The SASSA Older Persons Grant (also known as the elder grant or old age pension) increased in April 2026. If you are aged 60 to 74, you now receive R2,400 per month. If you are 75 or older, you receive R2,420 per month. May 2026 payments begin on 5 May — and SASSA is urging all beneficiaries to complete eLife certification before their payment date.
Older Persons Grant Amount for 2026
The grant increased on 1 April 2026 as part of the 2026/2027 Budget adjustments. The amounts have not changed since then and remain the same for May 2026.
| Age Group | Previous Amount | New Amount (April 2026) | Increase |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ages 60–74 | R2,315 | R2,400 | +R85 |
| Ages 75 and older | R2,335 | R2,420 | +R85 |
The increase of R85 per month is approximately 3.7%, broadly in line with inflation. If you are already an approved beneficiary, the higher amount is paid automatically — you do not need to do anything.
May 2026 Payment Date
SASSA has confirmed that the Older Persons Grant for May 2026 will be paid on Tuesday, 5 May 2026.
All SASSA grant payment dates for May 2026:
| Grant Type | Payment Date |
|---|---|
| Older Persons Grant | 5 May 2026 |
| Disability Grant | 6 May 2026 |
| Children’s Grants | 7 May 2026 |
| SRD R370 Grant | End of May 2026 |
Payments are made directly into your bank account, at Postbank ATMs, or at retail pay points (Pick n Pay, Shoprite, Checkers, USave). Your specific pay point and date are linked to your ID number and how you registered.
Important: eLife Certification Required
SASSA is actively urging Older Persons Grant beneficiaries to complete eLife certification before their payment date. This is a mandatory process under the Social Assistance Act that confirms you are still alive and eligible to receive the grant.
What happens if you don’t complete it: SASSA may suspend or cancel your grant payments. Once suspended, payments only resume after you complete certification in person.
How to complete eLife certification:
- Visit any SASSA local office
- Visit a Postbank branch
- Use the SASSA online portal at www.sassa.gov.za (you will need your ID number and a cellphone number)
Bring your green barcoded ID book or Smart ID card when visiting in person. There is no fee to complete this process.
Who Qualifies for the Older Persons Grant
To receive the SASSA Older Persons Grant, you must meet all of the following requirements:
- Be 60 years or older
- Be a South African citizen, permanent resident, or recognised refugee
- Be living in South Africa at the time of application
- Pass the means test (income and asset limits apply)
- Not be maintained or cared for in a State institution
- Not be in receipt of another social grant on your own behalf
Note: A spouse’s income and assets are also assessed as part of the means test.
Means Test Limits (2026)
The means test determines whether your income and assets fall below the thresholds that allow you to receive the grant.
| Single | Married (combined) | |
|---|---|---|
| Annual income limit | R107,880 | R215,760 |
| Monthly income limit | ~R8,990 | ~R17,980 |
| Asset limit | ~R1.5 million | ~R3 million |
Important: The grant is paid on a sliding scale. If your private income is above zero but below the limit, your grant amount is reduced accordingly. The less private income you have, the higher your grant payment. If your income is above the threshold, you do not qualify.
Documents You Need to Apply
Bring the following to your nearest SASSA office:
- South African ID — green barcoded book or Smart ID card
- Proof of residence — utility bill, letter from ward councillor, or similar
- Proof of marital status — marriage certificate, divorce decree, or death certificate of spouse (if applicable)
- Proof of income — payslips, pension statements, or confirmation of no income
- Bank statements — last three months
- Proof of assets — property valuation or title deeds (if applicable)
- Private pension details — if you receive any
- UIF discharge certificate — if you were previously employed
If you do not have an ID document, contact your nearest SASSA office to find out what alternative documents you can submit.
How to Apply
You can apply for the Older Persons Grant at any SASSA local office in South Africa. There is no online application for this grant — you must apply in person.
Tip: You may apply up to 6 months before your 60th birthday to ensure your payments start on time.
Steps:
- Go to your nearest SASSA office with all required documents
- A SASSA official will interview you and complete the application on their system
- You will receive a stamped receipt with a reference number — keep this
- SASSA has up to 90 days to process your application
- If approved, your first payment will include back-pay from the date you applied
There is no application fee. If anyone asks you to pay to apply, report it to SASSA immediately.
June 2026 Payment Date
The Older Persons Grant for June 2026 will be paid on 2 June 2026.
Contact SASSA
- Toll-free: 0800 60 10 11 (free from any landline or cell)
- Email: GrantEnquiries@sassa.gov.za
- Website: www.sassa.gov.za
- In person: Find your nearest SASSA office
For a full overview of all SASSA grants and their requirements, see our guide: SASSA grant requirements you need to know
Information sourced from SASSA and the Department of Social Development: www.sassa.gov.za and www.dsd.gov.za