Who Qualifies for SASSA Old Age Grant?- Requirements 2025

Are you old enough and unable to manage your basic needs? or does your elderly loved one need financial assistance? South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) provides an old age pension called Sassa Old Age Grant or Elderly Grant to senior citizens.

The Old Age Grant is a financial lifeline for many elderly South Africans. If you’re 60 years or older and meet certain income and asset requirements, this monthly grant can help you cover your basic needs with dignity.

How Much Is the SASSA Old Age Grant in 2025?

As of April 1, 2025, the monthly payout has been updated to:

R2,315 for individuals aged 60 to 74 years
R2,335 for individuals aged 75 years and older

Who Qualifies for the SASSA Old Age Grant?

To qualify for the old age grant, you must meet the following criteria:

Not be receiving any other social grant for yourself.
Be a South African citizen, permanent resident, or refugee.
Be 60 years or older.
Not be maintained or cared for in a state institution (such as a government-funded old age home).
Pass the means test (i.e., income and asset evaluation).

Do you know? How To Fix Declined Application by SASSA?

Sassa Elderly Grant Means Test (2025)

To qualify, your income and assets must fall below the following thresholds:

Criteria	Threshold Amount (2025)
Single applicant income	Not more than R96,840/year (R8,070/month)
Married couple income	Combined income not more than R193,680/year (R16,140/month)
Assets – Single person	Not more than R1,372,800
Assets – Married couple	Not more than R2,745,600

If you exceed these limits, your application may be declined.

Required Documents to Apply

To apply for the Old Age Grant, you’ll need to bring the following documents:

Valid South African ID (green barcoded or smart card)
Proof of marital status (e.g., marriage certificate, divorce decree, or spouse’s death certificate)
Proof of income or no income (such as pension slips, bank statements for 3 months, or sworn affidavits)
Proof of residence
Bank account details (or you may opt to receive the money via a SASSA card)
Proof of assets and investments (if applicable)

How to Apply for the SASSA Old Age Grant

You can apply for the grant by visiting your nearest Sassa office or you may apply online using following instructions.

1.Apply In-Person at a SASSA Office

Most applicants apply at their nearest SASSA local office. Follow these steps:

Visit your nearest SASSA office.
Bring all required documents.
Complete the application form (SASSA officials will help if needed).
Provide fingerprints and ID for biometric verification.
Receive a receipt as proof of application.

Application is 100% free.

2.Apply Online (Beta Phase)

SASSA has started rolling out an online application portal for social grants.

Visit: https://services.sassa.gov.za
Register an account or log in.
Select “Apply for Old Age Grant”.
Upload the required documents.
Submit the application and wait for confirmation via SMS/email.

Important: Online applications may still be limited to certain areas. It’s recomended to call SASSA first and confirm availability

Do you know? How to check SASSA status using Moya App?

How Much Time Does It Take to Complete the Verification Process?

Usually, the verification process takes 3 months but still, it depends on circumstances and a number of applications submitted. After 3 months either your grant will be approved or disapproved.

In case of approval, the grant will be awarded to you from the date of approval but in case of rejection, they must have provided you the reasons for rejection along with the result.

Can I Apply If I Am Already Receiving a Private Pension?

Yes, but your private pension will count toward the means test. If your income remains within the allowed threshold, you may still qualify for a reduced grant.

SASSA Old Age Grant Status Check

Payment Method For SASSA Elderly Grant

Following are the three methods through which Sassa pays you the grant.

Through Old age homes, Disability centers & Non-profit organizations
You can get direct payments in your bank account. If you opt for payments via bank account then it is necessary to fill and submit a Consent Form for Bank Payment of SASSA Grant, also attach all relevant documents like your ID, Bank statement of previous three months & Your Bank account details.
Your Sassa payment can be withdrawn from Pick n Pay, Shoprite, Boxer, Checkers, Usave, and Spar

Apart from this If you find it hard to collect your payment by yourself then It’s nothing to be worried about. You can appoint a representative who will collect your payments on your authority.

“Tips For Beneficiaries“

Update your home address and contact information
Do not participate in any illegal or fraudulent activities
Update Sassa regarding your financial conditions
Update Sassa about any circumstantial change
Provide accurate and clear information where necessary

FAQs

You can use their toll-free number 0800 60 10 11 it will not charge anything from you.

Any person of the age 60 years or above can apply for old age grant. Also make sure your income & asset threshold should not be crossed.

Your monthly income should not be more than R96 840 if you are un-married but if you are married then both spouses collective income should not be more than R193 680.

The person fulfilling eligibility criteria, passing Sassa means test and not availing any other grant can qualify for SASSA old-age grant.

SASSA Old Age Grant Online Application 2025 – Eligibility, Payment Dates