SASSA Old Age Grant: Amount, Eligibility and Status

The SASSA old age grant, officially the older person’s grant, pays R2,400 a month to South Africans aged 60 to 74 and R2,420 to those aged 75 and older (from April 2026). You qualify if you’re 60 or older, live in South Africa, and your income is below R9,350 a month (R18,700 for a married couple). You apply for free at a SASSA office. The grant is paid on the first payment day each month: Friday 30 October for November 2026 and Wednesday 2 December for December.

Last updated: 27 October 2026 · By N Chris · Independent guide, not SASSA

On this page: Amount 2026 · Who qualifies · Means test · How to apply · Status check · Payment dates · Getting paid · Keep your grant · FAQ

How much is the SASSA old age grant in 2026?

The increase of R85 started on 1 April 2026 and is paid automatically. Your amount may be lower than the maximum if you have other income, because the grant is reduced on a sliding scale as income gets closer to the limit. If you need someone to care for you full time, you can also apply for the grant-in-aid of R580 a month. See all grants on our SASSA grant amounts page.

Who qualifies for the old age grant?

• You are 60 or older.
• You are a South African citizen, permanent resident or refugee, and you live in South Africa.
• You pass the means test for income and assets (see below).
• You don’t receive another social grant for yourself, such as a disability grant. At 60, a disability grant changes into an older person’s grant automatically.
• You don’t live in a state-funded institution. If you’re in a state old age home or hospital for a long time, the grant can be reduced.

You can still get a child support grant for grandchildren in your care on top of your own grant. Our guide to the SASSA child support grant explains how.

Old age grant means test 2026

These are the limits from April 2026, as SASSA explained in May 2026 (Alberton Record). The house you live in isn’t counted as an asset. A private pension, rental income or a spouse’s salary is counted as income, so tell SASSA about all of it.

How to apply for the SASSA old age grant

1. Go to your nearest SASSA office. You can apply from your 60th birthday.
2. Take your 13-digit ID or smart ID card. If you’re married, also take your spouse’s ID and your marriage certificate (or a divorce order or death certificate if that applies).
3. Take proof of income and assets: bank statements for the last three months, a pension or annuity letter, or a sworn statement if you have no income.
4. Fill in the form with a SASSA official. Your fingerprints and photo are taken.
5. Keep the receipt. It shows the date you applied.
6. Wait for SASSA’s letter, usually within three months. If you’re approved, you’re paid from the date you applied.

If you’re too frail to go yourself, a family member can help with a letter from you and a doctor’s note, and you can ask SASSA about a home visit. Applying is free, so never pay anyone in a queue who offers to “speed it up”.

SASSA old age grant status check

There’s no separate website for checking the older person’s grant like the SRD status page. To check your application or a missing payment:

• Call 0800 60 10 11 with your ID number and receipt reference.
• WhatsApp the official line, 082 046 8553.
• Visit the SASSA office where you applied.
• Once you’re paid, check your bank statement or balance on your pay day.

All official numbers and regional offices are on our SASSA contact details page.

Old age grant payment dates

Older persons are always paid first each month. For November 2026, SASSA moved the date earlier because of the local government elections on 4 November: older persons are paid on Friday 30 October (SAnews, 15 October 2026). That payment is your November grant, so there won’t be another one in early November. December’s payment is on Wednesday 2 December. Some websites still show 3 November, which was the date before SASSA changed it.

See every month on our SASSA payment dates page. You don’t need to collect on the first morning: the money stays in your account.

Getting paid: bank account or Postbank card

• Your own bank account: the grant is paid in on your pay day. You use your normal card.
• Postbank black card: the old SASSA gold cards were replaced, with a swap deadline of 31 August 2026. Use the black card at ATMs or participating stores. Postbank’s helpline is 0800 53 54 55. See how to check your SASSA card balance.
• Changing how you’re paid: do it at a SASSA office with your ID and proof of the new account. It can’t be done on the SRD website.

How to keep your grant: reviews and life certificates

Older people are often selected for grant reviews and life certification. If you get an SMS, respond within the time given, otherwise your grant can be suspended. Life certification can be done once a year online through e-Life Certification or at a SASSA office. If you’re paid on the separate “fourth payment day”, it’s a sign SASSA wants to see you. Our grant review guide explains each step.

Stay safe on pay day

• Never give anyone your card PIN, even someone offering to help at the ATM.
• SASSA doesn’t sell funeral policies or loans. Ask SASSA about any deduction you don’t recognise.
• Don’t sign documents from strangers who say they’ll “update” your grant.

Frequently asked questions