Grant Guide

SASSA War Veterans Grant 2026: Complete Guide

Full guide to the War Veterans Grant — R2,420/month for South Africans who served in WWII or the Korean War. Eligibility, amounts, and how to apply.

Written by Lucky Cungwa

Fact-checked & last verified: 2026-08-20

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What Is the War Veterans Grant?Eligibility Requirements Documents Required How to Apply Grant Amount & Payment Dates 2026 Frequently Asked Questions Sources

What Is the War Veterans Grant?

The War Veterans Grant is a social grant paid by SASSA to South African citizens who served in the military during the Second World War (1939–1945) or the Korean War (1950–1953). In 2026, this grant pays R2,420 per month — the highest rate of any SASSA grant. As of 2026, very few beneficiaries remain due to age. The grant is paid at the same rate regardless of the veteran's age.

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for the War Veterans Grant, you must meet all of the following criteria:

• You must have served in the South African military during World War II or the Korean War
• You must be a South African citizen or permanent resident
• You must pass the means test: income below R9,350/month (single) or R18,700 (married couple)
• Assets must not exceed R1,584,000 (single) or R3,168,000 (married couple)
• You must not be receiving any other SASSA grant

Due to the advanced age of surviving veterans, SASSA fast-tracks applications for this grant. Proof of military service is the most critical requirement.

Documents Required

You will need: (1) Your 13-digit South African ID or Smart ID card. (2) Proof of military service — this could be a military discharge certificate, service record, or confirmation from the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) archives. (3) Proof of income and assets (payslips, bank statements, property valuations). (4) Proof of residence. If you do not have your original military documents, the SANDF archives can help locate your service record.

How to Apply

Gather Your Military Documents

Find your military service records or discharge certificate. If lost, contact the SANDF archives at 012 355 5000 to request a copy of your service record. This can take a few weeks, so start early.

Complete the Application at a SASSA Office

Apply in person at a SASSA office. Tell the officer you are applying for the War Veterans Grant. Bring your ID, proof of residence, proof of income and assets, and your military service records. A SASSA official will help you complete the application form.

Submit Your Documents and Get a Receipt

Hand in your completed application and all supporting documents. SASSA will give you a stamped receipt with a reference number. Keep it safe — it is your proof of application and lets you track progress.

Wait for Processing

SASSA aims to process applications within 60 days. Due to the small number of applicants, War Veterans Grant applications are typically processed quickly. SASSA will inform you of the outcome by SMS or letter.

Track Your Application

Check the status of your application at the same SASSA office using your reference number, or call the SASSA helpline on 0800 60 10 11. You can also register on the SASSA Services Portal at services.sassa.gov.za to track your application online.

Grant Amount & Payment Dates 2026

The War Veterans Grant is R2,420 per month (2026 rate). This is the highest SASSA grant amount. Payments follow the Old Age Grant schedule — the first working day of each month. Payment methods include bank deposit, Postbank Black Card, or cash collection.

Frequently Asked Questions

I lost my military service records — can I still apply?

Yes. Contact the SANDF archives at 012 355 5000 to request a copy of your service record. This may take a few weeks, but do not delay your application.

Can I receive the War Veterans Grant and Old Age Grant together?

No. You can only receive one SASSA grant at a time. The War Veterans Grant pays R2,420 compared to the Old Age Grant's R2,420 — choose the higher amount.

Is the War Veterans Grant taxable?

No. SASSA grants are not subject to income tax in South Africa.

Sources

SASSA Official WebsiteVisit

SANDF ArchivesVisit

Editorial note: SASSA Help Hub is an independent, unofficial information resource and is not affiliated with the South African Social Security Agency. This page was last reviewed on 2026-08-20 by Lucky Cungwa. See our Editorial Policy, Fact-Checking Policy, and Sources Policy. Found an error? Report it.