SASSA Older Persons Grant
The Old Age Grant, also called the SASSA Older Persons Grant, is a monthly social grant for qualifying people in South Africa who are 60 years or older.
This guide explains the current amount, who qualifies, what documents may be needed, how to apply, how payments work and where to confirm official information.
Old Age Grant Quick Answer
The Old Age Grant is for qualifying people who are 60 years or older, live in South Africa, meet the SASSA means test, are not maintained in a state institution and do not already receive another social grant for themselves.
From April 2026, the Older Persons Grant is R2,400 per month. People aged 75 and older receive R2,420 per month.
Official references: gov.za old age pension page and SASSA grants information portal.
Old Age Grant Amount
The Older Persons Grant amount depends on the beneficiary’s age group. The standard amount applies from age 60, while the higher older-person amount applies from age 75.
| Age Group | Monthly Amount | What It Means |
|---|---|---|
| 60 to 74 years | R2,400 | Standard Older Persons Grant amount from April 2026. |
| 75 years and older | R2,420 | Higher Older Persons Grant amount for beneficiaries aged 75+. |
Grant amounts can change after official budget or SASSA announcements. Always confirm important payment information through official channels.
Who Qualifies for the Old Age Grant?
The Old Age Grant is not only based on age. SASSA also checks residence, citizenship or legal status, income, assets, other grants and whether the person is cared for in a state-funded institution.
Old Age Grant Means Test
The Old Age Grant means test is used to check whether the applicant has enough income or assets to support themselves without the grant. It is one of the most important checks in the application process.
SASSA looks at the applicant’s income and assets. If the applicant is married, the spouse’s income and assets are also considered. This means a person can be old enough to apply, but still not qualify if the means test is not met.
The means test can include information such as regular income, pension income, property, savings and other assets. SASSA may ask for documents or sworn statements to confirm the applicant’s financial position.
The official SASSA Older Persons Grant guide explains that social assistance is subject to means testing and that income and assets are evaluated before a grant is approved.
Documents You May Need
SASSA may ask for documents that confirm identity, marital status, income, assets, residence and banking information. The exact documents can depend on the applicant’s situation.
- South African ID document or accepted identity document.
- ID document of your spouse, if married.
- Proof of marital status, such as a marriage certificate, divorce order or spouse’s death certificate where relevant.
- Proof of income and assets for you and your spouse, where relevant.
- Proof of residence, where requested.
- Banking details or payment method information.
- Any extra documents SASSA requests during the application.
How to Apply for the Old Age Grant
The safest route is to apply through SASSA or an official SASSA services channel. Application forms are not something you should buy from strangers or download from unofficial “approval” agents.
- Confirm that you are 60 or older and live in South Africa.
- Prepare your identity, income, marital, residence and banking documents.
- Apply through a SASSA office or the official SASSA services portal where available.
- Keep the receipt or proof of application.
- Respond if SASSA asks for more documents or verification.
- Wait for the application outcome in writing.
Official online services are available through the SASSA services portal.
How Long Does the Old Age Grant Take?
A SASSA grant application can take time because the agency must check the applicant’s identity, documents, financial position and qualifying rules.
If the application is approved, SASSA may pay the grant from the date of application. If the application is rejected, the applicant should be informed in writing and can follow the official reconsideration or appeal process where applicable.
Old Age Grant Payment Schedule
Older persons grants are normally paid first in SASSA’s monthly permanent grant payment cycle. Disability grants and children’s grants usually follow after older persons grants.
Use the SASSA payment dates page to check the full 2026/27 payment calendar.
Old Age Grant and Grant-in-Aid
Some older persons grant beneficiaries may need regular care from another person because they cannot care for themselves. In that situation, Grant-in-Aid may be relevant.
Grant-in-Aid is not a replacement for the Old Age Grant. It is extra support linked to a qualifying main grant, such as the Older Persons Grant, Disability Grant or War Veterans Grant.
Reviews, Suspension and Lapsing
SASSA can review a grant to confirm that the beneficiary still qualifies. A review may look at income, assets, personal circumstances and whether the beneficiary is still entitled to receive the grant.
A grant can be suspended or lapse if circumstances change, if false information was supplied, if review requirements are not met, if the beneficiary is admitted to a state institution, or if other official rules apply.
Common Old Age Grant Problems
Official Old Age Grant Links
Use official sources when checking rules, applications or updated amounts.
More SASSA Grant Guides
This page is part of the wider SASSA grants guide. Use that hub to compare the Older Persons Grant with disability, child support, foster child, care dependency, grant-in-aid, war veterans and SRD grant guides.
Old Age Grant FAQs
What age qualifies for the Old Age Grant?
You must be 60 years or older to apply for the Old Age Grant.
How much is the Old Age Grant?
From April 2026, the grant is R2,400 per month for ages 60 to 74 and R2,420 per month for people aged 75 and older.
Can I get the Old Age Grant and SRD R370 together?
SRD R370 is generally for people who do not receive another social grant for themselves. If you receive the Older Persons Grant, SRD is normally not the correct route.
Does the Old Age Grant have a means test?
Yes. The applicant and spouse, if married, must meet the SASSA means test. SASSA checks income and assets to decide whether the applicant qualifies.
Where do I apply for the Older Persons Grant?
Apply through SASSA or the official SASSA services route where available. You can also ask SASSA directly if you need help with documents or application steps.
Can SRDTool.com approve an Old Age Grant?
No. SRDTool.com is independent and cannot approve, decline, process, pay or speed up any SASSA grant.
Independent Disclaimer
SRDTool.com is independent and is not affiliated with SASSA, DSD or any South African government department. Official Old Age Grant applications, approvals, reviews, payments and records are controlled by official SASSA and government systems.