Monthly Grant Amount: R2,400

Old Age Pension Grant

The Old Age Pension Grant provides financial assistance to South African citizens aged 60 years and older.

How to Apply Check Status

Last reviewed:

Grant Amount

R2,400

Per month

Age Requirement

60+

Years old

Application

In Person

At SASSA office

What is the Old Age Pension Grant?

The Old Age Pension Grant, officially known as the Older Persons Grant and often called the State Pension, is a monthly income paid by SASSA to South African citizens, permanent residents, and refugees who are 60 years and older. It is one of the country's largest and most established social grants, supporting several million older South Africans every month.

The grant provides financial security to elderly people who may not have a private pension, provident fund or other steady income. The current amount is R2,400 per month for recipients aged 60 to 74, with an additional top-up for those aged 75 and older. Because it is a permanent grant, once you are approved you continue to receive it for life, as long as you remain eligible and keep your details up to date with SASSA.

Unlike the SRD grant, the Old Age Pension is not re-checked every month against your bank account. However, SASSA does conduct periodic reviews and life-certificate confirmations, especially for beneficiaries whose payments are collected by a third party, to prevent fraud and ensure the grant reaches the right person.

Who Qualifies for the Old Age Pension?

You Qualify If:

  • South African citizen, permanent resident, or refugee
  • 60 years or older
  • Living in South Africa
  • Pass the means test

You Don't Qualify If:

  • Receiving another social grant (except War Veteran's Grant)
  • Living in a state institution
  • Income above the means test threshold
Income Requirements (Means Test)

To qualify for the Old Age Pension, your income and assets must be below the following thresholds:

Single Person

Income: R99,840/year

Assets: R1,372,800

Married Couple

Income: R199,680/year combined

Assets: R2,745,600 combined

Note: The home you live in is not counted as an asset for the means test.

Required Documents

  • South African ID

    Original green barcoded ID book or smart card

  • Proof of Residence

    Utility bill, affidavit, or letter from traditional leader

  • Proof of Income/Assets

    Bank statements, pension payslips, or sworn affidavit

  • Marriage Certificate (if applicable)

    For married applicants

Apply at Your Nearest SASSA Office

Old Age Pension applications must be made in person at a SASSA office.

Find SASSA Office
Payment Information

Old Age Pension payments are made at the beginning of each month, before other grants.

Payment Methods

  • Bank account (EFT)
  • SASSA gold card
  • Post Office
View Payment Dates
Contact SASSA

Toll-Free:

0800 60 10 11

Email:

GrantsEnquiries@sassa.gov.za

Frequently Asked Questions

How much is the Old Age Pension in South Africa?
The Old Age Pension (Older Persons Grant) is R2,400 per month for people aged 60 and older. Recipients aged 75 and older receive a slightly higher amount because of an additional top-up. The exact figure is reviewed by government each year in the national budget.
At what age can I apply for the Old Age Pension?
You can apply for the Old Age Pension from the age of 60. You do not have to wait until 65. As long as you are a South African citizen, permanent resident or refugee living in the country and you pass the means test, you can apply once you turn 60.
What is the means test for the Old Age Pension?
A single applicant must earn less than R99,840 per year and have assets worth less than R1,372,800. A married couple must earn less than R199,680 combined per year and have combined assets below R2,745,600. The home you live in does not count as an asset.
How long does it take to get the Old Age Pension approved?
Once you submit a complete application at a SASSA office, a decision is usually made within a few weeks (up to about three months in busy periods). If approved, your grant is backdated to the date you applied, and you will receive a reference number to track progress.
Can I receive the Old Age Pension and another grant at the same time?
You cannot receive the Old Age Pension together with another grant for yourself, with the exception of the War Veteran’s Grant. However, you can still receive the Child Support Grant on behalf of a child in your care.

Conclusion

The Old Age Pension is a dependable, lifelong source of income for South Africans aged 60 and older, currently paying R2,400 per month. The two things that most often affect an application are the means test and having the correct original documents, so it is worth confirming that your income and assets fall below the thresholds before you apply in person at a SASSA office.

Once approved, your pension is paid at the start of each month, ahead of other grants. Keep your contact and banking details current, respond to any SASSA review requests promptly, and remember that applying for the grant is completely free — never pay anyone who offers to speed up or guarantee your pension.

Official Sources & References

The information on this page is based on and verified against the following official South African government sources:

This is an independent informational website and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or operated by SASSA or the South African government. Grant amounts, dates and eligibility rules can change — always confirm the latest details on the official SASSA website before acting.