SASSA Old Age Grant 2026 - Amount, Eligibility & How to Apply

If you are getting older and facing financial pressure, the Old Age Grant (also called the Older Persons Grant) is SASSA's monthly support for South Africans aged 60 and over. This guide covers everything in one place: the latest amount, who qualifies, the documents you need, the payment dates, and exactly how to apply.

Old Age Grant Amount (2026)

If you are 60 years or older, the maximum Old Age Grant is R2,400 per month. Once you turn 75, this increases to R2,420 per month. These amounts were confirmed in the SASSA media statement of 23 March 2026 (the April 2026 increase added R80).

Who Qualifies (Eligibility)

To qualify for the SASSA Old Age Grant you must:

• Be a South African citizen, permanent resident, or refugee living in South Africa
• Be 60 years of age or older
• Not be receiving another social grant for yourself
• Not be cared for in a state institution
• Pass the means test - if single, you must earn less than R86 280 a year; if married, you and your spouse together must earn less than R172 560 a year
• Not own assets worth more than R1 227 600 (single) or R2 455 200 (married)

The means test simply checks that your income and assets are below the limits above. Both you and your spouse are assessed.

Required Documents

Bring the following to your nearest SASSA office:

• Your 13-digit barcoded South African ID
• Proof of marital status (if applicable)
• Proof of residence
• Proof of income or any money you receive
• Proof of property or other assets, if any
• Proof of private pension, if any
• Bank statements for the last three months
• A discharge certificate from your last employer (if you were employed)
• UIF document (blue book) if you are unemployed
• A copy of the will if your spouse passed away in the last 5 years

No ID yet? Complete a SASSA affidavit in front of a commissioner of oaths (who must not be a SASSA worker), bring a signed statement from a trusted person (such as a councillor, minister or school principal) confirming your name and age, and SASSA will take your fingerprints and refer you to Home Affairs to apply for an ID. Your grant may be stopped if you do not get your ID in time.

Old Age Grant Payment Dates (2026/2027)

The Older Persons Grant is paid first each month - on the 2nd in most months. If the date falls on a weekend or public holiday, payment moves to the next working day. Here are the official Older Persons Grant payment dates for the 2026/2027 financial year:

Official source: SASSA media statement, 23 March 2026 - verify on SASSA News (Facebook).

How to Apply (Application Process)

Application forms for the Old Age Grant are not available online - you apply in person. Follow these steps:

1. Visit your nearest SASSA office and ask for the Older Persons Grant application form.
2. Bring all the required documents listed above.
3. Complete the form in the presence of a SASSA officer. Only you (the applicant) or a SASSA official may fill it in.
4. The officer will interview you and confirm whether you qualify.
5. Keep the receipt SASSA gives you - it is proof that you applied.

Can't get to the office? If you are sick, too old, or unable to travel, a family member or friend can apply on your behalf with a letter from you and a doctor's note explaining why you cannot come in person.

After You Apply

Processing usually takes up to 3 months. If your grant is approved, your payments are backdated to the day you applied. SASSA will send you a letter confirming whether you were approved or not, with a reason if it was declined. If you disagree, you can appeal to the Minister of Social Development within the stated time by explaining why you should receive the grant.

Reviews, Suspension and When the Grant Stops

SASSA can review your grant at any time and will usually send a letter three months before the review. Your grant may be suspended if your income rises, you do not cooperate with a review, you gave false information, or there was a mistake when it was approved. It will lapse if you pass away, are admitted to a state institution, do not collect it for three consecutive months, or leave the country long-term. If you are admitted to a state-funded institution, the grant is reduced to 25% of the full amount from the fourth month, and restored in full when you leave.

How You Receive Payment

• Cash at a specific pay point on your payment day
• Direct deposit into your bank account (the bank may charge a fee)
• Payment to an approved institution caring for you

If you cannot collect the money yourself, you can appoint a procurator at the SASSA office or give power of attorney to a trusted person to collect it for you.

Good to know: applying for the Old Age Grant is completely free. Never pay anyone to "help" you apply - SASSA does not charge a fee.