Older Persons Grant 2026: R2,400, and R2,420 From Age 75

Many South Africans call it the old age pension. SASSA calls it the Older Persons Grant. Whatever name you use, it is one of the most widely received grants in the country and one of the most misunderstood.

This article covers who qualifies, how much you get, and when you get paid.

Who qualifies

You qualify for the Older Persons Grant if you are a South African citizen or permanent resident, 60 years old or older, and meet the means test. You must not be receiving any other SASSA grant at the same time.

The age threshold is 60. There is no upper age limit.

How much is the grant?

From age 60 to 74, the Older Persons Grant is R2,400 a month.

When you turn 75, the amount increases to R2,420 a month. The increase is automatic. You do not need to apply for the higher rate or visit a SASSA office. SASSA updates your record when your age crosses the threshold.

The difference is R20 a month. It is not a large amount, but it applies from your 75th birthday without any action on your part.

The means test

The Older Persons Grant has a means test. SASSA checks your income and assets to decide whether you qualify.

The test looks at income from all sources. This includes any salary, pension, investments, rental income, and other regular money. It also looks at assets, though the home you live in is generally excluded.

If you live with a spouse or life partner, their income and assets can affect your application in some circumstances. SASSA looks at the household situation as part of the assessment.

The means test thresholds are updated periodically by the Department of Social Development. If you are close to the limit, check the current figures directly with SASSA before you apply. Contact them on 0800 60 10 11.

Documents you need to apply

Bring these to your nearest SASSA office when you apply:

• Your South African ID (green barcoded ID or Smart ID card)
• Proof of residence (a municipal account, a bank statement with your address, or a signed letter from a community leader if you do not have formal documents)
• Proof of any income, such as a bank statement or a pension letter
• Your marriage certificate if you are married
• Bank account details in your own name

If you do not have a bank account, SASSA can arrange payment via a SASSA card. You will receive the card at the time of approval.

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If you are turning 60 soon

You can apply before your 60th birthday. SASSA recommends applying within three months of turning 60 so that your first payment is not delayed. Bring your ID showing your date of birth.

If you already receive the Disability Grant and you are approaching 60, the Older Persons Grant replaces it when you turn 60. The monthly amount is the same at R2,400. SASSA will inform you about the transition. You do not need to apply separately.

How the annual payment schedule works

SASSA publishes an official payment schedule for the Older Persons Grant at the start of each financial year. The Department of Social Development releases it covering April through to March.

The schedule follows the same order every month:

1. Older Persons Grant is paid first.
2. Disability Grant is paid second, usually the following day.
3. Children’s Grants (Child Support, Foster Care, Care Dependency) are paid third.

This order explains why a family in the same house can be paid on different days. If one person receives the Older Persons Grant and another receives a Child Support Grant, their payment dates will differ. That is by design, not an error.

For the specific dates for each month, check MySRD’s grant payment date guide. MySRD is an independent information website and is not connected to SASSA or government. It publishes the official schedule as released by the Department of Social Development.

Does the money expire if you do not collect on the first day?

No. The money stays in your account. You do not lose it if you collect on day two or day three.

This is a common concern among beneficiaries and it is worth stating plainly. There is no penalty for collecting later in the payment window.

Do not pay anyone to hold your place or to release your grant early. No such service exists within SASSA’s system.

Banking details and scams to watch for

SASSA pays directly into a bank account in your own name. A joint account does not qualify. A family member’s account does not qualify.

If you need to change your banking details after approval, do it through SASSA directly. Payments pause while the new details are verified. This verification can take a few weeks and is normal.

SASSA will never contact you to ask for your banking PIN, your card number, or a one-time password. If anyone contacts you asking for these, do not give them. Report it to SASSA on 0800 60 10 11.

What to do if your grant stops or is delayed

If your Older Persons Grant stops without explanation, contact SASSA directly.

SASSA toll-free: 0800 60 10 11 SASSA WhatsApp: 082 046 8553

Grants can be suspended if SASSA cannot verify your bank account, if there is an outstanding identity check with Home Affairs, or if a review has been triggered. A suspension is not the same as a cancellation. In most cases, providing the required information resolves it.

Do not visit a SASSA office before calling. The toll-free number can tell you what is needed before you make the trip.