SASSA War Veterans Grant: Complete 2025 Guide for WWII & Korean War Veterans

Honouring military service: A guide to eligibility, means testing, and the application process.

The SASSA War Veterans Grant is a special grant designed to honour a small group of South Africans who served in World War II (1939–1945) or the Korean War (1950–1953) and who now need financial support in their older age or due to disability. This rare grant can make a significant difference every month.

This guide walks you through who qualifies, the 2025 means test limits, application steps, and how to access additional help like Grant-in-Aid.

1. What Is the SASSA War Veterans Grant?

This is a monthly social grant paid to men and women who fought in WWII or the Korean War, are now 60 years or older or medically disabled, and cannot support themselves financially. It includes an extra amount in recognition of their military service.

2. Who Qualifies for the SASSA War Veterans Grant?

2.1 Basic eligibility

  • Must be a South African citizen or permanent resident, living in South Africa.
  • Must be 60 years or older, or medically disabled.
  • Must have fought in World War II or the Korean War.
  • Must meet the means test (income and assets below the limit).
  • Cannot be receiving any other social grant in your own name (e.g., Old Age Grant).

2.2 Means test (income and assets) – updated for 2025

The War Veterans Grant is means-tested. SASSA checks your annual income and total assets. These thresholds were updated on 1 April 2025:

Applicant Status Maximum Annual Income Maximum Assets Value
Single person R107,880 R1,524,600
Married couple (combined) R215,760 R3,049,200

3. How Much Is the SASSA War Veterans Grant in 2025?

The War Veterans Grant is slightly higher than the standard Old Age Grant.

Maximum 2025 Grant Amounts:

  • From 1 April 2025: Approximately R2,330 per month.
  • From 1 October 2025: Approximately R2,340 per month (after an additional small increase).

Note: Due to the sliding scale, if you have income under the limit, your grant amount may be slightly reduced.

4. Documents You Need for a War Veterans Grant Application

You must bring official proof of identity, service, income, and circumstances:

Mandatory Proofs

  • Proof of Military Service: Certificate of service (WWII or Korean War).
  • Identity: 13-digit SA ID or permanent residence permit.
  • Income/Assets: Recent bank statements (3 months), pension slips, or investment proof.

Conditional Proofs

  • Disability: Recent medical report from a SASSA-designated doctor.
  • Marital Status: Marriage/Divorce/Death certificate or sworn affidavit.
  • Representative: If applying for the veteran, your ID and written authorisation (with doctor’s note).

5. How to Apply for the SASSA War Veterans Grant

This grant requires an in-person application at a SASSA office due to the nature of the verification needed.

  1. Go to your nearest SASSA office: If you are too frail or ill, you may send a trusted family member with a doctor’s note, or request a home visit.
  2. Ask for the War Veterans Grant form: An official will assist you in completing the form. Applications are free.
  3. Submit the form and documents: Hand in the completed form and all supporting documents.
  4. Get a stamped receipt: This receipt is crucial proof of your application date. Keep it safe.
  5. Wait for assessment and outcome: Processing can take up to 3 months. If approved, payment is back-paid from the date you applied.

6. Payment Methods & 7. 2025 Dates

Payment Options

  • Direct bank deposit: Paid into your personal bank account (recommended).
  • Cash at pay points: At certain SASSA pay points or Postbank-linked outlets.
  • Institutional payment: If you stay in a registered care facility, they may manage the funds.

Payment Dates

The War Veterans Grant is paid on the same day as the Older Persons Grant each month.

Example: For November 2025, War Veterans Grants are paid on 3 November 2025.

Always check the latest monthly payment calendar from SASSA, as dates change monthly.

8. Reviews, Suspension and Lapsing of the Grant

Suspension Reasons

  • Income/assets rise above the means test.
  • You do not provide review documents.
  • You move into a fully state-funded institution.
  • Grant is not collected for three consecutive months.

Lapsing (Ending Permanently)

  • The veteran passes away.
  • The veteran permanently moves out of South Africa.
  • The veteran is admitted permanently to a fully state-funded institution.

9. Appeal Declined Grant & 10. Restore Suspended Grant

If Declined (Appeal):

If declined, first get the written reason from SASSA. Then, ask for reconsideration. If still refused, you can appeal to the Independent Tribunal (ITSAA) in writing, usually within 90 days.

If Suspended (Restore):

If suspended due to missed documents or collections, contact your local SASSA office immediately. Provide the missing information and request restoration within 90 days of suspension.

11. Extra Help: Grant-in-Aid for Full-Time Care

Grant-in-Aid Eligibility:

If you already receive the War Veterans Grant and require full-time attendance by another person due to frailty or health, you may qualify for this additional small monthly amount to help pay your caregiver.

12. Quick FAQs: SASSA War Veterans Grant

1. How much is the War Veterans Grant in 2025?

Maximum is about R2,340 per month by late 2025 (subject to income sliding scale).

2. Can I apply online?

For most applicants, you still apply in person at a SASSA office for verification.

3. How long does approval take?

It can take up to 3 months. If approved, you will be paid from the date you applied.

Honouring Service

This grant is a special recognition of service in the World Wars and the Korean War. If you or a family member meets the criteria, ensure you have all military service proofs ready before visiting the SASSA office.

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