Independent South Africa
Grant Resource
Blog
Home SASSA Grants Older Person's Grant

SASSA Older Person's Grant

The Older Person's Grant (sometimes still called the "old age pension") is a monthly payment from SASSA for South Africans aged 60 and older. It is the most widely claimed adult grant in the country, reaching millions of pensioners who depend on it for food, rent, electricity, and basic healthcare. The amount you get depends on your age bracket and how much private income you already have, since the grant runs on a sliding scale.

This page reflects the latest figures confirmed in the February 2026 Budget Speech, including the new amounts taking effect from April 2026.

Ages 60 to 74
R2,320
max per month (to Mar 2026)
Ages 75+
R2,340
max per month (to Mar 2026)
From April 2026
R2,400
+R80 increase (60-74)
Processing
Up to 90 days
payments backdated to application

Two Age Brackets, Two Amounts

Unlike most other SASSA grants, the Older Person's Grant pays a higher amount once you turn 75. Here is the breakdown after the April 2026 increase.

Standard Tier

Ages 60 to 74

This is the standard rate for anyone who has reached the qualifying age of 60 but is not yet 75. Most pensioners fall into this category. The grant is paid monthly and the amount is determined by the sliding scale, meaning your private income (if any) affects how much you receive.

R2,400/month from April
Over-75 Tier

Ages 75 and Older

Once you turn 75, your grant increases by an additional R20 per month. This recognises the higher costs that come with advanced age, including more frequent healthcare needs, mobility challenges, and the cost of daily assistance. The bump is automatic; you do not need to reapply.

R2,420/month from April

Means Test Calculator

The Older Person's Grant checks both your income and your assets. If you're married, your spouse's income and assets are combined with yours regardless of whether you're married in or out of community of property. If your spouse already receives a grant, that grant amount is not counted as income.

Single / Income R8,990/m
Married / Income R17,980/m
Single / Assets R1,524,600
Married / Assets R3,049,200

The Sliding Scale: You Might Not Get the Full Amount

If you have zero private income, you receive the maximum grant. But if you earn a private pension, rental income, or any other form of income, SASSA reduces the grant amount proportionally. This means you will not necessarily lose the grant entirely just because you have some income. It is designed to supplement what you already earn. During the 2025/26 financial year, 8,599 disability and old-age grants were adjusted after SASSA cross-checked bank accounts with SARS records and credit bureaus. If your income changes, it is in your best interest to report it before SASSA finds it during a review.

Eligibility & Requirements

Who Can Apply

  • You must be 60 years or older.
  • You must be a South African citizen, permanent resident, or recognised refugee.
  • You must be residing in South Africa at the time of application.
  • You must pass the means test (income and asset thresholds).
  • You cannot already be receiving another social grant for yourself.
  • You must not be maintained in a state institution such as a government old-age home, prison, or rehabilitation centre. (If you are, the grant is reduced to 25% from the fourth month.)

Document Checklist

Tick each item off as you prepare it. Having everything ready when you arrive at SASSA can save hours of waiting.

Things Pensioners Often Ask About

The Older Person's Grant is straightforward compared to something like the Disability Grant, but there are still a few areas that catch people off guard. Here is what you should know.

Yes. The Older Person's Grant is one of the few SASSA grants that allows online applications through the SASSA services portal at services.sassa.gov.za. You can also apply in person at any SASSA office. If you are too old or unwell to visit, a family member or trusted person can apply on your behalf using a signed power of attorney or letter of authorisation.
Yes, it does. Any private pension, annuity, investment income, rental income, UIF payments, financial support from relatives, or maintenance payments all count as income in the means test. SASSA takes your total income from all sources and measures it against the threshold. If your spouse already receives a social grant, that grant is not counted as income when calculating yours.
It depends on whether the home is state-funded. If you move into a state-contracted institution (where the government pays for your care, meals, and accommodation), your grant is reduced to 25% of the full amount from the fourth month of admission. The reduced amount is reinstated in full as soon as you leave the facility. Private old-age homes do not trigger this reduction, since the state is not funding your care.
SASSA can review your grant at any time to check that you still qualify. You will receive written notice at least 3 months in advance before a review, telling you when and where it will happen. If you get your money through a bank, institution, or procurator, you must also submit a life certificate at a SASSA office every year to confirm that you are still alive and eligible. Reviews have become much more frequent in 2026 as part of SASSA's compliance drive, so keeping your documents in order is more important than ever.
Yes. There is no rule against working. As long as your total income (including your salary or wages) stays within the means test threshold, you can continue receiving the grant. The sliding scale will adjust your payment based on your declared income. Just make sure you declare everything to SASSA and update them if your situation changes.

Need Full-Time Care? Add the Grant-in-Aid

If you are already receiving the Older Person's Grant but you cannot take care of yourself (you need someone to cook for you, help you bathe, or get around), you may also qualify for the Grant-in-Aid. This adds an extra R580/month from April 2026 on top of your pension, bringing the combined total to R2,980/month (or R3,000 if you're over 75). You need to apply for it separately at your SASSA office.

How to Apply

Visit Your Nearest SASSA Office or Apply Online

You can apply in person at any SASSA office, or use the online portal at services.sassa.gov.za. If applying in person, bring all the documents from the checklist above (originals, not photocopies). If you are too old or ill to visit, appoint a procurator with a signed power of attorney to submit on your behalf.

In-person or online

Complete the Application Form

A SASSA officer will guide you through the form and interview you about your income, assets, and living situation. They will verify your documents and capture your biometric data (fingerprints). Only you or the SASSA officer may fill in the form. The process is completely free of charge.

Biometric verification now mandatory

Get Your Receipt

Once submitted, you will be given a stamped receipt with a reference number, the date, and the name of the SASSA officer. Keep this receipt safe. It is your only proof of application and essential for any follow-ups if things get delayed.

Your proof of application

Wait for a Decision

SASSA takes up to 90 days to process your application. They will verify your income and assets, cross-check with Home Affairs, SARS, and bank records, and confirm your identity. If approved, your payments are backdated to the day you first applied. If declined, SASSA must give you the reason in writing and you have 90 days to appeal to the Minister of Social Development.

Up to 90 days, backpay included

Admitted to a State-Funded Institution?

If you are admitted to a care facility that has a contract with the government (state old-age homes, rehabilitation centres, or similar institutions), your grant is reduced to 25% of the full amount starting from your fourth month in the facility. The logic is that the state is already covering your meals, accommodation, and care. The full grant amount is reinstated immediately once you are discharged. Private care homes do not trigger this reduction.

2026 Compliance Reviews: Respond to Every SASSA Notice

SASSA has significantly increased verification activity this year. By December 2025, the agency had cross-checked 6 million bank accounts and 8 million credit bureau records. Over 291,000 grants were flagged for review, more than 34,000 were cancelled, and 8,599 old-age and disability grants were adjusted under the sliding scale. If you receive an SMS or letter about a compulsory review, do not ignore it. Bring your ID, latest bank statements (3 months), proof of income, and proof of residence. Report any changes in your income or assets before SASSA catches them during a cross-check. Having your grant reduced voluntarily is far better than being asked to repay months of overpayments.

How Does the Older Person's Grant Compare?

Amounts shown are effective from April 2026.

Grant Type Amount (Apr 2026) For Whom Means Test
Older Person's (60-74) R2,400 South Africans aged 60 to 74 R8,990/m income + R1.52m assets (single)
Older Person's (75+) R2,420 South Africans aged 75 and older Same thresholds as above
Disability R2,400 Adults 18 to 59 with disability R8,990/m income + R1.52m assets (single)
War Veteran's R2,420 WWII and Korean War veterans R8,990/m income + R1.52m assets (single)
Grant-in-Aid R580 Add-on for grant holders needing full-time care Must already receive a qualifying grant
Care Dependency R2,400 Children under 18 with severe disability R23,100/m income only (single)

Payment Methods

Once approved, you choose how to receive your grant. The options are:

  1. Bank deposit - Paid directly into a bank account in your name. This is the fastest and most reliable method. SASSA recommends this option.
  2. SASSA gold card at retail pay points - Collect cash from approved stores like Shoprite, Pick n Pay, Boxer, or at SAPO (Post Office) branches.
  3. ATM withdrawal - Use your SASSA-issued card at any Saswitch-enabled ATM nationwide.

The Older Person's Grant is paid on the first payment day each month, typically the 2nd or 3rd. You do not need to rush to the pay point on that exact date; your funds stay available until you collect them. If you receive payment via bank, procurator, or institution, you must submit a life certificate at your SASSA office every year.

Common Questions

No. Social grants are not classified as taxable income under South African law. You do not need to declare the grant to SARS.
If you are married, SASSA combines your income and assets with your spouse's. If the combined total exceeds the married threshold (R17,980/month income or R3,049,200 in assets), you will not qualify. It does not matter whether you are married in or out of community of property. However, if your spouse already receives a social grant, that grant amount is not counted as income when assessing your application.
When you turn 60, you become eligible for the Older Person's Grant. The transition from the Disability Grant should happen automatically, but it is a good idea to visit your SASSA office a few months before your 60th birthday to make sure everything is in order. Both grants pay the same amount, so there should be no change to how much you receive. The key thing is to prevent any admin delays that could cause a gap in your payments.
If your grant is not collected for three consecutive months, SASSA can suspend it. They will assume you may no longer need it or that something has changed. If this happens, you can apply to have it restored within 90 days of suspension by visiting your nearest SASSA office with your ID and an explanation.
You must be residing in South Africa to receive the grant. If you are absent from the country for more than 90 consecutive days, SASSA may suspend your payments. Short holidays are generally fine, but if you are planning an extended trip, let SASSA know beforehand to avoid unexpected suspension.
Yes. Recognised refugees with valid Section 24 refugee permits and a 13-digit refugee ID can apply, provided they meet all other eligibility requirements. Asylum seekers with Section 22 permits do not qualify. Refugees who are approved will have their grant reviewed when their refugee status expires.

grantZA is an independent informational guide and is not affiliated with SASSA or the South African government. For payment queries, disputes, or technical issues, contact the SASSA toll-free helpline at 0800 60 10 11 (Mon to Fri, 7am to 4pm).