SASSA Old Age Grant 2026: Who Qualifies, Amount and How to Apply

Last updated: 16 October 2026

The SASSA Old Age Grant gives monthly support to South Africans aged 60 and older who have little income. Its official name is the Older Person’s Grant. This guide covers who qualifies, how much it pays in 2026 and how to apply.

Wiz Admissions is an independent website. We are not linked to SASSA or the Department of Social Development.

What Is the SASSA Old Age Grant?

It is a monthly social grant for older people. Many people still call it the “old age pension”.

SASSA pays the grant. It is meant for older people who cannot fully support themselves.

You do not need to have worked or paid tax to get it. It is not the same as a private or company pension.

How Much Is the Old Age Grant in 2026?

Grant amounts went up on 1 April 2026, after the February 2026 national Budget.

The amount you get can be lower than the maximum. This depends on your income and assets under the means test.

What about the Grant-in-Aid?

If you need someone to care for you full-time, you may also qualify for the Grant-in-Aid. It is paid on top of your Old Age Grant. Ask SASSA about it when you apply.

If you move into a care home

If you are admitted to a state-funded care institution, the grant is reduced. It drops to 25% of the maximum from the fourth month. The full amount is restored from the date you leave.

Who Qualifies for the Old Age Grant?

You must meet all of these rules:

• You are 60 years or older.
• You are a South African citizen, permanent resident or refugee.
• You live in South Africa.
• You do not receive another social grant for yourself.
• You are not cared for in a state institution.
• You pass the means test. If you are married, your spouse’s income and assets count too.

How the Means Test Works

The means test checks whether your income and assets are below set limits. There are separate limits for single and married people.

What counts as income

• Salary or wages, if you still work.
• Private or company pensions.
• Rental income.
• Interest and dividends.

What counts as assets

• Property, except the home you live in.
• Savings and investments.
• Shares and other valuable items.

The limits are usually updated each year when grants increase. Published figures for 2026 do not all agree, so we have not listed them here. Ask SASSA or call 0800 60 10 11 for the current limits before you apply.

If you are close to the limit, still apply. SASSA does the calculation. You may qualify for a partial grant.

Documents You Need

Take originals and copies where possible.

• Your 13-digit barcoded ID or smart ID card.
• Proof of marital status, if married, divorced or widowed.
• Proof of where you live.
• Proof of income, including any private pension.
• Proof of assets, including property values.
• Bank statements for the last three months.
• Your UIF “blue book” or discharge certificate, if you used to work.
• If your spouse died in the last five years: their will and estate accounts, where these exist.

No ID?

You can still start the process. You will need a sworn statement on a SASSA form, made before a Commissioner of Oaths who is not a SASSA official. You also need a statement from a reputable person who knows you, and your fingerprints will be taken.

SASSA will refer you to Home Affairs to get an ID. The grant can be suspended until you have one.

How to Apply for the Old Age Grant (Step by Step)

1. Gather your documents. Use the list above.
2. Go to your nearest SASSA office. Forms are not available online. You get them at the office.
3. Complete the form with an official. Only you or a SASSA officer may fill it in.
4. Do the interview. The officer asks questions about your income and situation.
5. Keep your receipt. It proves the date you applied. Keep it safe.
6. Wait for the outcome. SASSA will let you know if you are approved or refused.

SASSA also runs an online services portal at services.sassa.gov.za. Check there whether online applications are available for your grant.

If you are too old or ill to travel

A family member or friend can apply for you. They must bring a letter from you and/or a doctor’s note explaining why you cannot come.

How the Grant Is Paid

You can choose how to receive your money:

• Bank account. Paid into your own bank account. Your bank may charge fees.
• Cash pay point. Collected on a set day.
• Institution. Paid to a care home where you live.
• Procurator. Someone you appoint through SASSA collects for you.

Older people’s grants are usually paid first each month. See our SASSA Payment Dates page for this month’s dates.

To switch to a different bank, read our guide on how to change SASSA banking details.

How Long Does It Take?

Processing can take up to three months. If you are approved, payment is backdated to the date you applied.

That is why your receipt matters. It proves your application date.

Keeping Your Grant Active

• Life certificate. If paid through a bank, institution or procurator, you must confirm yearly that you are alive.
• Reviews. SASSA may review your grant. You get three months’ notice.
• Report changes. Tell SASSA if your income, address or marital status changes.
• Collect your money. The grant lapses if you do not claim it for three months in a row.

If Your Application Is Refused

SASSA must tell you in writing why it refused your grant. You can appeal to the Minister of Social Development within 90 days of being notified.

Read our full guide on the SASSA appeal process.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Not bringing three months of bank statements.
• Hiding income or assets. Misrepresentation is a reason SASSA can suspend a grant.
• Losing the application receipt.
• Waiting until 61 or 62 to apply. Apply once you turn 60.
• Letting someone else keep your SASSA card and PIN.

Scam Warning

Older people are often targeted by grant scams. Protect yourself:

• Applying is free. Do not pay anyone to “help” you apply.
• Never give your card PIN to anyone, including people at pay points.
• SASSA will not ask for your PIN or card CVV by phone or SMS.
• Be careful of strangers offering to help at ATMs.
• Ignore messages offering loans “against” your grant from unknown people.

Frequently Asked Questions

At what age can I get the SASSA Old Age Grant?

From 60 years old, if you meet the other rules and pass the means test.

How much is the Old Age Grant in October 2026?

R2,400 a month for people aged 60 to 74. People over 75 get R2,420 a month. These amounts apply from April 2026.

Can I get the grant if I have a small private pension?

Possibly. Your pension counts as income in the means test. You may still get a full or partial grant.

Can I apply online?

Most people apply at a SASSA office. Check services.sassa.gov.za to see what can be done online.

Can I get the Old Age Grant and the SRD grant together?

No. You cannot receive two grants for yourself at the same time.

Related Guides

• SASSA Payment Dates
• SASSA Appeal 2026: How to Appeal a Declined SRD or Grant Application
• How to Change SASSA Banking Details (SRD and Grants)
• Funeral Cover in South Africa

Conclusion

The Old Age Grant pays up to R2,400 a month, or R2,420 if you are over 75. Apply at your nearest SASSA office once you turn 60.

Bring every document, keep your receipt and never share your PIN. If you are refused, you have 90 days to appeal.

Disclaimer: Wiz Admissions is an independent information website. We are not affiliated with SASSA or the Department of Social Development. Always confirm amounts and rules with SASSA directly.