South African Social Security Agency
Older Person's Grant
National R2,400 / month Age 60+ Ongoing intake
At a glance
Amount (60-74)
R2,400 / month
Amount (75+)
R2,420 / month
Age eligible
60 and older
Income cap (single)
R107,880 / year
Income cap (married)
R215,760 / year
Asset cap (single)
R1,524,600
Asset cap (married)
R3,049,200
Application
SASSA branch (in-person)
Who qualifies
- South African citizen, permanent resident, or recognised refugee
- Aged 60 or older
- Household income and assets under the means-test thresholds
- Not receiving another social grant for yourself (except Grant in Aid)
- Living in South Africa
Who does not qualify
- Under 60 years old
- Household income or assets above the means-test threshold
- Already receiving another social grant for yourself
- In permanent state care
- Non-residents of South Africa
Documents you bring
- Your 13-digit barcoded ID or Smart ID card
- Proof of residence (utility bill or affidavit)
- 3 months' bank statements
- Proof of income (pension slip, investment statement, or affidavit)
- Proof of assets (property, vehicles, investments)
- Spouse's ID and marriage certificate (if married)
- Death certificate if widowed
- Divorce decree if divorced
SASSA verifies assets against Deeds Office and vehicle registration records. Understating assets is grant fraud (reportable via 0800 701 701).
How to apply
- Gather the documents above.
- Visit your nearest SASSA branch early (queues start before 07:00).
- An officer captures the application directly on the SOCPEN system.
- You receive a stamped receipt with a reference number. Keep it.
- Application processed within 3 months. You get an SMS on the outcome.
- If approved, backpay is calculated from the day you applied.
- At 75 you automatically move to the higher grant amount (no reapplication needed).
You must complete a Life Certificate every year to prove you are still alive. SASSA sends the form; if you miss it, the grant is suspended until you visit the branch.
The step-up at 75 is automatic
You do not reapply when you turn 75. SASSA moves you onto the higher amount automatically the month after your 75th birthday, using Home Affairs date of birth. If the increase does not appear the month after, it is almost always because Home Affairs and SASSA have your date of birth mismatched; check the ID capture, not the SASSA payment record.