SASSA War Veteran Grant 2026

War Veteran Grant South Africa 2026: Benefits & Application Process

Overview

The SASSA War Veteran Grant is a special social assistance program designed to honour and support South African citizens who served their country with distinction in the Second World War (1939-1945) or the Korean War (1950-1953). As of January 2026, the grant provides R2,335 per month to eligible veterans, representing one of the highest monthly grant amounts offered by SASSA. This vital financial support recognizes the extraordinary sacrifices made by these brave individuals who fought for freedom during critical periods of global conflict.

For January 2026, War Veteran Grant payments were disbursed on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, following the same payment schedule as the Old Age Grant. Currently, the program supports a relatively small but deeply respected group of elderly South Africans who served in these historic military campaigns over 70 years ago. Given that the Second World War ended in 1945 and the Korean War in 1953, most surviving veterans are now in their late 90s or over 100 years old, making this grant increasingly rare but profoundly important for those who still benefit from it.

The War Veteran Grant represents the government’s enduring commitment to ensuring that those who served their nation in times of war can live with dignity, security, and honour in their advanced years. The grant amount matches the highest tier of the Old Age Grant (for beneficiaries aged 75+), acknowledging that these veterans deserve the maximum support available.

Purpose

The War Veteran Grant serves several profound purposes in South Africa’s social welfare framework:

Honouring Military Service and Sacrifice: The primary purpose is to recognise and honour the extraordinary contributions of South Africans who served in the Second World War and Korean War. These veterans risked their lives to defend freedom and democracy during pivotal moments in world history, and the grant represents the nation’s gratitude for their service.

Ensuring Dignity in Old Age: Given that all surviving war veterans are now elderly (most in their 90s or beyond age 100), the grant provides essential financial security during their final years. At R2,335 per month, it helps veterans maintain basic living standards, including food, shelter, healthcare, and personal care, without becoming entirely dependent on family members.

Supporting Healthcare and Medical Needs: Elderly war veterans often face significant medical expenses related to age and wartime injuries or trauma. The grant helps cover medications, doctor visits, specialised care, assistive devices (wheelchairs, hearing aids, walkers), and other health-related costs that increase with advanced age.

Recognising Wartime Trauma and Disabilities: Many veterans live with physical disabilities, injuries, or psychological trauma resulting from their wartime experiences. The grant acknowledges these lasting impacts and provides ongoing support for veterans who may be unable to work due to war-related conditions.

Preventing Poverty Among War Veterans: Without the grant, many elderly veterans would face severe poverty in their final years. The monthly payment ensures they can meet basic needs and avoid destitution, honouring the principle that no war veteran should live in poverty after serving their country.

Supporting Surviving Spouses and Families: While the grant is paid to the veteran, it often indirectly supports spouses (many of whom are also elderly) and extended families who may be caring for these aging heroes. The financial assistance eases the burden on entire households.

Preserving Historical Legacy: By supporting surviving war veterans, the grant helps preserve living connections to critical periods of world history, allowing these veterans to share their experiences and educate younger generations about the realities of war and the importance of peace.

Qualifications and Eligibility

To qualify for the War Veteran Grant in 2026, applicants must meet specific military service, age, citizenship, and financial requirements:

Military Service Requirements (Most Critical):

• Must have actively served and fought in either the Second World War (1939-1945) OR the Korean War (1950-1953)
• Must provide official proof of war service such as military certificates, discharge papers, service records, or official military documentation
• Service in other conflicts or wars does not qualify for this specific grant
• The military service must be verifiable through official government or military records

Age and Disability Requirements:

• Must be aged 60 years or older, OR
• Must have a permanent disability that prevents you from working (regardless of age, though in practice, most applicants are elderly, given the wars that occurred 70+ years ago)
• Veterans under 60 without disabilities do not qualify

Citizenship and Residency Requirements:

• Must be a South African citizen OR permanent resident
• Must be residing in South Africa at the time of application and throughout the grant period
• Refugees and asylum seekers do not qualify for the War Veteran Grant

Financial Requirements – Means Test (2026):

The War Veteran Grant requires applicants to pass a means test assessing income and assets:

Income Thresholds:

• Single veterans: Annual income must not exceed R107,880 (R8,990 per month)
• Married veterans: Combined annual income must not exceed R215,760 (R17,980 per month)

Asset Thresholds:

• Single veterans: Total assets cannot exceed R1,524,600
• Married veterans: Combined assets cannot exceed R3,049,200

Assets include property (excluding primary residence), savings, investments, vehicles, and outstanding loans owed to the applicant.

Additional Restrictions:

• Cannot be receiving any other social grant for yourself (though you can receive grants on behalf of children or dependents)
• Cannot be permanently cared for in a state-funded institution (those in state facilities receive only 25% of the grant amount)
• Cannot be receiving other forms of government financial assistance for personal use

Important Notes:

• Veterans who qualify for both the War Veteran Grant and the Old Age Grant can only receive one grant – typically the War Veteran Grant is chosen as it provides the same amount (R2,335) as the highest Old Age Grant tier
• Veterans can receive the War Veteran Grant alongside the Grant in Aid if they require full-time care, receiving a combined R2,895 per month (R2,335 + R560)

How to Apply

The War Veteran Grant application requires in-person attendance at a SASSA office with mandatory documentation proving military service.

Option 1: Apply at SASSA Offices (Standard Application)

Step 1: Gather Proof of War Service (Most Critical Document)

Before applying, you must obtain official documentation proving your military service:

Acceptable Proof of Service:

• Official military certificate of service
• Military discharge papers or discharge certificate
• Service record books or military identification documents
• Official letters from the Department of Defence or military archives confirming your service
• War medals or military honours with supporting documentation
• Any official military documentation showing you served in World War II (1939-1945) or the Korean War (1950-1953)

How to Obtain Service Records:

• Contact the Department of Defence (Military Veterans Affairs) at 012 355 6320
• Visit the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) archives
• Request service records from the Department of Military Veterans
• Contact Commonwealth War Graves Commission if you served with British Commonwealth forces
• Family members can request deceased veterans’ records for widow/dependant applications

Important: Without official proof of military service, your application will be automatically rejected. This is the most critical document required.

Step 2: Gather All Required Documents

Prepare all necessary documents before visiting SASSA (bring both originals and certified copies):

Personal Identification:

• Your 13-digit bar-coded South African ID document or Smart ID card
• If you’re a permanent resident: Your permanent residency permit
• If you don’t have an ID: Complete a SASSA standard affidavit form in the presence of an independent Commissioner of Oaths (not a SASSA official), plus bring a sworn statement from a reputable person (councillor, traditional leader, social worker, religious leader, or school principal) who can verify your identity

Military Documentation:

• Proof of war service (certificate of service, discharge papers, or military records) – MANDATORY
• Any documentation of war-related injuries or disabilities
• Military medals, honours, or commendations (supporting but not required)

Financial Documentation:

• Proof of income from all sources (pension slips, bank statements for last 3 months, investment statements)
• If married: Your spouse’s income documentation (payslips, pension slips, bank statements)
• Proof of assets and property ownership (property valuations, vehicle registration, investment certificates)
• If unemployed: UIF blue book or discharge certificate from previous employer

Marital Status Documentation:

• Marriage certificate if married
• Divorce decree if divorced
• Death certificate of spouse if widowed
• If widowed within last 5 years: Copy of spouse’s will and first and final liquidation and distribution accounts

Disability Documentation (if applying based on disability rather than age):

• Current medical report from a doctor confirming permanent disability
• Medical assessment report stating you’re unable to work due to disability
• The medical report must be dated within 3 months of application

Other Required Documents:

• Proof of residence (utility bill, lease agreement, or affidavit from traditional leader – not older than 3 months)
• Bank account details and recent bank statement (last 3 months)
• Alternatively, you can request SASSA card or Post Office payment

Step 3: Visit Your Nearest SASSA Office

• Locate your nearest SASSA office using www.sassa.gov.za or call 0800 60 10 11
• Visit during operating hours (Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM)
• Arrive early to avoid long queues, especially during the first week of the month
• Many veterans are very elderly – consider bringing a family member for assistance

Step 4: Complete the Application Process

• Request a War Veteran Grant application form at the Help Desk
• Complete the form accurately in the presence of a SASSA official who will assist you
• Due to the advanced age of most applicants, SASSA officials typically provide substantial assistance with form completion
• Submit all required documents (originals for verification, certified copies for SASSA records)
• SASSA will take your fingerprints for biometric verification
• Provide banking details for direct deposit or indicate alternative payment preference
• Receive a dated, stamped receipt with the SASSA official’s name – keep this as proof of application

Step 5: Verification Process

After submission, SASSA will:

• Verify your military service records with the Department of Defence and Military Veterans Affairs
• This verification is thorough and may take time as it involves cross-referencing historical military archives
• Verify your income and assets through SARS and financial institutions
• Confirm your identity with the Department of Home Affairs
• Assess whether you meet all eligibility criteria including the means test

Step 6: Application Processing

Applications typically take up to 3 months (90 days) to process. During this time:

• SASSA conducts comprehensive verification of your military service
• They assess your financial situation against means test thresholds
• They may contact you for additional documentation or clarification
• Historical records verification can sometimes take longer than other grant applications

Step 7: Receive Notification and Payment

• You’ll receive notification via SMS, mail, or at your SASSA office once approved or rejected
• If approved, payments are backdated to your application date
• You’ll receive all outstanding monthly payments from when you first applied
• Future payments will be made monthly on the War Veteran Grant payment date (same as Old Age Grant, typically the first Tuesday of each month)

Option 2: Assisted Application (For Very Elderly or Disabled Veterans)

Given that most war veterans are now in their 90s or older, assisted applications are common:

Family Member or Trusted Person Can Apply on Your Behalf:

• A family member, friend, or trusted person can apply for you if you’re too old, sick, or disabled to visit SASSA yourself
• They must bring a letter from your doctor explaining why you cannot travel to the office
• Alternatively, bring a personal letter from you stating you’re unable to attend due to your age or condition
• The appointed person must bring their own valid ID document
• All your required documents must still be submitted, including proof of military service
• The application form will be completed by your representative with SASSA official assistance

Power of Attorney:

• For ongoing assistance, you can grant Power of Attorney to a family member or trusted person
• This legal document allows them to apply for and manage your grant on your behalf
• Power of Attorney must be obtained from a lawyer or magistrate

Important for Assisted Applications:

• Proof of military service is still mandatory regardless of who submits the application
• SASSA may conduct a home visit to verify the veteran’s existence and condition
• The veteran should be available for potential verification visits

Online Services (Very Limited)

No Online Application Available: The War Veteran Grant cannot be applied for online. All applications must be submitted in person at SASSA offices because:

• Original military service documentation must be verified
• Biometric verification is required
• The complexity of historical records verification requires in-person processing
• Many applicants are very elderly and require personalized assistance

However, limited online services exist:

Check Application Status:

• Visit www.sassa.gov.za for general information
• Call the SASSA toll-free helpline: 0800 60 10 11
• Email inquiries to [email protected]

Find Information:

• Download informational guides from the SASSA website
• Locate your nearest SASSA office and contact details
• Access general eligibility requirements

Contact Military Veterans Affairs:

• Department of Military Veterans: www.dmv.gov.za
• Military Veterans helpline: 012 355 6320
• For assistance obtaining military service records

Payment Dates and Methods 2026

For January 2026, War Veteran Grant payments were made on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, following the same schedule as the Old Age Grant.

Payment Amount: R2,335 per month (as of 2026) – the highest grant amount available

Payment Methods:

1. Direct Bank Deposit (Highly Recommended for Elderly Veterans):
   • Money deposited directly into your verified bank account
   • Most secure and convenient option
   • Eliminates need to travel to collection points
2. SASSA Gold Card:
   • Use your SASSA card to withdraw cash at ATMs, participating retailers, or Post Office branches
   • Convenient for veterans who prefer cash
3. Cash at Pay Points:
   • Collect cash at designated SASSA payment points
   • May be challenging for very elderly or disabled veterans
4. Post Office:
   • Withdraw grant at Post Office branches nationwide
   • Staff can provide assistance to elderly beneficiaries

Appointing Someone to Collect on Your Behalf:

Given the advanced age of most war veterans, many appoint others to collect payments:

• Appoint a procurator at the SASSA office (temporary authorization for up to 3 months)
• Grant Power of Attorney to a family member (requires legal documentation)
• The appointed person must bring their own ID and your authorization letter

Annual Life Certificate Requirement:

If you receive payments through bank transfer or a procurator, you must complete an annual life certificate at a SASSA office to confirm:

• You’re still alive
• You still meet eligibility criteria
• The grant should continue

This requirement can be completed by a family member on your behalf with proper authorization.

Grant Reviews and Ongoing Eligibility

Your War Veteran Grant is subject to periodic reviews:

Review Frequency: SASSA reviews grants based on your financial circumstances and health status. You’ll typically be notified 3 months before a review is due.

What Happens During Reviews:

• SASSA reassesses your income and assets against current thresholds
• They verify you’re still alive and residing in South Africa
• They confirm you’re not receiving other social grants
• You may need to complete a life certificate
• Financial documentation may need updating

Mandatory Reporting Requirements:

You must immediately inform SASSA of any changes:

• Marital status changes (marriage, divorce, widowhood)
• Income or assets increase beyond thresholds
• You begin receiving another social grant
• Banking details change
• You relocate or change residence
• You’re admitted to a state-funded institution

When the Grant Ends:

The grant will be suspended or cancelled if:

• You pass away (family must notify SASSA immediately)
• Your income or assets exceed the means test thresholds
• You begin receiving another personal social grant
• You’re permanently admitted to a state institution
• Fraud or misrepresentation is discovered
• You no longer reside in South Africa

Transitioning or Combining Grants:

• War veterans can receive the Grant in Aid (R560 per month) in addition to the War Veteran Grant if they require full-time care, for a combined total of R2,895 per month
• Veterans cannot receive both the War Veteran Grant and the Old Age Grant simultaneously – you must choose one
• Veterans can receive grants on behalf of dependents, such as the Child Support Grant for grandchildren they’re raising

Support for War Veterans Beyond SASSA

Beyond the SASSA War Veteran Grant, additional support is available:

Department of Military Veterans (DMV):

• Provides additional services including housing assistance, healthcare support, and social services
• Contact: 012 355 6320 or visit www.dmv.gov.za
• Offers psycho-social support for veterans dealing with wartime trauma

Military Healthcare:

• Some veterans may qualify for healthcare services through military medical facilities
• Contact the Department of Defence for information on veteran healthcare benefits

War Veterans Associations:

• Organizations like the Memorable Order of Tin Hats (MOTH) and South African Legion provide community support, assistance, and camaraderie
• These organizations can help with grant applications and advocacy

Housing and Accommodation:

• The DMV may assist with housing or placement in care facilities for veterans in need
• Some veterans’ homes and care facilities exist specifically for war veterans

Related SASSA Grants

If you require full-time care due to advanced age or disability, apply for the Grant in Aid, which provides an additional R560 per month on top of your War Veteran Grant, for a total of R2,895 monthly.

War veterans raising grandchildren can apply for the Child Support Grant, receiving R530 per child per month in addition to the War Veteran Grant.

If you’re caring for a grandchild with severe disabilities, you can receive both the War Veteran Grant and the Care Dependency Grant (R2,320 per child) simultaneously.

Veterans who have formally fostered grandchildren through court orders can receive both the War Veteran Grant and the Foster Care Grant (R1,250 per child).

If you’re caring for multiple children, explore the Child Support Grant Top-Up for additional financial assistance beyond standard child support.

Veterans under 60 with permanent disabilities who don’t qualify for the War Veteran Grant based on age may instead apply for the Disability Grant, which provides R2,315 per month.

For unemployed family members caring for veterans, the SRD Grant R370 provides temporary monthly relief during periods of financial distress.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can children or grandchildren of war veterans apply for this grant? No, only the actual veteran who served in World War II or the Korean War can receive the grant. However, surviving spouses may qualify for widow’s benefits through other programs.

What if my father/grandfather served in the war but has passed away? The grant ends upon the veteran’s death. Surviving spouses should contact the Department of Military Veterans for information about widow/dependant benefits, though these are separate from the SASSA War Veteran Grant.

Can I receive both the War Veteran Grant and Old Age Grant? No, you can only receive one personal grant. However, both grants provide R2,335 for beneficiaries aged 75+, so the amounts are identical.

What if I served in other conflicts like the Border War or Angola? Unfortunately, only service in World War II (1939-1945) or the Korean War (1950-1953) qualifies for this specific grant. Contact the Department of Military Veterans about other potential benefits.

How long does the application take? Standard processing time is up to 3 months, though verification of historical military service records can sometimes take longer.

What if I lost my military service documents? Contact the Department of Military Veterans (012 355 6320) or the SANDF archives to request replacement service records or certificates.

Can refugees or asylum seekers who served in these wars apply? No, only South African citizens and permanent residents qualify for the War Veteran Grant.

What happens if my application is rejected? You have 90 days to lodge an appeal. Contact SASSA for the appeals process or write to the Minister of Social Development explaining your situation.

Can I work while receiving the War Veteran Grant? Yes, but your total income must remain below the means test threshold (R8,990 per month for single veterans).

Is the grant taxable? No, SASSA grants are not subject to income tax in South Africa.

Contact Information

SASSA:

• Toll-Free Number: 0800 60 10 11
• Email: [email protected]
• 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

Department of Military Veterans:

• Telephone: 012 355 6320
• Website: www.dmv.gov.za
• Email: [email protected]
• Physical Address: 223 Thabo Sehume Street (previously Andries Street), Pretoria

South African National Defence Force (SANDF) Archives:

• For obtaining military service records and historical documentation
• Contact through Department of Military Veterans

The War Veteran Grant stands as a profound symbol of South Africa’s gratitude to those who served their nation during two of history’s most devastating conflicts. These brave individuals, now in their twilight years, deserve every support the nation can provide. If you or a loved one served in World War II or the Korean War, ensure you apply for this grant to receive the recognition and financial assistance you’ve earned through your service and sacrifice.