Grants

SASSA Older Persons Grant 2026

From 1 April 2026, the Older Persons Grant (also called the SASSA old-age pension) pays R2,400 per month for South Africans aged 60–74, and R2,420 per month for those aged 75 and over. Here's how the means test works, the documents you'll need, and the application process.

Updated 12 May 2026 • By Thandi Mokoena • Fact-checked

At a glance

Age 60–74

R2,400/mo

Age 75+

R2,420/mo

Means test (single)

R8,990/month max

+ R1.52m asset cap

Application

In person at SASSA

Free, ~90 days

Who qualifies

You must meet all of these:

60 years or older
South African citizen, permanent resident, or refugee with valid documents
Living in South Africa
Not receiving any other SASSA grant for yourself
Not living in a state-funded institution (state psychiatric hospital, government-funded care home, prison)
Pass the SASSA means test (income + assets)

The means test in detail

Threshold	Single	Married (combined)
Maximum monthly income	R8,990	R17,980
Maximum annual income	R107,880	R215,760
Maximum total assets	R1,524,600	R3,049,200

What counts as income

Wages, business income, private pensions, annuities, rental income, interest, dividends, maintenance received.

What counts as assets

Investment property (not the home you live in), additional vehicles, savings, fixed deposits, share portfolios, unit trusts, retirement-fund balances.

What's excluded

Your primary residence and one daily-drive vehicle.

If your income is above the lower threshold (~R7,490/month single) but below the cut-off, the grant amount tapers down proportionally rather than being all-or-nothing.

What to bring to your SASSA appointment

Original 13-digit barcoded ID or Smart ID card
Proof of income — payslips, pension statement, 3 months of bank statements, or sworn affidavit if you have no income
Proof of assets — property valuation, vehicle papers, investment statements (if applicable)
Proof of marital status — marriage certificate, divorce decree or death certificate of spouse
Spouse's ID and proof of their income and assets (if married)
UIF "blue book" or employer discharge certificate (if previously employed)
Proof of residential address — utility bill, municipal letter or sworn affidavit
Banking details — recent bank statement showing account in your name

Bring originals plus a certified copy of each. Certified copies must be less than 3 months old. SASSA officials will witness the application form on the day — don't sign it in advance.

How to apply — step by step

1
Go to your nearest SASSA office

There are over 380 SASSA offices nationally. Find your closest at sassa.gov.za under "Offices". Older Persons applications cannot be made online or by phone.
2
Bring every document on the list above

Originals plus certified copies. A missing document means you'll be turned away and have to come back.
3
Complete the application form with a SASSA official

They'll help you fill it in. You'll be photographed and asked for your fingerprints. Both your and your spouse's fingerprints if applying as married.
4
Sign the declaration

You confirm under oath that the income and asset information is accurate. False declarations are a criminal offence.
5
Get your stamped receipt

Keep this safe — it's your proof of application. Note the case reference number.
6
Choose your payment method

Bank account in your name (fastest), Post Office cash collection, or a participating retailer (Pick n Pay, Boxer, Shoprite, Checkers).
7
Wait for the decision

SASSA must respond within 90 days. If approved, payment is backdated to the date you applied. If declined, you have 90 days to appeal.

Grant-in-Aid: extra R580/month if you need full-time care

If you receive the Older Persons Grant and you need full-time care because of a physical or mental disability, you can claim Grant-in-Aid on top — currently R580/month from 1 April 2026. You'll need a doctor's report confirming the care need. Apply at the same SASSA office that processes your main grant.

When you'll be paid

Older Persons Grant is the first to be paid each month — typically on the 3rd of the month (or the next working day if the 3rd is a weekend or public holiday). For May 2026, payments went out on Tuesday 5 May 2026.

See the full 2026/27 SASSA payment schedule for every month.

Scam alert

· SASSA never charges to process an application. Anyone asking for a "facilitation fee" is committing fraud.
· No-one can "guarantee" your grant approval. SASSA officials, councillors and "agents" who claim this are scamming you.
· Never share your bank PIN or card. SASSA does not need it — they only need account details on the application form.
· Report fraud to the SASSA hotline: 0800 701 701 (toll-free).

Frequently asked questions

How much is the SASSA Older Persons Grant in 2026?+

From 1 April 2026, the grant is R2,400 per month for people aged 60–74 and R2,420 per month for people aged 75 and over. These amounts include the R80 increase announced in the February 2026 Budget.

At what age can I apply for the Older Persons Grant?+

You can apply from age 60. There is no upper age limit. War Veterans of WW2 or the Korean War may qualify for the higher-paying War Veterans Grant from age 60 instead.

What is the means test for the Older Persons Grant?+

For a single applicant: monthly income must be below R8,990 (R107,880 a year), and total assets must be below R1,524,600. For a married couple: combined monthly income below R17,980 (R215,760 a year), and combined assets below R3,049,200. Your primary residence and one daily-drive vehicle don't count as assets.

How long does the application take?+

SASSA must respond within 90 days. Most applications are processed in 30–60 days once SASSA has every required document. If approved, payment is backdated to the date of application.

Will my SASSA grant be reduced if I have a private pension?+

Possibly. The means test scales the grant down for income above a lower threshold (around R7,490/month for a single person). Income between the lower threshold and the cut-off reduces the grant pro-rata. Income above R8,990/month disqualifies you completely.

Can I get the Older Persons Grant and a SASSA SRD R370 grant?+

No. Once you turn 60 you no longer qualify for the SRD grant. You may receive only one social grant for yourself at a time (the only common exception is the Grant-in-Aid for full-time care).

What is Grant-in-Aid and can I claim it on top?+

Yes. If you receive the Older Persons Grant and need full-time care because of your physical or mental condition, you can claim Grant-in-Aid (R580/month from April 2026) on top. A doctor must confirm the care need.

Where do I apply?+

In person at your nearest SASSA office. There is no online application for the Older Persons Grant. If you cannot travel due to illness, a family member can apply on your behalf with a notarised letter of authorisation and your original documents.

Sources

· SASSA — Older Persons Grant product information, sassa.gov.za.
· National Treasury Budget 2026 — social-grant amounts effective 1 April 2026.
· Social Assistance Act, 2004 (Act 13 of 2004) and Regulations.
· OurPower SASSA Means Test 2026.

Check

Means test calculator

Dates

2026 SASSA payment dates

If declined

How to appeal