South Africa Older Person’s Grant (Old Age Pension) 2025: Eligibility, Updated Amounts, How to Apply, Reviews, and FAQs

The Older Person’s Grant is a monthly cash benefit administered by the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) for residents aged 60 years or older who meet the means test and other qualifying conditions. It helps cover essential living costs and provides income security in retirement, particularly for seniors without adequate private income. The grant used to be known as the “old age pension.

South Africa Older Person’s Grant (Old Age Pension) 2025 Quick Summary (Vertical Table)

How Much Will You Get in 2025?

Government confirmed a R10 top-up in October 2025 across most social grants. For Older Persons:

• Age 60–74: R2,320 per month (up from R2,310)
• Age 75+: R2,340 per month (up from R2,330)
  This adjustment forms part of the 2025/26 fiscal updates to partially offset rising living costs. Always check the month’s official notice before planning.

Note: Some service pages may still show the R2,310 / R2,330 figures. The October update above reflects the latest official increase.

Who Qualifies? (Eligibility Criteria)

You may qualify if you:

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• Are a South African citizen, permanent resident, or recognised refugee living in South Africa.
• Are 60 years or older.
• Do not receive another social grant for yourself.
• Are not cared for in a state institution.
• Meet the means test (income and assets limits below).

Means Test (effective 1 April 2025)

• Annual income limit: R107,880 (single) / R215,760 (married)
• Asset limit: R1,524,600 (single) / R3,049,200 (married)
  These updated thresholds were published by government in July 2025 and supersede earlier figures on older webpages.

How Will You Be Paid?

SASSA pays the grant via:

1. Electronic deposit into your bank or Postbank account (bank fees may apply),
2. Cash pay points on designated days, or
3. Institutions (e.g., old-age homes) where applicable.

If you cannot collect personally, you may appoint a procurator at a SASSA office or give power of attorney to someone you trust.

How to Apply (Step-by-Step)

1. Go to your nearest SASSA office to apply in person (or send a family member/friend with a letter and/or doctor’s note if you are too ill or frail to travel).
2. Bring required documents:
   • 13-digit SA ID (or follow the SASSA affidavit process if you lack an ID; SASSA will take fingerprints and refer you to Home Affairs during processing).
   • Proof of marital status, proof of residence, proof of income and/or dividends, proof of assets (including property value), and bank statements (last 3 months).
   • If previously employed, UIF “blue book” or discharge certificate.
   • If your spouse died within the last 5 years, bring the will and liquidation & distribution accounts (where applicable).
3. Complete the application in the presence of a SASSA officer (only the applicant or a SASSA official may complete the form). You will be interviewed and told if you meet the criteria.
4. Keep the receipt issued this is your proof of application.

Processing time and back pay: It can take up to three months to process. If approved, payment is backdated to the application date. There is no fee for the service.

Reviews, Suspensions, and Lapsing: What to Expect

• Reviews: SASSA may review your grant based on your declared income/means. You will get three months’ notice of a review or when your life certificate (proof that you are still alive) is due. Beneficiaries paid through a bank, institution or procurator must complete a life certificate annually at SASSA offices.
• Suspension: Your grant may be suspended if your circumstances change, after a review outcome, if you do not cooperate with a review, in cases of fraud/misrepresentation, or if approval was made in error.
• Lapsing: The grant lapses if you pass away, are admitted to a state institution, do not claim for three consecutive months, or are absent from the country. If you are admitted to an institution contracted with the state to care for you, your grant is reduced to 25% of the maximum from the fourth month after admission and reinstated in full upon discharge.

Keep Your Details Up to Date

To avoid delays or suspensions, promptly update banking details, contact numbers, and residential address with SASSA via official channels only. For general rules and the grant overview, consult both the SASSA Older Person’s Grant page and the gov.za service page.

FAQs

1) What is the grant amount for October–December 2025?

R2,320 per month (age 60–74) and R2,340 (age 75+) following the October 2025 R10 increase.

2) What are the 2025 means-test thresholds?

Income: R107,880 (single) / R215,760 (married). Assets: R1,524,600 (single) / R3,049,200 (married), effective 1 April 2025.

3) How long does approval take and when does payment start?

Processing can take up to three months. If approved, you’re paid from your application date (backdated).

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4) Can someone collect my grant for me?

Yes. You can appoint a procurator at SASSA or provide power of attorney for collection on your behalf.

5) Why was my grant suspended?

Common reasons include changed circumstances, review outcomes, non-cooperation, fraud/misrepresentation, or approval error. SASSA will notify you.

6) What happens if I’m admitted to a state-contracted care institution?

The grant is temporarily reduced to 25% from the fourth month of admission and reinstated in full when you’re discharged.

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7) Where do I find official updates and contact details?

Use the SASSA grant page for general info and gov.za for service rules and notices, including updated means-test thresholds.

For More Information Click HERE

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SASSA Older Persons Grant – October 2025 Payouts: Exact Amounts, National Payment Dates (Not Province-Specific), Eligibility, and How to Prepare