SASSA Old Age Pension 2026: Eligibility, Amounts & Payment Dates

The SASSA Older Persons Grant, commonly called the Old Age Pension, is a monthly payment from the South African government to citizens and permanent residents aged 60 and older. It is the most widely accessed permanent grant in South Africa, supporting millions of seniors who are no longer in formal employment. The grant is means-tested, meaning your income and assets must be below a certain threshold to qualify. As of 2026, the grant amounts are R2,400 per month for beneficiaries under 75 and R2,420 per month for those aged 75 and older.

To qualify for the SASSA Older Persons Grant in 2026, you must meet all the following requirements:

• Age: You must be 60 years or older.
• Citizenship or residency: You must be a South African citizen, permanent resident, or refugee.
• Income threshold: Your income must not exceed R7,190 per month if single, or R14,380 combined if married.
• Asset threshold: Your assets must not exceed R1,227,600 for a single person or R2,455,200 for a married couple. The value of your primary home is excluded.
• Not receiving another grant: You cannot receive another social grant for yourself, though you may receive the Grant-in-Aid as a top-up.
• Not in state care: You must not be living in a state-funded institution.

You need the following to apply for the Older Persons Grant:

• 13-digit bar-coded ID (green ID book or smart ID card)
• Proof of income — pension slip, bank statements (last 3 months), or an affidavit if you have no income
• Proof of marital status — marriage certificate, divorce decree, or spousal death certificate if applicable
• Proof of residence — utility bill or affidavit confirming your address
• Proof of assets — property valuations, investment statements

The Older Persons Grant amounts for 2026 are:

• Under 75 years: R2,400 per month
• 75 years and older: R2,420 per month
• Grant-in-Aid top-up: If you need full-time care, you may qualify for an additional R580 per month through the Grant-in-Aid

Payments are made on the first few working days of each month. For example, in May 2026, the Older Persons Grant was paid on May 4.

You can collect your Older Persons Grant through:

• Bank transfer — paid directly into your bank account
• SASSA Gold Card — withdraw from any Postbank ATM or SASSA pay point
• Retail collection — collect at Pick n Pay, Boxer, Shoprite, Checkers, or USave
• Home delivery — available for beneficiaries who are unable to travel due to illness or disability

You do not need to withdraw your money on the first day. Your grant is safe in your account until you need it.