State Pension

Know more about State Pension Laws in South Africa. Get information about State Pension Scheme, How to Claim State Pension, State Pension Entitlement in South Africa

A state pension is also known as a state old age grant.

Who can get a State Old Age Grant?

  • If you are a woman or man 60 years or older you can get a monthly old age grant payment from the government.
  • You must be a citizen or permanent resident of South Africa.
  • You must be living in South Africa at the time of applying for the grant.
  • You cannot get a monthly old age grant payment from the government if you are in a state institution (such as a state old age home), in a state psychiatric hospital, getting care from a state treatment centre, or getting state care for a drug habit.
  • You cannot get a monthly old age grant payment from the government if you are already receiving another social grant.
  • Your financial situation needs to be below a certain level to get the grant.  A means test, which changes every year, is conducted regarding your income and your marital status.
  • Find out more about the State Old Age Grant here.
  • You can do a SASSA means test here.

What is the amount of the state pension?

The amount changes every year. The Older Persons Grant (old age pension) will increase to: R2080 on 1 April 2023, for recipients between 60 and 74 years old (an increase of R90). It will then increase to R2090 on 1 October 2023 (an increase of R10). It will increase to R2100 on 1 April 2023, for recipients between over 75 years old (an increase of R90). It will then increase to R2110 on 1 October 2023 (an increase of R10).

How do I apply for a grant?

Fill in an application form at your nearest District Welfare office or counter service point of a District Office. It is free.

The application process takes about two hours. You will be interviewed and have your fingerprints taken. You need to have:

  • Your ID document
  • Information about your marital status
  • Information about your assets and income

You will know in one month whether your application has been accepted. If it is not, you will get an explanation letter which also explains how you can appeal.

How is payment paid?

The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) will pay the grant to you through one of the following methods:

  • cash at a specific pay point on a particular day
  • electronic deposit into your bank or Postbank account (the bank may charge you for the service) 
  • institutions (e.g. old age home).

Note: If you are unable to collect the money yourself, you can appoint a procurator at the SASSA office, or give someone power of attorney to collect the grant on your behalf.

How long does payment last?

The monthly old age grant payment will end if:

  • You die
  • You are admitted to s state institution (such as a state hospital)
  • Your income and assets improve so that you no longer qualify

Contacts for more details:

South African Social Security Agency (SASSA)

Department of Social Development

Read more

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