Old Age Grant South Africa 2026: How to Apply & Payment Amounts
Overview
The SASSA Old Age Grant, also known as the Older Persons Grant, is South Africa’s primary financial support program for senior citizens. As of January 2026, the grant provides R2,315 per month for beneficiaries aged 60-74 years and R2,335 per month for those aged 75 years and older. This critical social assistance program currently supports over 4 million elderly South Africans who depend on it as their primary or sole source of income.
The Old Age Grant represents the government’s commitment to ensuring financial security and dignity for older citizens during their retirement years, particularly for those without private pensions or substantial savings. In 2025, SASSA implemented stricter biometric verification and income reviews, which generated R340 million in savings over six months by identifying ineligible beneficiaries.
Purpose
The Old Age Grant serves several essential purposes for South Africa’s elderly population:
Financial Security in Retirement: The grant provides a reliable monthly income for seniors who have limited or no retirement savings, helping them maintain basic living standards after leaving the workforce.
Poverty Alleviation Among the Elderly: With many older South Africans lacking formal pension coverage, the grant acts as a crucial safety net against old-age poverty, enabling seniors to cover essential costs including food, medication, housing, and utilities.
Healthcare and Medical Support: The grant enables pensioners to afford necessary medications, doctor visits, and ongoing medical care, which becomes increasingly important as people age.
Household Economic Contribution: In many South African households, elderly grant recipients play a vital role in supporting extended family members, including grandchildren. The grant often helps feed multiple generations within a single household.
Dignity and Independence: By providing financial resources, the grant allows older persons to maintain their independence and dignity rather than becoming entirely dependent on family members or relatives.
Qualifications and Eligibility
To qualify for the Old Age Grant in 2026, applicants must meet strict age, residency, and financial requirements:
Age Requirements:
- Must be 60 years of age or older
- Citizens aged 60-74 receive R2,315 per month
- Citizens aged 75 and above receive R2,335 per month (the highest grant amount in South Africa)
Citizenship and Residency Requirements:
- Must be a South African citizen, permanent resident, or officially recognized refugee
- Must be residing in South Africa at the time of application
- Cannot be residing in a state-funded institution or care facility
Income Means Test (2026): Single persons: Annual income must not exceed R107,800 (R8,983 per month) Married persons: Combined annual income must not exceed R215,760 (R17,980 per month)
Asset Test (2026): Single persons: Total assets cannot exceed R1,524,600. Married persons: Combined assets cannot exceed R3,049,200
Assets include property, savings, investments, and outstanding loans or debts owed to the applicant.
Additional Restrictions:
- Cannot be receiving any other social grant for yourself (though you can receive grants on behalf of children)
- Cannot be receiving another form of social welfare from the state
How to Apply
Option 1: Apply at SASSA Offices (Manual Application)
Currently, the Old Age Grant can only be applied for in person at SASSA offices. There is no online application option as the process requires biometric verification.
Step 1: Prepare Required Documents
Before visiting a SASSA office, gather all necessary documents (both originals and certified copies):
- Official South African ID document (preferably a Smart ID Card with digital photo)
- Valid bank statement (last 3 months), certified by your bank
- Proof of marital status (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or death certificate if widowed)
- Proof of residence (utility bill, lease agreement, or affidavit from traditional leader – not older than 3 months)
- Documents proving all sources of income (payslips, pension statements, dividend statements)
- Comprehensive information about assets and property ownership, including valuations
- Full declaration of any private pension funds
- Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) membership book or discharge certificate from previous employment
- If your spouse passed away within the last 5 years: copy of will, first and final liquidation and distribution accounts
Step 2: Visit Your Nearest SASSA Office
Locate your nearest SASSA office and visit during operating hours (Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM). SASSA often extends hours during peak periods. Arrive early as offices experience high foot traffic, especially during the first week of the month.
Step 3: Complete the Application Process
- Request an Old Age Grant application form from SASSA officials
- Fill out the form completely and accurately with assistance from staff if needed
- Submit all required documents (originals and copies)
- Complete biometric verification (fingerprints and photograph)
- Receive a stamped receipt as proof of your application – keep this safe
Step 4: Application Processing
Applications typically take up to 90 days (3 months) to be processed. During this time, SASSA will:
- Verify your documents and information
- Conduct income and asset assessments
- Cross-reference data with other government databases (UIF, Department of Home Affairs)
- May conduct a home visit to verify living conditions
Step 5: Receive Notification and Payment
You’ll receive notification via SMS or mail once your application is approved or rejected. If approved, payments are backdated to your application date, meaning you’ll receive all outstanding payments from when you first applied.
Option 2: Assisted Application (If Unable to Apply in Person)
If you’re too old, sick, or live in a remote rural area and cannot visit a SASSA office yourself, you can have a family member or loved one assist with your application. You’ll need:
- A letter from your doctor explaining why you cannot apply in person
- The family member or helper must bring their own ID document
- All required documents must still be certified by a commissioner of oaths at a police station
Online Services (Limited)
While you cannot apply online, SASSA does offer some online services:
Check Grant Status: Visit www.sassa.gov.za or call the SASSA toll-free number: 0800 60 10 11 to check your application status
Payment Information: SMS “STATUS” to 32248 for payment dates and amounts
Office Locator: Use the SASSA website to find your nearest office
Important Note: Beware of scams. SASSA does not charge any fees for grant applications, and you should never pay anyone to help you apply or expedite your application.
Payment Dates and Methods 2026
For January 2026, Old Age Grant payments were made on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, following the standard monthly schedule. Payments typically occur during the first week of each month, usually on the first Tuesday.
Payment Methods:
- Bank Transfer: Direct deposit into your verified bank account (most convenient and secure)
- SASSA Card: Use your SASSA gold card to withdraw cash at ATMs, retailers, or Post Office branches
- Approved Payment Points: Cash collection at designated SASSA pay points
Beneficiaries should ensure their banking details and contact information remain current to avoid payment delays.
Important Updates for 2026
Stricter Verification: SASSA has implemented enhanced biometric verification and more rigorous income reviews to ensure grants reach only eligible beneficiaries. Make sure all your information is accurate and up to date.
Grant Reviews: If you’re already receiving the grant, SASSA may periodically review your eligibility. Ensure you report any changes in income, assets, marital status, or residence immediately to avoid suspension.
Budget Increases: Despite overall government budget constraints, funding allocated specifically for SASSA grants is projected to increase, which may lead to potential grant amount adjustments in April 2026 during the National Budget Speech.
Related SASSA Grants
If you’re an elderly person with disabilities requiring additional daily care, you may qualify for the Grant in Aid, which provides an extra R530 per month on top of your Old Age Grant.
Grandparents raising grandchildren can apply for the Child Support Grant to receive R530 per child per month for their care.
If you have a child with severe disabilities requiring full-time care, consider applying for the Care Dependency Grant, which provides R2,180 per month.
For grandparents who have formally adopted grandchildren through the courts, the Foster Care Grant offers R1,180 per child monthly.
If you’re under 60 but have a permanent disability, you should apply for the Disability Grant instead of waiting until age 60.
For military veterans who fought in recognized wars, the War Veteran Grant provides R2,335 per month regardless of age.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I receive the Old Age Grant and work part-time? Yes, but your total income (including wages) must still fall below the income threshold of R8,983 per month for single persons.
What happens if my application is rejected? You have 90 days to appeal the decision. Visit your nearest SASSA office or use the appeals process on the SASSA website.
Do I need to reapply every year? No, once approved, your grant continues automatically as long as you remain eligible and your information stays current.
Can I receive the Old Age Grant if I’m receiving a private pension? Yes, but the combined income (Old Age Grant plus private pension) must not exceed the income threshold.
How do I update my banking details? Visit your nearest SASSA office with your ID, bank statement, and proof of the new account to update your details.
Contact SASSA
- Toll-Free Number: 0800 60 10 11
- SMS Line: 32248 (Type “STATUS”)
- Website: www.sassa.gov.za
- Physical Address: 501 Prodinsa Building, Corner Beatrix and Pretorius Street, Pretoria
- Operating Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
For unemployed persons under 60 who need temporary assistance, consider applying for the SRD Grant R370, which provides monthly relief during periods of financial distress.
