if they’re facilitating subsidy applications.
- Submit documents to the school’s administrative or financial aid office.
- Schools will forward applications to the DBE, with SASSA handling payments.
WhatsApp (For Queries and Support)
- Save 082 046 8553 as “SASSA” and send your South African ID number with a request for subsidy application details.
- Follow prompts to confirm eligibility or receive guidance on submission.
Step 4: Complete Biometric Verification
To prevent fraud, SASSA and the DBE require biometric verification for all applicants:
- Visit a SASSA office, Postbank branch, or designated school office with your ID.
- Complete fingerprint or facial recognition as instructed.
- If mobility is an issue (e.g., elderly or disabled applicants), appoint a procurator with a power of attorney, providing their ID and a signed affidavit.
Step 5: Confirm Application and Monitor Payment
- Check your application status via the DBE portal, srd.sassa.gov.za, or by texting “STATUS [ID number]” to 32555.
- Monitor your bank account or pay point on August 7, 2025, for the R870 deposit.
- Enable SMS or email alerts from your bank to track the payment.
- If funds don’t arrive, wait three business days, then contact SASSA at 0800 60 10 11 or your school’s administrative office.
Common Reason of R870 Free School Transport Benefit
Challenge 1: Ineligible Due to Distance or Transport Access
If your home is within 3.2 km (primary) or 4.8 km (secondary/TVET) of a school:
- Solution: Appeal to the DBE or SASSA with evidence of transport barriers, such as an affidavit, school letter, or community leader’s statement confirming no public transport or unsafe routes. Submit within 30 days of rejection.
Challenge 2: Incorrect or Inactive Banking Details
If your payment is sent to an invalid account:
- Solution: Update your banking details via srd.sassa.gov.za, at a SASSA/Postbank office, or through your school. Ensure the account is in your name and active. Contact your bank to resolve any holds.
Challenge 3: Missing or Incomplete Documentation
Incomplete applications can delay approval:
- Solution: Review the required documents list before submission. If rejected, resubmit with missing items within 30 days or appeal to the DBE with supporting evidence.
Challenge 4: Scams and Fraudulent Communications
Fraudsters may send fake SMS or links posing as SASSA or DBE, as warned by @TheSAnews on X:
- Solution: Use only official channels (sassa.gov.za, DBE portal, 0800 60 10 11, @OfficialSASSA, @DBE_SA). Never share personal or banking details via unsolicited messages. Report scams to SASSA’s fraud hotline or local police.
Challenge 5: Processing Delays
High application volumes may slow verification:
- Solution: Submit by July 15, 2025, to account for processing times. Follow up with your school, SASSA, or the DBE if you don’t receive confirmation by August 3.
Benefits of the R870 Transport Subsidy
The R870 subsidy offers significant advantages for eligible families:
- Financial Relief: Covers up to R870 monthly per learner, reducing the burden of taxi fares (R300–R500 monthly) or fuel costs.
- Enhanced Attendance: Ensures consistent school attendance, supporting academic performance and reducing dropout risks.
- Support for Rural Families: Addresses transport barriers in areas with limited infrastructure, where 30% of learners face commuting challenges.
- Complementary Support: Enhances household budgets for families receiving SASSA grants, allowing funds to be redirected to other essentials.
- Community Impact: For a family with three learners, the subsidy provides up to R2,610 monthly, promoting economic stability.