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Three rules that stop most grant scams

Never share your PIN, OTP or password with anyone, including people who say they are from SASSA or your bank.
You never pay money to get, unlock or increase a grant.
If unsure, hang up and phone SASSA yourself on 0800 60 10 11 (free call).

Helping a parent or neighbour? Every page works when you answer on their behalf. You can print any page to take to a SASSA office.

SASSA information

Answers to the questions older people ask most about the Older Person’s Grant. Each answer shows how sure we are and where it comes from.

Verified checked against an official government source. Reported from news reports of official announcements. General guidance confirm with SASSA before acting.

How much is the grant?

Age 60 to 74

R2 400

a month, from April 2026

Age 75 and older

R2 420

a month, from April 2026 (R2 400 plus R20)

These are the highest amounts. SASSA may pay less if you have other income or assets, or if you live in a state-funded institution. The increase is automatic: you do not need to reapply.

Verified 24 October 2026Sources: SAnews (government news agency); Government Notice R7287 of 13 March 2026 under the Social Assistance Act. No further increase for this grant is listed for October 2026.

When is the next payment?

Money is usually available from the payment date. You do not have to withdraw it on that day; it stays in your account. Avoid queues on the first day if you can.

ReportedDates from news reports of SASSA’s 2026/27 schedule. SASSA can change dates, so confirm on sassa.gov.za or by phone.

Can I get the Older Person’s Grant?

Who qualifies

You are 60 years old or older.
You are a South African citizen, permanent resident or refugee, and you live in South Africa.
You do not get another social grant for yourself.
You are not cared for in a state institution.
Your income and assets are below SASSA’s limits (the “means test”). If you are married, your spouse’s income and assets are counted too.

The means-test limits change. Ask SASSA for the current figures rather than relying on numbers shared on social media.

General guidanceSummary of SASSA’s published criteria. Confirm with SASSA on 0800 60 10 11.

I am under 60. Can I get the R370 grant instead?

The R370 Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant is for people aged 18 to 59 with no income. It is not for pensioners. Once you turn 60, apply for the Older Person’s Grant.

General guidanceSRD applications and status checks: srd.sassa.gov.za

How do I apply?

Ways to apply

In person: go to your nearest SASSA office. The application is free. If you are too frail to travel, a family member or friend can go with a letter from you and a doctor’s note.
Online: SASSA’s official online application site is services.sassa.gov.za.

SASSA does not use agents who charge a fee. Anyone who asks for money to help you apply is not working for SASSA.

Verified 24 October 2026Online address listed in SASSA’s 2024/25 Annual Report (Parliament). Office process: General guidance

Documents to take with you

Your green barcoded ID book or smart ID card.
If married, divorced or widowed: marriage certificate, divorce order or spouse’s death certificate.
Proof of income, for example a pension slip or salary advice.
Recent bank statements (usually three months).
Proof of assets you own, for example a municipal valuation of your house.
If you don’t have an ID, SASSA may still help: ask about the affidavit process and go to Home Affairs as well.

General guidancePhone SASSA before your visit to confirm what your office needs.

Problems and changes

My application was refused. Can I appeal?

Ask SASSA for the reason for refusal in writing.
You can first ask SASSA to reconsider. If it still says no, you can appeal to the Minister of Social Development.
Appeals can be sent to grantappeals@dsd.gov.za.
Appeal soon. The deadline is reported as 90 days from the date you were told.

Verified 24 October 2026Appeals email published by the Western Cape Government. Reported90-day deadline; confirm with SASSA.

I must tell SASSA about a change

Tell SASSA soon if you move, change your cellphone number, start earning more money, get married, go into a care home, or leave the country for a long time. If SASSA overpays you, it can ask you to pay the money back.

If a grant holder dies, the family should tell SASSA so payments stop.

General guidanceReport changes at a SASSA office or on 0800 60 10 11.

SASSA says I must come for a review

SASSA reviews grants to check that people still qualify. A real review notice will not ask you to pay anything or to share your PIN. If a message about a review seems strange, check it first.

Check a review message for scam signs

General guidance

Who to contact

SASSA toll-free number (free from any South African phone)

0800 60 10 11

Weekdays, about 08:00 to 16:00. Use this number to report fraud or any official who asks you for money.

Verified 24 October 2026SASSA statements on gov.za; SASSA 2024/25 Annual Report. We do not list a SASSA WhatsApp number yet because official sources show two different numbers.

Help with grants, benefits and scams

What do you need help with?

Three rules that stop most grant scams

SASSA information

How much is the grant?

When is the next payment?

Can I get the Older Person’s Grant?

How do I apply?

Problems and changes

Who to contact

Benefits finder

Help that may apply to you

Check a suspicious message

What to do if you already shared details

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