What Is the SASSA Old Age Grant?

1. What Is the SASSA Old Age Grant (Older Persons Grant)?

The SASSA Old Age Grant is a monthly payment for people 60 years and older who meet specific residency and financial criteria, and are not receiving another adult social grant.

For many families, this grant is the main or only income in the household.

2. SASSA Old Age Grant Payment Dates for 2025 / 2026 Update

Official 2026 Payment Dates (Jan–Mar)

SASSA pays permanent grants on set dates every month. The pattern is: Older Persons Grants first, Disability Grants next, and Children’s Grants last.

Tip: You don’t have to withdraw on the exact day. Once the money is in your account or card, it stays there until you use it. Try to avoid the first morning rush – queues are usually shorter later in the day or the following days. Always check official SASSA announcements or your slip if there are strikes, load shedding or system issues; payment sequences sometimes shift slightly around holidays.

3. How Much Is the SASSA Old Age Grant in 2025?

The grant amount is updated from time to time (usually around April, and sometimes again later in the year) to help with inflation. For late 2025, the Older Persons Grant is roughly:

• Around R2,310–R2,320 per month for people aged 60–74
• Around R2,330–R2,340 per month for people aged 75 and older

Why the small range? Different announcements and budget updates during 2025 quote slightly different rounded amounts. The safest way to confirm is to check your latest payslip, SASSA status page, or ATM balance for the exact figure that applies to you.

• If you live in a fully government-funded institution (for example, certain state homes), your grant may be reduced.
• If you get a Grant-in-Aid (because you need full-time care), this is added on top of your Older Persons Grant.

4. Who Qualifies? – Full Eligibility Criteria (2025)

4.1 Age and residency

• Be 60 years or older.
• Live in South Africa.
• Be a South African citizen, permanent resident or refugee with valid documentation.

4.2 Means test: income and assets (2025)

SASSA uses a means test to decide if you really need the grant. They look at your income and what you own against official thresholds:

Income includes:

• Wages or salary (even part-time), Private or employer pension.
• Rental income, Interest and dividends.

Assets include:

• Property other than the house you live in (in many cases).
• Investments and savings, Vehicles and other significant assets.

Good to know: If you are slightly above the threshold, it’s still worth asking SASSA or a paralegal organisation for help.

4.3 Other conditions

You cannot receive another adult social grant (Old Age, Disability, War Veterans, etc.) at the same time or be cared for in a fully government-funded institution (where your grant may be reduced to 25%).

You must inform SASSA if your income/assets increase, your marital status changes, or if you move or leave South Africa for a long period.

5. Documents You Need in 2025

When you apply, take as many of these as you can, ensuring you have certified copies where possible:

• South African ID (smart ID card or green book). *If you don’t have one, you can apply with a temporary ID plus an affidavit/alternative documents – SASSA will guide you.*
• Proof of residence (recent utility bill, letter from traditional leader, landlord’s letter, or bank statement with address).
• Proof of income (Pension slips, Bank statements (usually last 3 months), Letter from employer if recently retrenched or retired).
• Proof of assets (Title deeds or bond statements, Vehicle registration papers, Investment or savings statements).
• Marital status documents (Marriage certificate, Divorce order, Spouse’s death certificate (if widowed)).
• Bank details (Stamped bank confirmation letter or bank statement if you want payment into a bank account).

If you can’t walk or are very ill, you can give written permission for a trusted person to apply on your behalf, plus a doctor’s note explaining why you cannot go yourself.

6. How to Apply for the SASSA Old Age Grant (Step by Step)

Most Older Persons Grant applications still need to be done in person at a SASSA office. Here’s how to make it as smooth as possible.

1. Step 1: Find your nearest SASSA office: Use regional SASSA contact details or helpline to find the closest office. Ask about mobile outreach days in rural areas.
2. Step 2: Go to the office (or send someone with permission): Take all your documents in a safe folder. Try to arrive early in the morning. Your representative must take their own ID plus your documents and doctor’s letter.
3. Step 3: Complete the application form: The SASSA officer will give you the form and help you fill it in. Make sure your contact number is correct.
4. Step 4: Submit documents and be interviewed: The officer checks your ID, income, assets, and marital status, and may ask short questions. If anything is missing, they may ask you to bring it later.
5. Step 5: Get a receipt: You must receive a receipt/proof of application – keep it safe.
6. Step 6: Wait for a decision (up to 3 months): If approved, your first payment is backdated to the month you applied (not the month you were approved).

7. How the Grant Is Paid (Payment Methods)

Once approved, you can choose how to receive your money:

• Direct bank deposit: Safest and most convenient. Money goes straight into your account on the payment date. You can withdraw when queues are quieter.
• SASSA/Postbank card: Works like a bank card. You can withdraw at ATMs, major retailers, or SAPO/Postbank points.
• Pay points (in certain areas): Cash pay points still exist in some rural or remote communities, but are being phased down.

Tip: You do not lose your grant if you don’t withdraw it on the exact payday. The money stays in your account/card until you use it.

8. How to Check Your Old Age Grant Status or Balance

You can check your status or balance using several official methods (the main channels in 2025 include):

• Online portal for SASSA services.
• USSD status check (dial the official SASSA code provided in current communications).
• WhatsApp chat with SASSA’s official number (send “Hi” and follow the prompts).
• Call centre – use the national toll-free SASSA number.
• ATM – Insert your SASSA/Postbank card and check your balance.
• In person at a SASSA office.

Always use only official SASSA channels and never share your PIN with anyone.

9. Why Grants Get Suspended, Lapsed or Reduced

9.1 Common reasons for suspension

• SASSA believes your income or assets increased and you no longer qualify.
• You failed to provide documents or attend a review.
• There is suspicion of fraud or misrepresentation.
• Your bank or Home Affairs records show conflicting information.
• You are receiving another conflicting grant.

9.2 When a grant lapses (ends completely)

• You pass away.
• You are absent from South Africa for too long without informing SASSA.
• You are fully admitted to and maintained by a state-funded institution (for example, certain long-term care facilities or prisons).

Often, SASSA must give you notice and reasons before suspension, and you have the right to challenge decisions.

10. Reviews: Keeping Your Grant Active

SASSA can review your grant from time to time to check if you still qualify. You may be asked to:

• Submit updated bank statements.
• Confirm your marital status.
• Confirm that you still live in South Africa.
• Provide updated proof if there were changes.

Don’t ignore review letters or SMSes. If you miss a review, your grant can be suspended, but you can usually fix it by responding quickly and providing what’s needed.

11. What If Your Old Age Grant Application Is Rejected?

If SASSA rejects your application, all is not lost. You have rights.

11.1 Step 1 – Get the reason in writing

Always ask SASSA to explain clearly why your application was rejected. Common reasons include: Income or assets above the means test, Documents incomplete or missing, Identity or residency issues, or Already receiving another social grant.

11.2 Step 2 – Ask for reconsideration

If you think SASSA made a mistake or misunderstood your situation: Ask for an internal reconsideration, correct any errors (wrong income, missing documents), and provide additional proof.

11.3 Step 3 – Appeal to the Independent Tribunal

If reconsideration fails, you can appeal to the Independent Tribunal for Social Assistance Appeals (ITSAA). You usually have 90 days from the rejection or reconsideration decision. The tribunal is independent and can overrule SASSA.

11.4 Step 4 – Legal support and NGOs

Seek free or low-cost help from Legal Aid South Africa, public interest law organisations, Community advice centres and paralegal offices, or Older persons’ rights NGOs. Courts have repeatedly confirmed that SASSA must follow fair procedures and respect people’s rights.

12. Your Rights at SASSA Offices

You are not begging – you are asserting a right that is recognised in law. When you visit a SASSA office, you have the right to:

• Be treated with dignity and respect.
• Receive clear information in a language you can understand.
• Ask questions about your application or payments.
• Receive written proof of your application or any decision.
• Ask for help if you cannot read or write.
• Be assisted if you have a disability or limited mobility.

If you are shouted at, ignored, or treated badly, you can: Ask to speak to a supervisor, Write down the name of the official, date and office, or Report it using SASSA’s complaints channels.

13. Practical Tips to Avoid Delays and Stress

A few small habits can make your SASSA life much easier:

• Keep documents together: Make a folder with copies of ID, marriage certificate, bank statements, etc.
• Update your phone number: SASSA uses SMS a lot – if your number changes and you forget to tell them, you can miss important messages.
• Check your bank balance around pay dates: If the grant is late, you’ll notice quickly and can follow up.
• Avoid loan sharks: They are illegal and can trap you in debt.
• Don’t hand your card and PIN to anyone, even family. Rather withdraw the money yourself or go with someone you trust while you still keep control of the card.

14. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. How long does it take to get approved?

Up to 3 months. If approved, you’ll be backpaid from the month you applied, not from the decision date.

2. Can I still work and receive the Old Age Grant?

Yes, you can work, but your total income must stay below the means test limits. If your income increases, you must tell SASSA; if you go over the thresholds, your grant may be reduced or stopped.

3. What if my spouse has income?

If married, SASSA looks at combined income and assets against the higher married thresholds. You might still qualify.

4. What if I move to live with my children in another province?

You must inform SASSA of your new address. As long as you still live in South Africa and meet the other criteria, your grant continues.

5. I missed three months of withdrawals – is my grant gone?

If you don’t collect for three consecutive months, SASSA may suspend it. You can usually ask for restoration or reapply with a good reason (illness, hospitalisation, travel, etc.).

6. Can I receive the Old Age Grant and SRD R370 at the same time?

No. Old Age Grant beneficiaries are excluded from the SRD grant, as SRD is only for people with no other social grants.

15. Final Thoughts

The SASSA Old Age Grant is one of the most important safety nets in South Africa. It’s there to honour the work and contribution older people have made over a lifetime, and to protect them from extreme poverty.

If you qualify (Are 60 or older, Live in South Africa, Have limited income and assets), make sure you:

• Apply with all your documents.
• Keep your information up to date.
• Use the 2025/2026 payment dates to plan your month.
• Stand up for your rights if something goes wrong.