SASSA Old Age Grant 2026 - Amount, and How to Apply?

The SASSA Old Age Grant, officially called the Older Persons Grant, is a monthly payment for elderly South Africans who can no longer fully support themselves. As of 1 April 2026, the grant pays R2,400 per month for people aged 60 to 74, and R2,420 per month for those aged 75 and older. It supports more than four million pensioners across the country.

To qualify, you must be 60 years or older, a South African citizen, permanent resident or refugee living in South Africa, and you must pass the means test. You also cannot be receiving another social grant for yourself. Applying is completely free. You can apply in person at your nearest SASSA office or online at services.sassa.gov.za, and if approved, your payments are backdated to the date you first applied.

SASSA Old Age Grant Amount in 2026

The amount was increased by R80 in the February 2026 Budget and took effect from 1 April 2026. The current monthly amounts are:

R2,400 per month for beneficiaries aged 60 to 74
R2,420 per month for beneficiaries aged 75 and older

Grant amounts are usually reviewed twice a year, on 1 April and sometimes again on 1 October, in line with inflation. If a further increase is announced, the new amount is applied automatically and you do not need to do anything.

Who Qualifies for the SASSA Old Age Grant?

To apply for the Old Age Pension, you must meet all of the following requirements:

Age: You must be 60 years or older. There is no early access to the grant before this age.

Residency and status: You must be a South African citizen, permanent resident or refugee, and you must be living in South Africa. You will need to provide proof of identity and proof of residence.

Identity document: You must submit a valid 13-digit bar-coded ID. If you do not have one, SASSA can still start the process, but you will be sent to Home Affairs to apply for an ID, and you may need an affidavit and a sworn statement from a reputable person to confirm your details.

No other grant: You must not already be receiving another social grant for yourself.

Not in a state institution: You must not be maintained or cared for in a state institution such as a state old-age home, rehabilitation centre or prison.

Means test: Your income and assets, and those of your spouse if you are married, are assessed to decide whether you qualify and how much you will receive.

The Means Test Explained

Because the grant is meant for people who cannot support themselves, SASSA looks at your income and assets before approving your application. If you are married, your income and assets are combined with those of your spouse, whether you are married in or out of community of property.

Do you know How to Update Existing Application SASSA R350?

The current published thresholds are:

Income: Single applicants must earn less than R107,880 per year (about R8,990 per month). Married couples must have a combined income of less than R215,760 per year (about R17,980 per month).
Assets: Single applicants must own assets worth less than R1,524,600. Married couples must own combined assets worth less than R3,049,200.

The home you live in is not counted as an asset. Income includes private pensions, rental income, interest, investments and any regular support you receive. You are allowed to deduct contributions such as medical aid and retirement funds before your income is assessed. Because these figures can change on 1 April or 1 October, it is worth confirming the latest thresholds on the official SASSA website before you apply.

If your spouse already receives a social grant, that grant amount is not counted as income when your own application is assessed.

How the Sliding Scale Works

The Old Age Grant is paid on a sliding scale. This means that if you have no other income, you receive the full amount. If you earn some income, such as a small private pension or rental income, SASSA reduces your grant proportionally rather than cutting it off completely. So having a little income does not automatically disqualify you. The grant is designed to top up what you already have, up to the threshold.

Documents You Need to Apply

Bring the original documents, or certified copies, when you apply:

Your 13-digit bar-coded South African ID (or an affidavit if your ID is lost)
Proof of residence, such as a utility bill in your name
Three months of bank statements for all your active accounts
Proof of income, including payslips or pension slips not older than three months
Proof of marital status, such as a marriage certificate, divorce order or spouse’s death certificate
If your spouse died within the last five years, a copy of the will and the liquidation and distribution accounts where applicable
Your UIF membership book or a discharge certificate from your previous employer, if you were employed

SASSA may ask for additional documents during the screening process.

Where and How to Apply

You can apply in two ways:

In person: Visit your nearest SASSA office. A SASSA officer will help you complete the application form, interview you, and take your fingerprints. Only you or a SASSA official may complete the form. If you are too ill, old or disabled to visit, a family member or friend can apply on your behalf using a power of attorney. In that case, the person acting for you is called your procurator.

Do you know Can I Cancel My SRD Application and Apply Again?

Online: You can also apply through the official SASSA services portal at services.sassa.gov.za. Register with your details, verify with the OTP sent to your phone, choose the Older Persons Grant, and complete the form.

After you apply, you will receive a dated, stamped receipt with the name of the officer who helped you. Keep this receipt as proof that you applied. There is no charge to apply, so never pay anyone who promises to speed up your grant, and never share your OTP or PIN with anyone.

How Long Does Approval Take?

Processing can take up to 90 days. SASSA will verify your identity, income and assets and cross-check your details with Home Affairs, SARS and your bank. You will then be told in writing whether your application was approved or rejected.

If you are approved, you will be paid from the date on which you first applied, so any back-pay is included in your first payment. If you are rejected, the letter will explain the reasons and how to appeal.

What If Your Application Is Rejected?

You can first ask SASSA to reconsider the decision. If your application is still rejected after reconsideration, you can appeal in writing to the Minister of Social Development. You must appeal within 90 days of receiving the notification, and the letter you receive will explain exactly how to do this.

Payment Dates and Methods

The Older Persons Grant is paid first each month, ahead of disability and children’s grants, and usually lands on the second working day of the month. Payments are staggered over the first few days. If a payment date falls on a weekend or public holiday, it moves to the next working day.

You can check updated old age grant payment dates here.

You have several ways to receive your money:

Direct deposit into your own bank account, which is the most convenient option
Payment through your SASSA or Postbank card, which works at ATMs and retail tills
Payment to an institution such as an old-age home
Cash at a designated pay point on a specific date

If you cannot collect your grant yourself, you can appoint someone to collect it for you each month.

Grant Review and Keeping Your Grant

SASSA reviews grants regularly to check that beneficiaries still qualify. You will be given written notice at least three months before a review, telling you when and where it will take place. If you are bedridden, the review can be done at your home.

You must declare all your income and assets honestly, because an undeclared asset found during a review can lead to suspension. If you are paid through a bank, institution or procurator, you may also need to submit an annual life certificate at a SASSA office to confirm you are still eligible. SASSA has increased its review and verification activity in 2026, so keep your documents in order and report any change in your circumstances promptly.

Do you know SASSA Card Renewal | Can I Renew my SASSA Card Online?

Your grant can be suspended or cancelled if you:

Provided false information, committed fraud or misrepresented your case
No longer pass the means test because your income or assets improved
Failed to cooperate during a grant review
Were approved in error
Failed to collect your grant for three consecutive months
Moved out of the country for more than 90 days

Grant-in-Aid: Extra Support for Full-Time Care

If you already receive the Old Age Grant but cannot look after yourself and need full-time care from another person, you may also qualify for the Grant-in-Aid. This is an extra R580 per month paid on top of your pension. You apply for it separately at your SASSA office and will need a medical assessment confirming your need for full-time care.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I apply for the Old Age Pension before I turn 60? No. You must be at least 60 years old to qualify.

Is the Old Age Pension taxable? The grant itself is not taxed. It is intended for retirees whose income is no longer enough to support them.

Can I receive the grant while still employed? There is no rule against working. As long as your total income stays within the means test threshold, you can still receive the grant, though the sliding scale may reduce the amount based on what you earn.

How often is the amount reviewed? The amount is usually reviewed on 1 April each year, and sometimes again in October, depending on government policy and economic conditions.

Does it cost anything to apply? No. Applying is completely free. Be cautious of anyone who asks for payment to process or fast-track your grant.

The SASSA Old Age Grant provides essential financial support during retirement. If you meet the requirements, gather your documents, apply at your nearest SASSA office or online, and keep your receipt safe so you can follow up on your application.