Older Persons Grant 2026/2027: Who May Qualify and How the Grant Works

South Africa · Older Persons Grant · SASSA

Independent informational guide · Last reviewed July 2026

South Africans aged 60 and older may be entitled to a monthly government grant, subject to SASSA’s assessment of the eligibility criteria.

The Older Persons Grant is a monthly payment from the South African government, provided through SASSA to support senior citizens who meet the eligibility criteria.

It is one of the higher-value social grants in the country. If you are 60 or older, or care for someone who is, it’s worth reviewing whether the criteria apply.

Amounts effective from April 2026.

Who may qualify

According to the official criteria, an applicant must:

• ✓ Be 60 years of age or older
• ✓ Be a South African citizen, permanent resident or recognised refugee, living in South Africa
• ✓ Have income and assets below the means test threshold
• ✓ Not be cared for in a state institution
• ✓ Not already be receiving another social grant for themselves

As a general reference, the current means test limits are R86,280 a year if single, or R172,560 a year if married; assets should not exceed R1,227,600 if single, or R2,455,200 if married. These thresholds are adjusted periodically, so it’s worth confirming the current figures with SASSA.

If a payment stops or is delayed

SASSA can review a grant based on the income declared at application, and gives at least three months’ notice before a review or before a life certificate is due. A grant may be suspended if circumstances change, if a review finds the beneficiary no longer qualifies, if the beneficiary does not cooperate with a review, or in cases of fraud or an approval error. Keeping personal and banking details up to date with SASSA helps avoid delays.

If the application is not approved

If an application is unsuccessful, SASSA will state the reasons in writing. An applicant who disagrees may appeal to the Minister of Social Development within 90 days of being notified. Processing may take up to three months, and the service is free.

Frequently asked questions