Grants

SASSA War Veterans Grant 2026

The War Veterans Grant pays R2,420 per month from 1 April 2026 to South Africans who served in WW2 or the Korean War. It's set at a slightly higher rate than the standard Older Persons Grant in recognition of wartime service.

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

At a glance

Amount

R2,420/mo

Conflicts covered

WW2 / Korea

No other wars

Age

60+ or disabled

Means test (single)

R8,990/mo

+ R1.52m asset cap

Who qualifies

You served in WW2 (1939–1945) or the Korean War (1950–1953)
You're a South African citizen or permanent resident
You're aged 60+ OR disabled and unable to work
You're not receiving any other SASSA grant for yourself
You're not in a state-funded institution
You pass the standard SASSA means test

SADF / SANDF veterans

The War Veterans Grant is statutorily limited to WW2 and Korean War veterans. Veterans of the Border War, Angolan operations, Lesotho or post-1994 SANDF deployments do not qualify under this grant. For those veterans, the Department of Military Veterans (DMV) administers a separate set of benefits including a military pension, education support and healthcare access — see dmv.gov.za.

Documents needed

Original South African ID (smart card or green book)
Proof of military service in WW2 or the Korean War (discharge papers, service records, or regimental attestation)
Proof of income (payslips, pension statements, bank statements) or sworn affidavit if no income
Proof of assets if applicable
Banking details for grant payment
Proof of residential address
Spouse's ID and proof of income if married
Marriage / divorce / death certificate (whichever applies)

If your discharge papers were lost, the Department of Defence Archives can issue a certified service record on request — call 012 671 0500.

How to apply

1
Gather proof of service

Discharge papers, regimental records or a letter from a recognised veterans' association. The DOD Archives can provide replacements if needed.
2
Visit your nearest SASSA office

You can't apply online. A family member can apply on your behalf with a notarised letter of authorisation and your original documents.
3
Complete the application form with a SASSA official

They help you fill it in. You'll be photographed and fingerprinted.
4
Choose payment method

Bank account in your name, Post Office cash collection, or participating retailer.
5
Wait for the decision

SASSA must respond within 90 days. Payment is backdated to your application date if approved. Declined applications can be appealed within 90 days.

Frequently asked questions

How much is the SASSA War Veterans Grant in 2026?+

From 1 April 2026, the War Veterans Grant pays R2,420 per month — R20 more than the Older Persons Grant for the under-75 age band. It's set at the higher rate to recognise wartime service.

Who qualifies as a war veteran for SASSA?+

Veterans of the Second World War (1939–1945) or the Korean War (1950–1953) who are South African citizens or permanent residents. You must be aged 60+ OR have a disability preventing work. Note: this grant is for older conflicts only — SADF and SANDF veterans of other operations do not qualify under this specific grant.

How many people receive the War Veterans Grant?+

Very few — the youngest WW2 veterans are now around 100 years old, and Korean War veterans are in their 90s. SASSA records show the recipient pool is in the low hundreds nationally and shrinking each year.

Are SADF border-war or SANDF veterans eligible?+

No. The War Veterans Grant is statutorily restricted to WW2 and Korean War veterans. Veterans of more recent conflicts may qualify for military pensions via the Department of Military Veterans (DMV), but not the SASSA War Veterans Grant.

What's the means test for the War Veterans Grant?+

Same as the Older Persons and Disability Grants: single applicant under R8,990/month (R107,880/year) income and assets under R1,524,600. Married couple: under R17,980/month combined income and R3,049,200 in combined assets.

How do I prove war veteran status?+

You'll need an official discharge document or other proof of military service in the specified conflicts. The Department of Defence can issue certified copies of service records on request. SASSA may also accept regimental records or veterans' association attestations.

Sources

· SASSA War Veterans Grant product page.
· Social Assistance Act, 2004 (Act 13 of 2004) and Regulations.
· Department of Social Development 2026/27 grant adjustment notice.
· Department of Military Veterans — pension framework (for SADF/SANDF veterans).

Standard

Older Persons Grant

If disabled

Disability Grant

If declined

How to appeal