South Africa · Older Persons Grant · Eligibility
Independent informational guide · Last reviewed 4 July 2026
South Africans aged 60 or older may qualify for the SASSA Older Persons Grant if they meet the residence, means-test and other eligibility requirements.
Age alone does not guarantee approval. SASSA assesses the applicant’s citizenship or immigration status, residence, income, assets, marital circumstances, institutional care and receipt of other social grants.
What is the Older Persons Grant?
The Older Persons Grant is a social grant administered by the South African Social Security Agency for eligible people aged 60 or older.
It was previously commonly called the old-age pension. It is different from a private pension or retirement fund connected to previous employment.
A person does not need to have worked in the formal sector to apply. However, not having employment income or a private pension does not by itself guarantee approval.
How much is the grant in 2026?
From April 2026, the published maximum standard amount is R2,400 per month.
The current South African Government service page lists R2,420 per month for a recipient older than 75 years.
Main eligibility requirements
SASSA assesses each application individually. The main published requirements are:
- ✓ Be 60 years of age or older.
- ✓ Be a South African citizen, permanent resident or recognised refugee.
- ✓ Reside in South Africa.
- ✓ Meet the applicable means test for income and assets.
- ✓ Not receive another main social grant in respect of yourself.
- ✓ Not be maintained or cared for in a state-funded institution when applying.
How the means test works
The means test is a financial assessment of the applicant’s income and assets. When the applicant is married, the spouse’s income and assets are also considered.
Information that may be considered includes:
- ✓ Employment income or recent payslips.
- ✓ Private pensions and retirement annuities.
- ✓ Bank balances, investments and fixed deposits.
- ✓ Shares, endowment policies and invested lump sums.
- ✓ Property and other relevant assets.
- ✓ Permissible deductions such as tax, UIF, medical aid and certain pension contributions.
Official government documents currently display different numerical means-test limits. Confirm the limits in force with SASSA before relying on a specific rand amount.
Documents commonly requested
The exact documents depend on the applicant’s circumstances. Current official guidance includes:
- ✓ Certified copy of a valid 13-digit barcoded ID, or alternative identification accepted by SASSA.
- ✓ Identification for the spouse when the applicant is married.
- ✓ Valid Section 24 refugee permit when applying as a recognised refugee.
- ✓ Proof of marital status, including a marriage certificate, divorce order, spouse’s death certificate or relevant affidavit.
- ✓ Latest payslips, not older than three months, where applicable.
- ✓ Three months of statements for all active bank accounts held by the applicant and spouse.
- ✓ Bank confirmation for the account intended to receive payment.
- ✓ Proof of income, private pension, investments, assets and applicable deductions.
- ✓ Proof of residence or other additional information when requested during screening.
Keep copies of every document submitted and retain the application receipt or reference information.
What if the applicant cannot visit a SASSA office?
If an applicant is too old or ill to travel, an authorised family member or friend may be able to assist with the application.
The representative should take a letter from the applicant and/or a medical note explaining why the applicant cannot attend. Contact SASSA before travelling to confirm the documents required in the individual case.
Procurator arrangements
A beneficiary who cannot apply for, collect or manage the grant independently may appoint a procurator through a formal Power of Attorney process.
The appointment is not created merely because a relative helps the person. SASSA may require identity documents, the Power of Attorney form, a life certificate, affidavits and medical or social-worker evidence.
Why an application may be unsuccessful
A refusal does not necessarily mean that the applicant can never qualify. It does mean that the exact written reason should be obtained before deciding what to do next.
Possible issues include:
- × The applicant does not meet the age, residence or immigration-status requirement.
- × Income or assets exceed the applicable means-test limits.
- × The applicant receives another main social grant for themselves.
- × Required documents are missing, incomplete or cannot be verified.
- × Information about income, assets, marital status or identity is inconsistent or incomplete.
- × The applicant is maintained or cared for in a state-funded institution.
Appeal or submit a new application?
An appeal may be appropriate when:
The applicant believes SASSA made an incorrect decision based on the information and circumstances that existed when the application was assessed.
An appeal for an ordinary social grant must be submitted within 90 days of receiving notification of the unsuccessful decision.
A new application may be relevant when:
The applicant’s financial, residential, marital or immigration circumstances have materially changed, or SASSA specifically advises that a new application is required.
Reviews and suspended payments
The Older Persons Grant does not have a fixed expiry date while the beneficiary remains eligible. However, approval does not guarantee uninterrupted payment for life.
SASSA may review the grant to confirm that personal, residential and financial information remains accurate.
A grant may be suspended or affected because of:
- × Failure to cooperate with a review or verification process.
- × Changes in marital status, residence, income, assets or other relevant circumstances.
- × Improved financial circumstances that make the beneficiary ineligible.
- × Failure to provide required or missing documents.
- × Misrepresentation, fraudulent activity or approval made in error.
- × Failure to claim or collect the grant for the applicable period.
This website cannot check whether an individual grant is active. Contact SASSA for an account-specific enquiry.
How to apply
An applicant can visit the nearest SASSA office with the required documents. The official SASSA Services Portal can also be used to review available services and grant information.
- 1 Review the age, residence, immigration-status and means-test requirements.
- 2 Gather identification, marital, banking, income and asset documents.
- 3 Visit a SASSA office or check the official portal for available services.
- 4 Complete the application with a SASSA official and answer the screening questions accurately.
- 5 Keep the application receipt, reference information and copies of the documents submitted.
Processing may take up to three months. If approved, the grant is generally payable from the valid application date.
Review available services through the official SASSA Services Portal.
Frequently asked questions
Official sources
Grant amounts, means-test limits and administrative procedures can change. Confirm important information through an official channel before applying or travelling.
- South African Government — Older Persons Grant
- SASSA Services Portal — Grant information
- SASSA Services Portal — Online services
- Department of Social Development — 2026/2027 grant increases
- Department of Social Development — You and Your Grant 2026
- SASSA official contact details
Grants enquiry email: GrantsEnquiries@sassa.gov.za