Social grants operate as the primary financial assistance program which enables millions of South Africans to satisfy their basic human needs and vital living costs. The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) delivers critical assistance through its Old Age Grant program. The government raised the Old Age Grant payment to R2,315 which serves as the main amount that recipients must know to determine their program eligibility for 2026.
What Is the Old Age Grant Increase?
The Old Age Grant provides elderly South Africans with monthly payments according to established eligibility requirements. The South African government announced an increase to the Old Age Grant during the 2025 Budget Speech for the 2025/26 financial year. The Old Age Grant will increase by R130 to reach R2,315 per month for people aged 60 to 74. The payment amount for beneficiaries who reach 75 years of age exceeds their previous payment amount. The adjustment affected all related grants which included the War Veterans Grant and Care Dependency Grant that both increased to approximately R2,315 per month based on individual circumstances.
Who Qualifies for the Old Age Grant?
To receive the Old Age Grant, applicants must meet several eligibility requirements set by SASSA: Age Requirement The Old Age Grant requires you to be at least 60 years old. The requirement states that you must be a South African citizen or permanent resident or refugee who resides in South Africa. The SASSA means test evaluates your financial requirements through an assessment of your income and asset holdings. Your income must not exceed the established income limit and you need to have minimal asset possessions. Your income must remain under the defined annual threshold for single individuals. Your combined income and assets must remain under the specified limit for married individuals and civil partnership partners. Your asset value must remain below the SASSA limits that have been established. The requirement states that you should not receive any other SASSA social grant which is designated for your own use. The Old Age Grant provides you with a monthly payment of R2 315 which you qualify to receive.The Grant provides its beneficiaries with financial assistance through its assistance program. The grant increase designated for older South Africans serves to support their ability to manage essential expenses which include food and electricity and transport and healthcare costs. The Old Age Grant serves as the primary income source for many elderly citizens who depend on it for their financial needs. The amount of R2,315 serves as a fundamental safety net which does not cover all essential living expenses. Three methods exist for older beneficiaries to receive their grant which includes direct bank deposit and SASSA card payments and cash disbursement at authorized collection locations. The monthly grant payment follows SASSA’s payment schedule which distributes payment times throughout the initial week of every month.
Tips for Applicants
The processing time requires you to submit your application before you reach 60 years old or before the upcoming payment month. The applicant needs to maintain current identification documents together with their banking information and contact methods which SASSA requires to function properly. The applicant needs to reply quickly to SASSA requests for income and asset details because any delays will result in processing holdups.
also read : SASSA February 2026 Payment Dates Confirmed – Full Grant Calendar Inside