South Africa · Older Persons Grant · Payment
Independent informational guide · Last reviewed July 2026
Here is an overview of how the Older Persons Grant is paid and what the application process generally involves.
Once an application is approved by SASSA, the Older Persons Grant is paid monthly for as long as the beneficiary continues to meet the eligibility requirements.
Amounts effective from April 2026. Eligibility and continued payment remain subject to SASSA assessment.
Who may qualify
According to the official criteria, an applicant must:
- ✓ Be a South African citizen, permanent resident or recognised refugee, living in South Africa
- ✓ Be 60 years or older
- ✓ Not already receive another social grant for themselves
- ✓ Not be cared for in a state institution
- ✓ Not earn more than R86,280 a year if single, or R172,560 a year if married
- ✓ Not have assets worth more than R1,227,600 if single, or R2,455,200 if married
How the money is paid
SASSA pays the Older Persons Grant through one of these methods, selected during the application or updated at any SASSA office:
How to apply — step by step
The Older Persons Grant is applied for in person at the nearest SASSA office. General steps:
- 1 Visit the nearest SASSA office with your 13-digit bar-coded ID (or complete the affidavit process if you don’t have one)
- 2 Bring proof of marital status, residence, income, assets, private pension (if any) and bank statements for the previous three months
- 3 Complete the application form in the presence of a SASSA officer (only the applicant or a SASSA official may complete it)
- 4 Keep the receipt you’re given as proof of application
If an applicant is too old or unwell to travel to a SASSA office, a family member or friend may apply on their behalf, bringing a letter and/or a doctor’s note explaining why they cannot attend in person.
Processing time and appeal
Processing an application may take up to three months. If approved, the grant is paid from the date of application. If the application is not approved, SASSA will state the reason in writing, and an applicant may appeal to the Minister of Social Development within 90 days of being notified.
Reviews and the annual life certificate
SASSA can decide to review a grant based on the income declared at the time of application, and will give at least three months’ notice before a review or before a life certificate is due. Anyone paid through a bank, an institution or a procurator must complete a life certificate at a SASSA office every year to confirm they are still alive and eligible.
Suspension and lapse
A grant may be suspended when circumstances change, following the outcome of a review, if the beneficiary does not cooperate with a review, or in cases of fraud, misrepresentation or an approval mistake.
The grant lapses when the beneficiary passes away, is admitted to a state institution, does not claim the grant for three consecutive months, or is absent from South Africa.
Continue with related information
For an overview comparing this grant with other South African social grants and unclaimed benefits, see the guide below.
SEE THE COMPLETE GRANTS GUIDE →Continues to a related article on this website
Frequently asked questions
Verify current information
Grant amounts, means test thresholds and procedures can change. Confirm important details through an official source before applying.
South African Government Older Persons Grant information → SASSA Services Portal grant information → Official 2026/2027 grant amounts and payment schedule →