Older Persons Grant
The Older Persons Grant is South Africa’s old age pension — a monthly payment from SASSA for residents aged 60 and over who need financial support in later life. This guide explains what the grant is, who qualifies, how much you receive, the documents you need, how to apply, and how to keep your grant once it is approved — all in plain language.
Last updated: May 2026 · Source: South African Government (gov.za) · National Treasury Budget
What the Older Persons Grant Is
The Older Persons Grant, still widely known as the old age pension, is paid by the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) to people who are 60 years or older and can no longer support themselves through work. It is one of the country’s largest social grants, and for many older South Africans it is their main source of monthly income. The grant is paid for life, as long as you continue to meet the requirements, and it is funded by national government rather than by any contributions you made while working.
Who Qualifies
To receive the grant you must be 60 years of age or older, and you must be a South African citizen, permanent resident or recognised refugee living in South Africa. You cannot receive the grant if you are already receiving another social grant for yourself, or if you are being cared for in a state institution.
The grant is also means-tested, which means SASSA looks at both your income and the value of your assets to decide whether you qualify, and the limits are different for single and married applicants. Because these income and asset limits are set in regulations and adjusted from time to time, always confirm the current figures with SASSA or on the official gov.za service page before you apply.
How Much You Get
If you are between 60 and 74 years old, the grant pays R2,400 a month. Once you turn 75, this rises to R2,420 a month, and the increase happens automatically — you do not need to reapply. SASSA can pay you in one of three ways: an electronic deposit into your bank or Postbank account, cash collected at an approved pay point on a set day, or a payment to the institution that cares for you.
There is one important reduction to be aware of. If you are admitted to a state institution that has a contract with government to care for you, your grant is reduced to 25% of the full amount from the fourth month after you are admitted. The full amount is restored immediately from the date you are discharged.
How to Apply
You apply in person at your nearest SASSA office, where an officer will help you complete the form and tell you whether you qualify. You will need your 13-digit bar-coded ID, proof of residence and marital status, proof of your income and assets, proof of any private pension, and your bank statements for the past three months. Applying is free, it can take up to three months to process, and if approved you are paid from the date you first applied. If your application is turned down, you have 90 days to appeal to the Minister of Social Development. Our How to Apply for a SASSA Grant page covers the full document list and process.
Keeping Your Grant
Once your grant is approved, SASSA may review it from time to time, based on the income you declared when you applied. You will be told about three months in advance of a review or of the date a life certificate is due. If you are paid through a bank, an institution or a procurator, you must complete a life certificate at a SASSA office every year to confirm you are still alive and eligible.
Your grant can be suspended if your circumstances change, if a review goes against you, if you do not co-operate with a review, if you commit fraud, or if it turns out the grant was approved in error. It will lapse if you pass away, are admitted to a state institution, are out of the country, or do not collect it for three months in a row.
Frequently Asked Questions
At what age can I get the old age pension?
You can apply once you turn 60. There is no separate, higher age requirement — but the amount goes up when you reach 75.
How much is the Older Persons Grant?
It is R2,400 a month from age 60 to 74, and R2,420 a month from age 75 onwards.
Does it cost anything to apply?
No. Applying is completely free, and you should never pay anyone to apply on your behalf or to speed it up.
Can someone apply for me if I am too ill to go?
Yes. A family member or friend can apply for you with a letter from you and, where needed, a doctor’s note explaining why you cannot visit the office.
📋 Verified — Official sources: gov.za (older person’s grant) · National Treasury Budget (SAnews)
⚠️ This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. KnowMyGovt is not affiliated with SASSA nor the South African government. Always confirm current requirements and amounts on the official SASSA channels or gov.za.
