Older Persons Grant: Amount, Eligibility, Application and Payment

Current amount

Who the grant is for

People aged 60 or older who meet the residence, income and asset rules.

Eligibility checklist

• Be 60 years or older.
• Be a South African citizen, permanent resident or qualifying refugee and live in South Africa.
• Not receive another social grant for yourself.
• Not be maintained in a state institution.
• Meet the applicable income and asset means test.

Documents to prepare

• South African identity document or accepted alternative identity evidence.
• Proof of marital status where relevant.
• Proof of income and assets, including bank statements when requested.
• Proof of residence or other supporting records if requested.

Application process

• Prepare the required identity and supporting documents.
• Complete the application through the recognised SASSA application process for this grant.
• Keep the receipt or proof of application.
• Provide any additional medical, court, income or identity evidence requested for the grant.
• Wait for the application decision; permanent-grant applications can take up to about three months in many cases.

Payment and collection

Approved beneficiaries can be paid through the payment method recorded for the grant, which can include an electronic bank/Postbank deposit or another recognised payment arrangement. The permanent-grant payment calendar is published for Older Persons, Disability and Children’s grants.

Reviews

The grant can be reviewed when circumstances or means-test information changes. Beneficiaries selected for review should respond to the review request to avoid suspension or lapsing.

When the grant can stop or lapse

• death of the beneficiary
• admission to a state institution where the rules require it
• failure to claim for a prolonged period where applicable
• loss of qualifying residence/status
• a review finding that eligibility is no longer met